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Breathing Fresh: NASA’s Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants for Cleaner Indoor Spaces

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In 1989, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnered with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to conduct a Clean Air Study. Led by Dr. B. C. Wolverton, the study provided a comprehensive list of plants that are highly effective at purifying indoor air. The research demonstrated that plants have the ability to filter pollutants such as benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which helps mitigate the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Certain tropical houseplants were found to be particularly efficient in removing formaldehyde, trichloroethane, benzene, and other harmful substances from the air, replacing them with oxygen. According to the report, it is recommended to have at least one plant for every hundred square feet of indoor space, be it at home or in the office.

Designer: Ugly Duckling ID

Common Indoor Pollutants

Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are harmful substances found in various products and environments.

• Trichloroethylene, present in inks and pa2ints, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and coma.
• Benzene, used in plastics and tobacco smoke, may result in drowsiness and unconsciousness.
• Formaldehyde, commonly found in paper products and fabrics, can cause irritation and swelling in the respiratory system.
• Ammonia, found in cleaning products, can cause eye irritation and sore throat.
• Xylene, present in rubber and vehicle exhaust, can lead to liver and kidney damage.
• NO2 and SO2, emitted by vehicles and factories, can harm the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• SPM, small particles in the air, can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and contribute to long-term health issues like asthma and cardiovascular problems.

Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Image courtesy of: Spaces

The Areca palm, native to Madagascar, is a popular foliage houseplant known for its ability to purify the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and it adds beauty and charm to any indoor space.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

Image courtesy of: Rawpixel

Sansevieria, commonly known as Mother-in-law’s tongue or Snake plant, is an incredibly resilient indoor plant that thrives even in low light conditions. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a low-maintenance plant as it requires infrequent watering. Moreover, Sansevieria has been recognized as one of the most effective air-purifying plants, capable of eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the surrounding air. It can adapt to various temperature ranges, from 5 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for different climates.

3. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

Image courtesy of: eddows_arunothai

The money plant, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a popular houseplant found in French Polynesia. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various indoor environments. It has the ability to effectively purify the air by removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics are as follows: it prefers indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and can withstand temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

4. English ivy (Hedera helix)

Image courtesy of: kolomietsolena

English Ivy, a flowering plant from the Araliaceous family, is a highly popular vine plant in Europe. It is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. Notably, English Ivy has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics include indoor location preference, tolerance to shade and artificial light, less frequent watering requirements, and a temperature range of 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Image courtesy of: Elisall

The peace lily, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a well-known indoor plant. It has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, toluene, and other pollutants from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 16 to 32 degrees Celsius.

6. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

Image courtesy of: natanavo

Gerbera, a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its vibrant and lustrous flowers. It is a popular choice due to its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and thrive in bright light. Notably, Gerbera is effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. As a houseplant, it flourishes indoors, tolerating both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

7. Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema Modestum)

Image courtesy of: Jsttanrak

Aglaonema, a member of the Araceae family, is a popular indoor plant originating from tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. With over 100 popular varieties, it is both visually appealing and low-maintenance. Notably, Aglaonema is known for its ability to cleanse the air by removing benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Image courtesy of: araleboy

Chlorophytum comosum, a member of the Asparagaceae plant family, originates from southern Africa. This popular houseplant, known as the spider plant, is not only elegant and fast-growing but also easy to care for. A report by the university’s Cooperative Extension Service highlighted the spider plant as one of the top varieties for effectively removing VOCs. It has been found to cleanse the air by eliminating formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, the spider plant thrives indoors, tolerating shade and artificial light, requiring less frequent watering, and favoring temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

9. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis mill)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera, a succulent plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, is a remarkable plant known for its numerous benefits and medicinal uses since ancient times. It can withstand adverse weather conditions and thrives in bright light, making it suitable for deserts. Aloe vera is also effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations, tolerates both shade and bright light, requires less frequent watering, and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

10. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

Image courtesy of: andriymedvediuk

The Rubber Plant, classified under the genus Ficus in the Moraceae plant family, is native to South Asia. This houseplant has been discovered to effectively eliminate formaldehyde from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Image courtesy of: MargJohnsonVA

The Boston fern, belonging to the Nephrolepidaceae family and the Nephrolepis genus, is native to humid forests and swamps. It is known for its ability to effectively eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, airborne germs, molds, and bacteria from indoor air. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius.

12. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizi)

Image courtesy of: Natabuena

The Bamboo palm, part of the Chamaedorea genus in the Aceraceae plant family, is one of the 107 species within its genus. This plant thrives in shady and humid conditions, often found growing under trees in rainforests. It is known for its ability to effectively remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations and can tolerate shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and thrives in temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius.

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Portable smart farm concept lets you plant veggies anywhere inside your home

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Indoor gardening became quite a fad in recent years as people tried to cope with being stuck indoors for days at a time. But while the majority of this trend revolved around succulents and decorative plants that are easy to grow, it also presented an opportunity to start a trend of growing consumable greens indoors as well. Indoor planters try to offer this kind of convenience, but most of them tend to be large appliances no smaller than cabinets or shelves. Smaller households that want to grow a small number of verbs and vegetables might feel left out, but this concept tries to offer those same conveniences and smart features in a more portable design that you can literally put anywhere in your house, apartment, or room.

Designers: Deokhee Jeong, Yubin Choi, Youngnam Lee, Sewoom Hahn

Smart planters may sound simple but the amount of calculations they have to make can be quite complicated. They have to make sure that the plants are not just getting the right amount of LED light each day, they also have to distribute the right amount of water that the plants need, not less and definitely not more either. It’s no surprise, then, that many indoor planter appliances can be quite big, taking into account not only the water container and soil pots but also the electronics and mechanisms needed to make it work.

The POT version of the BalconyFarm planter condenses all those those into a farm that can fit on a small table or even a wide window sill. The box-like device has eight circular containers that can hold the potted plants, but in reality only six of these can be used at the same time, at least if gardening indoors. One spot is where you’ll set up the lamp, while the other circle is reserved for the water container. These two can be placed in any of the eight holes, making the proper arrangement of herbs and vegetables even easier.

Despite the petite size, the BalconyFarm POT has the same smart features as its bigger sibling. That means it knows exactly how to to distribute the water to plants, no matter which spot you place the water container on. Admittedly, there are a few disadvantages, though, like the uneven distribution of light from a single lamp and the lack of ventilation around the plants. On the flip side, you place this planter anywhere, so you can use the growing plants as a decorative centerpiece for your table or desk as well.

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20 Indoor Water Features for Home Decor

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Indoor water fountains and water features are becoming a popular design element within the indoors. The soothing sound of water brings an element of tranquility and serenity into the interiors. Some of the indoor design elements include water fountains, waterfalls, or a simple water feature. Note that fountains are decorative water features that use pumps to propel water into the air while waterfalls are man-made formations where water cascades over an edge into another body of water or the ground. Take a look at the different types of waterfalls that can be integrated into the décor of traditional and modern spaces.

1. Wall-Mounted Indoor Waterfall

Designer: WaterfallNow

A huge water fountain serves as the focal point in the atrium, creating a serene ambiance within the indoor space and forming a dominating visual feature in the indoors. The best part of this waterfall is that it can be viewed from various levels of the building, allowing people to enjoy it while ascending or descending the stairs.

2. A Tabletop Water Fountain

Designer: crapelles

Don’t be afraid to have some fun with your water fountain! These fountains are best suited for compact homes and can be placed on the tabletop or on the console. Observe how the presence of live fish infuses vitality into the fountain, with water gently cascading from the leaves. The downward flow of water generates a calming and tranquil sound. This water fountain is not restricted to the living room, but can also be placed in the bedroom, entrance foyer, or home office.

3. Indoor Waterfall in Glass or Acrylic

Designer: Water Fountains Canada

Take a look at this waterfall, its transparent surface allows one to enjoy the view of the flowing water from either side of the waterfall. Another plus is that this waterfall acts as a visual divider that segregates the space into two sections and also allows light to filter through the transparent surface and it is best suited for the common areas of the home.

4. Indoor Koi Pond

The koi pond forms a visual delight as one climbs up and down the stairs. Additionally, koi fish are a popular symbol in feng shui and are believed to bring good luck and prosperity within the home.

5. Staircase with Fountain

Designer: Mascord Design Associates

This staircase integrates a water fountain with a water trough below the staircase. The stone wall cladding forms the perfect backdrop for the staircase as well as the water fountain and infuses a biophilic vibe within the interiors.

