These sources include various emissions from computers, cigarette smoke, varnish, wallpaper, air freshener scents, and more. To prevent and combat these harmful sources, the simplest and most effective method is to place indoor plants in your office. Below are 10 recommended indoor plants according to Bill Wolverton’s analysis in the book *“Plants: Why You Can’t Live Without Them”*:
1. **Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)**
The Peace Lily is one of the few indoor plants that can reduce the harmful effects of radiation and electromagnetic fields. According to American scientists, placing a Peace Lily in the home helps balance the electromagnetic fields from devices such as TVs, radios, computers, phones, microwaves, and refrigerators.
The Peace Lily can filter toxins like formaldehyde, acetone, benzene VOCs (found in paint, varnish, and floor wax), and is also effective against acetone, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene emitted by electronic devices, adhesives, and cleaning products. For households with individuals undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment for cancer, placing this plant in the room can be beneficial. It also helps with symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, and other chronic illnesses. Beyond filtering toxins, the Peace Lily is also a beautiful decorative plant and is often considered a symbol of tranquility.
2. **Ivy (Hedera Helix)**
Ivy is an easy-to-grow indoor plant with trailing vines, ideal for pots or hanging baskets. Its dense foliage effectively absorbs formaldehyde, which is a common indoor pollutant found in materials like plywood, carpets, insulation, and plastic wood.
Formaldehyde exposure can cause irritation, eye watering, headaches, throat discomfort, breathing difficulties, and even cancer. Ivy is highly effective at improving air quality in such environments.
3. **Boston Fern (Nephrolepis Exaltata)**
The Boston Fern is an efficient air purifier and requires high humidity. It is particularly good at removing formaldehyde and some studies show it can also eliminate harmful metals like mercury and arsenic.
In one study, the Boston Fern removed 1863 micrograms of formaldehyde and 208 micrograms of xylene per hour. For rooms with new wood, carpets, or fresh paint, it’s beneficial to place at least two Boston Ferns.
4. **Lady Palm (Rhapis Excelsa)**
This plant is easy to grow and visually appealing, with a height of 1-2 meters. It thrives in bright or semi-shaded light and is suitable for indoor decoration. It effectively filters ammonia, a harmful component found in cleaning products, textiles, and dyes.
5. **Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)**
The Snake Plant thrives in low light conditions. At night, it absorbs carbon dioxide (CO2) and releases oxygen, which is beneficial for improving air quality in bedrooms. Additionally, it helps reduce formaldehyde and benzene in the air.
6. **Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)**
Pothos is a trailing plant that is easy to grow in low light and is effective at removing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and benzene from indoor air.
7. **Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)**
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light and produces clusters of white, pink, and red flowers. It needs moderate watering and high humidity. It effectively filters benzene and chemicals released from toluene, which is found in various products like paints, plastics, and rubber. Long-term exposure to toluene can lead to health issues.
8. **Red-Edged Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)**
This plant has minimal branching and is suited for bright or semi-shaded environments. It can filter xylene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde from the air, commonly found in varnishes, paints, and adhesives.
9. **English Ivy (Hedera Helix)**
This plant is known for its long, trailing stems and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets. It is effective at filtering formaldehyde and benzene in indoor environments.
10. **Aloe Vera**
Aloe Vera is a compact plant with thick, fleshy leaves that contain a lot of water. It is commonly used for skincare but also effectively filters carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, making it suitable for bedrooms or workspaces with low natural light.
