The Science Behind House Plants: How They Improve Indoor Air Quality

Tuesday, November 28, 2023 5:12 PM
The Science Behind House Plants

The lush green foliage of indoor plants brings not only a touch of nature into our living spaces but also a myriad of health benefits for those who welcome them into their homes. As our lives become increasingly intertwined with technology and urban environments, the need for a connection to nature has never been more vital.

Indoor plants provide an accessible and practical solution to this modern dilemma, contributing to improved air quality, reduced stress levels, enhanced mental well-being, and increased productivity. Raising plants within our homes offers a refreshing breath of fresh air, literally and metaphorically, for our overall health and well-being.

 

How Do Plants Clean Indoor Air?

Plants purify the air through photosynthesis, which operates in reverse of the human respiratory process. While humans inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide, plants engage in the opposite exchange. They absorb light, carbon dioxide, and water to produce sugar through a chemical process, with the beneficial byproduct of generating oxygen.

 

Why Does Indoor Air Need Cleaning?

The cleanliness of indoor air can vary significantly. Indoor air quality is influenced by factors like ventilation, pollutants, humidity levels, and air filtration system effectiveness. In some cases, indoor air can be quite clean and healthy, especially in well-ventilated and properly maintained environments. However, in other situations, indoor air can contain pollutants, allergens, and other contaminants that can affect air quality negatively.

No matter how sophisticated an air filtration system in a home or office may be, it lacks the capability to generate oxygen. Oxygen is a fundamental component of clean and healthy air. Indoor plants could be the solution to increasing our access to this essential element.

 

What are the Health Benefits of Indoor Plants?

While your indoor plants clean the air in your home, they also provide several other excellent health benefits:

  • Indoor plants have been proven to reduce both physiological and psychological stress levels.
  • Studies show live plants in a classroom aid concentration and attention in students.
  • There is some evidence that plants can help you recover from illness faster.
  • Plants can boost productivity and improve your outlook.

 

What are Some of the Best Plants for Indoor Air?

If you are thinking of adding indoor plants to your home or office space, here are a few that are most effective at freshening the air naturally: 

  • Areca, lady, dwarf date, and bamboo palms
  • Boston fern
  • Rubber tree
  • Spider plant
  • Ficus tree

 

Plants A Plenty has years of experience to help you enjoy your indoor greenery. Our staff of experts can help you choose plants and plan to care for your home and garden. Plants A Plenty is always stocked with options to suit your needs, from flowering trees to evergreens.

 

Visit us at 622 E. Cambridge Avenue in North Enid or call us at 580.237.1394 today!

 

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Source:

https://www.nachi.org/plants-indoor-air-quality.htm

https://planterra.com/how-can-plants-improve-air-quality/