Interior plants are important for many reasons. Not only do they brighten up a place, but they also help clean the air. The average person (who works indoors) spends 90 percent of their time indoors. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency attributes many of today’s health problems, such as headaches, fatigue, dizziness, and allergy/asthma symptoms to poor indoor air quality.
Interior plants are important for any indoor environment, whether it be a home or office. Upholstery, cleaning products, and building materials all emit indoor air pollutants into the air we breathe. Interior plants help to absorb pollutants like formaldehyde, benzene, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and thus improving indoor air quality. Interior plants clean the air by taking in carbon dioxide and particulates and releasing oxygen. It is also believed that the microbes in potting soil also play a role by breaking down toxins in the air.
Some Interior plants that may help with air quality are:
Spider Plant – Spider plants effectively filter formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is used in pressed wood products, like office furniture and floor coverings.
Golden Pothos – Like spider plants, golden pothos, also filter formaldehyde.
Palm – NASA research rated the areca palm the most efficient air-purifying plant.
Gerbera Daisy – The Gerbera Daisy filters benzene, a pollutant in inks, paints, and plastics.
Peace Lily – Peace lilies can help filter trichloroethylene, an indoor air pollutant associate with printing inks, paint, lacquers, and adhesives; trishloroethylene is commonly used in cleaning products.
The leaves on interior plants such as philodendrons, golden pothos, and ferns prefer low light or filtered light, making them good choices for areas of the home without a lot of natural light. NASA research showed that you need to use one potted plant per 100 square feet to effectively clean the air. Plants also make a space more inviting, relaxing, and add color to a room.
If you are interested in adding interior plants in your Louisville, KY commercial space of home, contact Anything Groes today.
