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Green in your home not only serves to beautify rooms and reduce stress, but it is also useful in combating domestic pollution, since some indoor plants have among their properties that of absorbing pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene
Surrounding yourself with plants in your home brings a number of benefits, there is no doubt about it. Most may think it’s just a matter of aesthetics (they beautify interior spaces) and psychological well-being (they eliminate stress and help us relax). It’s not like that. We often forget that green can also help purify the air and limit domestic pollution .
We know that contaminants can come from glues, paints and sealants used for household finishes, printers in use, cigarette smoke, detergents, etc. Even frying foods, like a Milanese schnitzel , pollutes indoor environments. Here are some plants capable of absorbing small quantities of volatile organic compounds (we are mainly talking about aldehydes and aliphatic, aromatic and chlorinated hydrocarbons). We have selected five for you, let’s see them together.
ficus
You probably already recognized him from the photo. In fact, it’s not that uncommon to find a Ficus elastica plant in the living room of an apartment. One of its great virtues (which it also shares with Ficus benjamina and other species of the same family) is its ability to absorb discreet quantities of formaldehyde : up to 12 micrograms per hour. It prefers humid environments that are not too cold. In addition, it is a plant that is suitable for people who are a little more lazy: it does not require special attention and is very resistant.
Aloe
As you know, Aloe vera is a succulent plant that has a number of beneficial properties . It doesn’t need too much maintenance, a bright environment and a little water from time to time are enough. Aloe vera also helps purify the air in the home by eliminating pollutants, including benzene and formaldehyde.
Dracaena
Dracaena fragrans (or log of happiness ) is one of the best allies for purifying the apartment of trichloroethylene , also known by the commercial name of trichloroethylene, but it is also effective in eliminating formaldehyde, toluene and xylene. An evergreen plant, it prefers bright environments, although it is not recommended to leave it exposed to direct sun, and it needs uniformly moist but not soggy soil, which is why it should be watered once or twice per week.
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