6. Zen Water Fountain

This zen water fountain comprises a stone bowl with pebbles and water falling from a bamboo spout via an interior pump that keeps the water flowing. This minimalist water fountain creates healing sounds and is ideal for relaxation and meditation.

7. Water Curtain

Designer: Safe-Rain

Nothing beats the beauty of water flowing continuously from floor to ceiling. Note that the water effect of droplets of water falling from different levels lowing droplets falling from different heights is achieved by mylar clear laces. Additionally, it allows partial visibility on both sides of the water fountain.

8. Gas Fire and Water Bowl

Designer: Woodland Direct

The water-filled fire pits are excellent for the balcony, courtyards or the indoor-outdoor areas of the home. These compact fire units combine the contrasting flames of fire with the calm sounds and visuals of water.

9. Rain Curtain

Designer: Midwest Tropical

Recreate the visual beauty and sound of rain with the rain curtain wall. It is a line of falling water that can be used within the atrium or a stairwell. Special effects can be created by using colored lights to shine on the water and highlight each droplet of water.

10. Miniature Water Garden

This miniature water garden comprises of small plants, a fountain, some nature-inspired aesthetics, and a tree to bring a forest vibe into the décor. The nature-inspired aesthetics transform this fountain into an art piece that adds a biophilic vibe to the decor.

11. Indoor Hot Tub

Designer: Russell Pools

Enjoy a spa like experience from the luxury of your home with an indoor tub integrated with a gas fire and water bowl. Surrounded by an abundance of plants and greenery, the space exudes a meditative ambiance with a soothing vibe. This takes your sensory experience to a whole new level.

12. Beautify with Floating Water Lilies

Designer: Ankit Bhargava

Add an elegant touch to the interiors with the presence of floating water lilies within a bowl as it is a great way of adding understated elegance to the interiors along with a tranquil vibe. The best part of this bowl is that floating flowers gently move in the water.

13. Create an Indoor Water Sculpture

Designer: BIM Arch Studio

Enhance the interior decor with a floor-to-ceiling water sculpture featuring an array of water spouts flowing one into the other, ultimately cascading onto the goddess in an Indian theme. Just see how a wall of spouts adds so much drama to this double-height space. The abundant use of wood combines with green plants to add warmth to the décor and enhance your sensory experience.

14. Bubble Water Walls

Bring in a playful movement of rising water bubbles within a transparent wall. A water bubble wall is a clear panel that display a beautiful water environment and it is made with acrylic and a LED lighted bubble water stream. This water fountain in hues of blue and pink can function as a transparent room divider.

15. Hydrophonic Aquarium

Designer: François Hurtaud

The Eva planter establishes a self-sustaining ecosystem, with fish and plants sharing a symbiotic relationship with each other. Fish produce ammonia, which, when broken down by plant roots, serves as nutrition for the fish. In addition, Eva includes light fixtures that simulate natural sunlight, making it ideal for indoor environments that may not be conducive to plant growth.

16. Aquarium and Terrarium

Designer: James Beardmore

Duo operates on an ingenious principle of symbiosis, wherein two organisms or species mutually support each other. It’s an aquarium cum planter that not only ensures the well-being of the fish but also utilizes the waste produced by the fish to nourish the plants. Subsequently, the oxygen released by the plants oxygenates the water in which the fish reside. This elegant cycle ensures the health of both the fish and the plants. It’s a truly remarkable design for a harmonious coexistence habitat within the home!

17. Multifunctional Water Sculpture

Designer: Midwest Tropical

Seeking inspiration from the grandfather’s clock, this tall and multifunctional water sculpture doubly functions as an aquarium as well as shows the time.

18. Aquatic Terrarium

Designer: Nature Design

How about beautifying the interiors with an aquatic terrarium? An aqua-terrarium, also known as a paludarium, is essentially a fusion of a rainforest terrarium and an aquarium. This terrarium combines with a vertical garden to form an interesting design feature within eh common areas of the home.

19. Water Feature Under Glass

Designer: Mirvac Group

Beneath the glass floor, there is a water feature with a glass panel above it, housing fish within. This arrangement forms a distinctive and innovative setup within this expansive space.

20. Wall Aquarium

The wall aquarium serves as both wall art and a captivating display that captures one’s attention as they ascend. It also helps in illuminating the staircase.

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