Indoor plants/ proven air purifiers/harness the health benefits of nature
"It's no news that even 30 minutes of exposure to nature every day can be a balm for the body and mind. Breathing in pure air, feeling the earth under your bare feet, and treating your eyes to a sea of green is the therapy we all need in these trying times. However, not all of us are fortunate to have a garden or enjoy access to a park or open space.
"An easy way to harness the health benefits of nature is by investing in indoor plants. A NASA study in the 1980s identified some 20 plants that are proven air purifiers. They recommend that a 1,800 square foot home must have between 15 to 18 such plants to effectively clean indoor air.
"These plants do more than beautify your home; they clean the air by absorbing air-borne pollutants and chemicals such as formaldehyde, ammonia, and benzene, emitted by common household products such as chemical cleaners, paints, and air fresheners.
"Here are 5 plants that you can grow indoors. You can keep these plants across different rooms in your home.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
A humidity-loving flowering plant that likes to be watered adequately. It needs indirect to low sunlight so don't keep it in direct sunlight. It is great at removing formaldehyde.
2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
A good choice for newbies. These grassy indoor plants thrive in indirect sunlight and survive in just about any condition. They are also easy to propagate.
3. Money Plant (Golden pothos)
Also known as devil's ivy, this is a hardy, easy to grow indoor houseplant that adds instant colour and vibrancy to any room with its lovely tendrils. It grows well in water, pots and hanging baskets, and can handle low-light conditions. It gets rid of benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene, making it a must-have.
4. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
One of the hardiest and easiest to care for plants, this one likes to be left alone. So go easy on the watering and fertilising. It does well in almost all light conditions and does not need much care or maintenance. It eliminates a number of chemicals including trichloroethylene, benzene, xylene. It is also easy to propagate.
5. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
With its bushy appearance and delicate leaves, the Boston Fern is a beautiful plant that instantly livens up your home. It effectively removes formaldehyde at a very high rate. These ferns need indirect sunlight, humid conditions, and regular watering. It can grow big, if cared for well.
