It has become essential to maintain a healthy indoor environment in the fast-paced world of today. Incorporating plants into our living areas is one method to do this. There are many different plants that can be used, but succulents are gaining popularity due to their low maintenance and aesthetic appeal. Succulents do not just look great and make your house look better—they also have some unexpected benefits like improving the air quality in your house. They not only give your surrounds a hint of greenery, but they also do a fantastic job of filtering and purifying the air you breathe. We will explore few succulents today that are well known for their air-purifying qualities, which makes them excellent choices for enhancing your surrounding’s atmosphere.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis):
Aloe Vera is a versatile succulent famous for its many medicinal properties as well as its ability to improve air quality by efficiently removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant found in cleaning products, carpets, and paint. Moreover, Aloe Vera is also great for bedrooms since it releases oxygen at night, which helps to create cleaner, fresher air. This succulent is a fairly low-maintenance plant that only needs bright indirect sunlight and minimal watering.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata):
Also referred to as “Mother-in-law’s Tongue,” the Snake Plant is another popular succulent with long, sturdy leaves with striking patterns, is effective at removing harmful toxins such as benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. This succulent is particularly beneficial in spaces where smoking or electronic devices emit pollutants. Furthermore, these plants are well-known for their ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night, which improves the quality of the air indoor.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata):
The Jade Plant, known for its resilience and elegance, actively purifies the air by absorbing carbon dioxide during the day and releasing oxygen. Ideal for living rooms and kitchens, it helps reduce indoor air pollution caused by chemical cleaners and cooking odors. Place the Jade Plant near a window with bright, indirect light and water sparingly for optimal health.
The Jade Plant, known for its resilience and elegance, actively purifies the air by absorbing carbon dioxide during the day and releasing oxygen. It is perfect for kitchens and living areas since it reduce indoor air pollution caused by chemical cleansers and cooking smells. To keep this plant healthy, put it next to a window that gets bright, indirect light, and water sparingly.
Zebra Plant (Haworthia fasciata):
The Zebra Plant is yet another beautiful succulent not only gorgeous and aesthetically charming, but it also features unique white stripes that look amazing against its dark green leaves. Toxins from the air, including formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, are effectively filtered by zebra plants. This low-maintenance plant is ideal for bedrooms, offices, or any other space where you spend a lot of time since it thrives in moderate lighting. Furthermore, this Zebra Plant requires minimal watering and well-draining soil, making it an effortless addition to your indoor garden.
Red-edged Dracaena
The Red-edged Dracaena, scientifically known as Dracaena marginata and commonly referred to as the Madagascar Dragon Tree, is native to Madagascar. True to its name, this evergreen succulent features striking pale green leaves with distinctive red margins. Its multiple thick, twisted, woody stems can sometimes resemble those of a palm tree.
The Red-edged Dracaena thrives in partial shade and is not particularly fussy about soil conditions, though it dislikes frost and prefers to keep its leaves dry. Among the over 40 varieties of Dracaena, the Red-edged Dracaena is especially effective at purifying the air. It significantly reduces levels of formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, benzene, xylene, and toluene. NASA’s research highlights its impressive capability, noting that it can eliminate up to 27,292 micrograms of trichloroethylene per day.
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’
Dracaena ‘Janet Craig,’ also known as Dracaena fragrans, originates from tropical Africa, ranging from South Sudan and Mozambique to Côte d’Ivoire and southwest Angola. Often referred to as Cornstalk Dracaena, this slow-growing shrub can achieve heights of up to 15 meters (49 feet) under ideal conditions.
With its slender branches and glossy green leaves that grow upright and gradually droop with age, Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ is a distinguished houseplant. It produces clusters of highly fragrant flowers that start pink and mature to white with a subtle red or purple central line. Additionally, it bears orange-red berries containing multiple seeds.
In terms of air purification, it efficiently removes formaldehyde at a rate of 1,328 micrograms per hour and xylene at 154 micrograms per hour. Noted for its effectiveness in reducing trichloroethylene and managing indoor humidity, this plant is an excellent choice for enhancing the air quality in newly furnished or carpeted rooms.
In conclusion, succulents offer more than visual appeal and low maintenance—they actively purify air, creating a healthier and more pleasant living environment. Aloe Vera promotes better air quality in bedrooms, the Snake Plant excels in spaces prone to pollutants from smoking or electronics, the Jade Plant combats air pollution in living areas, the Zebra Plant enhances air quality in various light conditions, Red-edged Dracaena effectively eliminate trichloroethylene and Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ is excel in enhancing the air quality in newly furnished or carpeted rooms. By incorporating these succulents into your home, you not only beautify your space but also ensure cleaner, fresher air for you and your loved ones. Remember to provide each succulent with adequate light, water, and soil conditions to support their air-purifying capabilities effectively.
Succulents provide a natural and cost-effective solution to the rising concern of indoor air pollution, bringing the benefits of nature indoors while actively improving the air we breathe. Whether placed in bedrooms, living rooms, kitchens, or offices, these succulents significantly contribute to a healthier and more serene living environment. Embrace the beauty and air-purifying benefits of succulents to create an oasis of clean, fresh air within the comfort of your home.