Indoor plants can help purify the air by absorbing pollutants present in the environment, such as formaldehyde and benzene, thanks to their natural filtration ability.
Plants capture the carbon dioxide present in the air through their leaves. With sunlight, they use this gas to create their own energy through a process called photosynthesis. During this operation, they release fresh oxygen into the air, which is beneficial for our breathing. As a result, they naturally reduce the CO₂ levels, contributing to healthier indoor air. The more you have at home, the better it is for your lungs!
House plants naturally absorb airborne pollutants present in your home. They particularly capture formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, substances that are not great for your health. How does it work? Simple: these plants take in chemical substances through their leaves and roots, then metabolize them to eliminate or store them. As a result, by getting rid of these pollutants, they significantly improve the quality of the air you breathe at home.
Indoor plants naturally release water vapor into the air through a process called transpiration, which slightly increases the ambient humidity. This helps combat dry air, often responsible for minor discomforts such as irritated eyes, dry skin, or sore throats. When indoor air is too dry, a few well-chosen plants can help rebalance this and quickly improve your comfort. Additionally, slightly more humid air allows particles and pollutants suspended in the air to settle more easily instead of lingering endlessly between your nostrils and lungs. The result: less irritating and healthier indoor air.
The roots of plants are surrounded by friendly micro-organisms: mainly bacteria and fungi. These microbes live in harmony with the roots, forming what is called the rhizosphere. There, they break down the crust by degrading harmful substances, like toxins present in the air that we breathe at home every day. They quietly decompose them into simpler, less harmful elements that plants can easily absorb or that become harmless in the soil. In short, these micro-organisms do the cleaning in secret, significantly contributing to purifying the air in our homes without us having to lift a finger.
Some plants are particularly effective at purifying the air in your home. Among the top performers, there's the pothos, easy to care for and great at eliminating formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. The spider plant, with its fine, drooping leaves, does an excellent job managing benzene and xylene present in indoor air. Another must-have is the spathiphyllum (or peace lily), which also helps limit mold thanks to its regulating effect on humidity. The aloe vera, on the other hand, effectively removes chemical compounds from household products. Finally, the tough one, the ficus benjamina, is an excellent option for capturing pollutants and overall improving the air quality.
The microorganisms naturally present in potting soil play an essential role: by breaking down complex pollutants found in the air, they further contribute to improving indoor air quality.
Indoor plants not only remove chemical pollutants; they also help reduce airborne dust particles by increasing the surrounding humidity, thereby contributing to a healthier environment.
According to studies conducted by several universities, having plants in an enclosed space could also reduce stress, increase concentration, and improve the overall well-being of the occupants.
Some plants like the Sansevieria (mother-in-law's tongue) release oxygen primarily at night, making them ideal for purifying the air in your bedroom while you sleep.
Yes, some plants such as Dieffenbachia, Philodendron, or Cycas contain potentially toxic substances when ingested. It is important, in the presence of children or pets, to choose non-toxic plants or to place them in a way that avoids any contact.
Yes, unlike the majority of plants that primarily release oxygen during the day, some species such as snake plant (Sansevieria) and aloe vera continue to release oxygen at night as well, making them ideal choices for a bedroom.
No, although indoor plants help purify the air, they cannot fully replace proper ventilation or devices such as mechanical ventilation systems. They are a beneficial supplement in the overall improvement of indoor air quality.
No, artificial plants have no positive effect on air quality, as their purifying action comes from the living processes of photosynthesis, gas exchange, and pollutant absorption that are inherent to natural plants.
It is recommended to have at least one plant for every 10 to 15 square meters in order to see a real impact on air quality. However, to maximize the purifying effect, the more diverse and dense your collection is, the better the indoor air quality will be.
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