Growing plants at home is a great way to decorate and make your space more comfortable, in addition to being a distraction (almost a therapy) for your free time. In addition to the common application, in gardens, balconies and terraces, plants can also inhabit most indoor spaces and provide benefits such as beautifying and even filtering the air you breathe. There is a study on this possibility for plants to improve the air in their environment, both in terms of carbon dioxide (filtering generated by photosynthesis, the natural process of plants) and the ability to filter other compounds.
The study on plants
A study of plants that can remove air pollutants has resulted in a list of species with such properties. However, according to the experts, this research was experimental in nature and although the plants do carry out this filtering process, they do so in small quantities. It is important to keep in mind that the amount of plants usually found indoors is small and therefore insufficient to significantly alter the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide and pollutants in the air. But also, it is important to remember that it is not advisable to grow dozens of plants inside the house to achieve a higher level of purification. The question is : having plants in the house is a pleasure, after all, they make the environment fresher and more pleasant. If there are species that, in addition to well-being, offer even minimal air filtration, why not grow them? Find out which plants are listed in a study and which ones are the best to have in your home.
1. Aloe Vera
The first plant on the list is Aloe Vera, a succulent plant that needs a lot of sun and little water, also called Babosa. It can be cultivated in a pot on the veranda or inside the house, but it can grow up to one meter high. To keep it small, the leaves must be trimmed carefully, because they are thick and when they are broken or cut, they remove a viscous (mucilaginous) and very bitter juice. "It is used in folk medicine and, because of its chemical components, it is best to keep it away from children and animals," biologists warn.
2. Gerberas
Gerberas are very ornamental and bring delicacy and joy to the environment with their colorful flowers. However, Regina and Rosângela say that it is a difficult plant to grow indoors, because it needs a lot of sun and a well fertilized soil, which is better for those who have a garden.
3. Sword of St. George
They are easy to grow indoors and are an excellent option for both those living in apartments and those with limited time, as they adapt to environments with different lighting and temperature conditions and do not require a lot of watering. In spite of this, the Espada de São Jorge grows quickly and therefore it is necessary to remove the leaves with a certain frequency.
4. Spider plant
The spider plant, also known as chlorophyll, is ideal for indoor cultivation because it is resistant and better adapted to shady environments. They give discreet white flowers, but the elegant hanging foliage already guarantees all the charm of the plant.
5. Pau d'água
The plant called Pau d'água is of the genus Dracena and corresponds to the species deremensis or fragrans, characterized by its long green leaves. It can be kept in large pots and lit areas, but it resists as well to shady places, like the inside of rooms. Dracenas have many species variations, are widely used in landscaping and interior design, and have the ability to remove air pollutants. In general, the species are distinguished by their ornamental leaves, which vary in shape and color depending on the type.
6. Dracena of Madagascar
Another species of Dracena that deserves to be highlighted is the Dracena marginata, or Madagascar. It has finer and sharper leaves than the previous Dracena and is an excellent place to fill corners due to its vertical ascendancy. Just be careful where it will be placed, as it needs a lot of sunshine and does not tolerate cold or strong winds.
7. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a potted herb with simple and delicate flowers. Despite the purifying property and beauty of the Chrysanthemum, it is the result of hybridization and needs control of light and heat. In this sense, it is difficult to keep the species at home.
8. Azalea
It is a plant with colorful and ornamental flowers that adapts to environments with high solar incidence as well as to shady places and can therefore leave any environment more beautiful and flowery. According to the biologists consulted, the azalea can reach 2 m in height, but when grown in a pot, it remains small, less than 30 cm. In addition, they advised not to let children and animals come into contact with the plant because of its toxicity.
9. Figueira Benjamin
The Figueira benjamin is present in the list of the "purifying" plants, but the professionals do not advise to cultivate it inside: It is not advisable to keep it inside, because it needs a lot of sun and its roots grow a lot and are strong, with time it ends up breaking the pot. It is more suitable for parks or large gardens.
10. Cuttlefish factory
The jiboia is a climbing plant that has species from different regions. They can be grown indoors, in pots, in the garden or around trees. They adapt well to shady areas and, depending on the species acquired, may require constant pruning to avoid damage to walls or occupy a lot of space beyond the pot limit.
11. Hera
Another type of vine that can live indoors and perform a small air filtration. Its green leaves, small and of characteristic shape, embellish and complement environments. Indoors it can be placed in hanging pots, and in gardens it can be glued to the wall or even to the ground.
12. Imbé
It belongs to the same family as the boa constrictor (Araceae) and is therefore also a climbing plant. It has broad green leaves and for this reason it can be better adapted and compose a more balanced decoration in large environments. "To grow inside the house, you need a large pot with a support for the plant (it can be made of coconut fiber), in addition to a fertilized soil", advise the specialists.
13. Palm-bamboo
Palm bamboo is an excellent option for gardens, balconies and rooms. It can be grown in large pots and gets along well with shady areas. Its size can be controlled by pruning and as it ages it produces several trunks, which also need to be pruned.
14. Living room coffee
According to biologists, it is an excellent houseplant because it grows well in shady environments and is super decorative, both for its leaves and its red and orange fruits. In spite of this, Cafe de salão has two pores: it needs a well fertilized soil and therefore it needs to be taken care of and it can be toxic, so keep it in places out of reach of children and animals.
15. Peace Lily
Finally, another very ornamental plant to have at home is the peace lily, after all it grows easily in large or small pots. It doesn't like cold regions and, just like the Coffee Lily, it is a toxic plant and not recommended for those who have pets or children at home. Now that you know which species have the ability to filter the air you breathe and you know a little bit about the particularities of each one, simply choose the one that suits you best to make your home more comfortable and your life greener and purified, even a little.
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