There are various indoor plants India, some are known to bring you luck, some wealth and prosperity but something that these indoor plants bring to you for sure is a cozy space added with numerous health benefits.
Did you know that your home consists of more harmful pollutants than what’s present outside?
These harmful gases are called volatile organic compounds or VOCs. Things like a freshener, craft supplies, paint and even household cleaners could be emitting harmful VOCs all around you.
In 1989 NASA released a list of indoor plant that efficiently cleans the air inside our house. In that list, they mentioned that to keep the indoor air clean their needs to be at least one indoor plant for every hundred square feet.
This means that if you have an average-sized house of 800 to 1000 square feet then you would need at least 8 to 10 plants in your house of medium size to keep the indoor air clean.
Some Health Benefits of Indoor Plants
- Indoor plants help to absorb toxins and purify the air. Plants give oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide. Plants also absorb toxins that could be in our homes and our offices like formaldehyde. Indoor plants help to absorb them thus keeping us healthy.
- They help to filter microbes. Various researches have shown that plants filled rooms have 50 to 60 per cent less airborne microbes. Bacteria’s are less functional in rooms with plants.
- They increase humidity and moisture in the air. 10 per cent of the moisture and humidity in the atmosphere are attributed to plants and so the same applies to indoor plants as well.
If you have lots of houseplants it decreases problems like dry skin, dry cough, cold and flues. Yes, just by having plants because they add more moisture to your atmosphere.
- Indoor plants have healing properties so they act like medicines.
- Indoor plants improve your work environment. They give you the required freshness inside the four walls and thus helps in improving your concentration.
Best Indoor Plants India
These indoor plants can remove any pollutants from the air very efficiently.
1. Z Z plant ( Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
The best part about this plant is that it requires very less care. You can keep this plant in your house’s gallery or on your desk.
This plant can remove chemicals such as toluene and xylene. Toluene and xylene are the end products of petroleum and their primary source is vehicle emission.
- How to take care of z z plant ?
This plant requires is very nominal watering.. Just water it once in ten to fifteen days and also keep it away from direct sunlight.
2. Rubber Plant ( Ficus Elastica)
There are two kinds of rubber plants commonly found: A typical burgundy colored rubber plant and the second one is a variegated kind.
You can choose either one.
rubber plantThe speciality of this plant is its ability to remove pollutant like formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a chemical that is mostly found in crude oil, paint, detergent and it is also present in our furniture.
It can cause short term problems like irritation as well as long term issues with immunity and blood pressure.
- How to take care of the rubber plant ?
This plant has only one requirement that the soil should remain moist all the time. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep it saturated with water all the time. Just maintain the moisture of the soil such as the soil should be sticky on your finger.
This will help the plant grow faster and as it grows you might have to give it support. Keep it away from the sun. There should be no direct sunlight coming on to it otherwise its leaves would start burning. It prefers medium to well-lit spaces.
3. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata)
This indoor plant has broad leaves and it makes your living room brighten up.
- Benefits of fiddle leaf fig
This is not only effective in removing chemicals but also effectively reduces humidity as well. Permanent humidity can cause fungal problems in your living space; you can place this plant in such rooms which are damp or away from direct sunlight. Fungus or mould can also cause breathing issues, so this plant can be of great help.
- How to take care of fiddle leaf fig ?
Keep it in a bright place.
Direct sunlight will also work for this plant. You just need to make sure that you do not have to keep this plant in a dark spot. It likes warm spaces so if you are putting it near a window that would be better for this plant.
4. Areca Palm (Dypsis Lutescens)
Areca palm is available in different sizes and it doesn’t need a lot of light. You can find large four feet areca plants to even tiny ones in the market.
Areca is great in removing two toxic pollutants, benzene and formaldehyde. Benzene and formaldehyde both can cause short-term irritation as well as long term immunity-related problems.
- How to take care of Areca palm ?
Keep areca away from direct sunlight.
If the tips of your areca plant are turning brown, it means there is a water-related problem. Areca plant prefers its soil moist. Water it once in 3 days.
If the stems and leaves are getting yellow, then ensure that it is away from direct sunlight. Direct sunlight can cause the yellowing of areca plants.
5. Monstera (Monstera Obliqua)
There are a lot of variations of monstera.
- Benefits of Monstera plant
This plant also removes formaldehyde very efficiently.
- How to take care of monstera plant ?
Always keep the soil for this plant a bit moist. In summers you can water it once every 3 days. Keep it in well-lit places away from direct sunlight. If it comes in contact with direct sunlight its leaves start burning.
You can also grow this one like a money plant from cutting.
Apart from these plants, there are a lot of other green air purifying plants as well such as snake plant, spider plant, money plant et cetera.
Many researches have suggested that adding plants to your spaces help reduce indoor pollutants. Researches have also theorized that plants can make you feel relaxed. Add these plants to your workspace, living room or your favourite corner of the house and enjoy its benefits while giving a refreshing natural touch to your spaces.
Also read- Plants For Your House
