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Top Ten Fresh Air Plants for Purifying and freshening the Air

Our Top 10 Plants For Cleaner, Fresher Air:

Virtually all indoor plants have benefits but here are 10 healthy interior plants rated for their envirionmental benefits (source: interpreted from NASA studies and NIGZ lists). These plants have been selected according to ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to pests, efficiency at removing chemical vapours, and transpiration rates.

Kentia Palm (Howea fosterania)

The Kentia palm is one of the most popular and graceful palms. It is tolerant of the indoor environment, releases copious amounts of moisture into the air, removes chemical toxins, and is also beautiful to look at. The Kentia is consistently rated among the best houseplants for removing all indoor air toxins tested. This plant can be kept best in semi-shade

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera delicosa)

Fast growing houseplant with good all round air cleaning properties and particularly effective in humidifying air conditioned interiors.They are easy to grow and with proper care, leaves of up to 45cm (18") across can be achieved!

Site: Bright indirect light to bright shade.

Zamioculcas zamifolia

Only recently has this plant been seen in the UK (Its name is heard even less!). Zamioculcas is beginning to find itself brought into offices by interior landscapers, probably due to its affinity with modern design. Each of the branches coming from the compost is actually a leaf and the ' leaves' are leaflets coming of them. An easy and very impressive plant for a semi shady room.

Philodendron

These handsome plants are very tolerant of shady conditions and can make a stunning architectural statement in a darkish situation. In a NASA study they were shown to be particularly effective in removing formaldehyde molecules as well as other toxins

Miniature Date Palm (Phoenix roebelinii)

This palm usually reaches a maximum height of 5 to 6 ½ ft. However, it is a very slow grower. It is best seen when given adequate space and is impressive standing alone, especially when given spot lighting. When its environmental needs are met, the date palm can survive for decades. It is one of the best palms for removing indoor air pollutants and is especially effective for the removal of xylene. This plant can be kept best in semi-sun.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

An outstanding foliage plant that also produces beautiful white spathes, the peace lily should always be included when seeking a variety of indoor plants. This plant has a high transpiration rate and enjoys the large water reservoir that hydroculture offers. It possesses all the qualities to make it one of the best indoor plants to give you fresh air. The Peace Lily excels in the removal of alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. Its ability to remove air pollutants and its excellent performance in all categories make it a most valuable houseplant. This plant can be kept best in mid-light to shade.

Dracaena fragrans"Janet Craig"

The dark-green leaves of dracaena "Janet Craig" make it a most attractive plant. It is one of the best plants for removing trichloreoethylene. These plants can tolerate neglect and dimly lit environments. This plant can be kept best in semi-shade and will tolerate dimly lit areas, but growth will be slow.


Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis exaltata)

Ferns are probably one of the oldest groups of plants. Many have been found as fossils dating back to prehistoric times. The Boston Fern's stiff fronds arch out, drooping downward as they age. It is grown strictly for its foliage for it does not produce flowers. It is best displayed in a hanging basked or sitting upon a pedestal. As an indoor plant, the Boston Fern requires a certain amount of attention. It must have frequent misting and watering or the leaves will quickly turn brown and begin to drop. Of the plants tested, it is the best for removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the indoor environment. This plant can be kept best in semi-sun to shade.

Ficus Alii

This is a new ornamental fig that is rapidly gaining in popularity. Its slender dark green leaves make it an extremely attractive plant. It is much less finicky than the Ficus Benjamina, and is appealing both to the interior plantscape industry and to the home market. Like all species of ficus, expect some leaf drop until the plant adjusts to its new location. A magnificent large plant, its ability to help purify the air, ease of growth and resistance to insects make it an excellent choice for the home or office. This plant can be kept best in full sun and semi-sun.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Bred for toughness, it will survive in less light than most plant of its size. It will tolerate dim light and cool temperatures. This plant is easy to grow and is especially effective at removing formaldehyde. It receives high marks in all categories and is an excellent overall houseplant. Of the ficus plants tested to date, the rubber plant is the best for removing chemical toxins from the indoor environment. This plant can be kept best in semi-sun to semi-shade.

         
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