Growing plants at home is a great way to decorate and make your space more cozy, as well as being a distraction (almost a therapy) for your free time.
In addition to common application in gardens, balconies and balconies, plants can also inhabit the most interior spaces and bring advantages such as beautify and even filter the air you breathe.
There is a study started by NASA about this possibility of plants improving the air in their environment, both with regard to carbon dioxide (filtering generated by photosynthesis, natural process of plants) and the ability to filter other compounds.
Get to know the species that can bring this advantage to your home, check out the singularities and tips of the Institute of Botany biologists registered in the Regional Council of Biology 1st region (SP, MT and MS), Dr. Regina Maria de Morais and Dr. Rosângela Simon Bianchini, to take care of each plant listed, plus more details about the study.
15 plants to filter the air you breathe
From NASA's study of plants that can take pollutants out of the air, we came up with a list of species with such properties, however, according to experts this research was experimental and although the plants actually perform this filtering process. , do so in small quantities.
Read also: 7 types of plants for those who have little free time
"It is important to keep in mind that the amount of plants we usually have indoors is small and therefore insufficient to significantly alter the concentration of oxygen, carbon dioxide and air pollutants," they clarify. But also, remember: It is not advisable to grow dozens of plants indoors to achieve a higher level of purification.
The point is: having plants at home is a delight, after all they leave the environment cooler and more cozy. If there are species that in addition to welfare offer even minimal air filtration, why not cultivate them? Learn which plants are listed by the NASA study and which ones are best for 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 Aloe Vera. It can be grown in a pot on the porch or inside the house, but can be up to a meter high. To keep it small it is necessary to prune the leaves carefully, as they are thick and when broken or cut they eliminate a viscous (mucilaginous) and very bitter juice.
"It is used in folk medicine and, because of the chemical components, it is best to keep away from children and animals," warn biologists.
2. Gerberas
The gerberas are very ornamental and bring delicacy and joy to the environment with their colorful flowers. However, Regina and Rosângela say that this is a difficult plant to grow indoors, because it needs a lot of sun and well-fertilized soil, being better for those who have a garden.
Read also: How to make a mini garden of cactus and succulents
3. St. George's Sword
They are easy to grow indoors and a great option for both those who live in apartments and for those who have little time, as they adapt to environments with different lighting conditions and temperature, and do not need many waterings. Nevertheless, the Sword of St. George develops rapidly and therefore the leaves must be removed with some frequency.
4. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant, also known as Chlorophyte, are great for indoor cultivation as they are hardy and best adapted in shady environments. They give white and discreet flowers, however the elegant and hanging foliage already guarantees all the charm of the plant.
5. Water stick
The plant known as Pau d? Gua 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 vases and bright areas, but also withstands well shaded places such as the interior of rooms.
The dragonflies have numerous species variations, are widely used in landscaping and interior decoration, and have the ability to remove pollutants from the air. In general, the species stand out for their ornamental leaves, which vary in shape and color according to type.
6. Dracena from Madagascar
Another Dracena species worth mentioning is Dracena marginata, or Madagascar. It has thinner and more pointed leaves than the previous Dracena and is a great choice for filling corners due to its vertical descent. You only need to pay attention to the place where it will be placed, because it needs a lot of sun and does not tolerate cold or strong winds.
Read also: Home garden: what to plant, how to grow and care for vegetables
7. Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum is a potted herb that has simple and delicate flowers. Despite Chrysanthemum's purifying property and beauty, it is the result of hybridization and requires light and heat control. In this sense, it is difficult to keep the species at home.
8. Azalea
It is a colorful and ornamental flowering plant that fits in both high sunlight and shady places and can therefore make any environment more beautiful and flowery.
According to the biologists consulted, Azaleia can reach 2m in height, but when grown in pots, remains small, less than 30 cm. In addition, they advised to keep away from children and animals due to the toxic content of the plant.
9. Figueira Benjamin
Fig benjamin is present in the list of "purifying" plants, but professionals Regina and Rosângela do not advise to grow it indoors.?It is not advisable to keep indoors, because it needs a lot of sun and its roots grow a lot and are strong, with the time ends up breaking the vase. It is best suited for parks or large gardens. ?, they explain.
10. Boa constrictor
The boa is a climbing plant that has species from different regions, including Brazil. They can be grown indoors, in pots, gardens or around trees. They adapt well to shaded locations and, depending on the species purchased, may require constant pruning to avoid any damage to the wall paint or to take up too much space beyond the pot boundary.
Read also: Hanging garden is ideal for giving charm and life to small environments
11. Ivy
Another species of creeper that can inhabit interiors and perform a small air filtration. Its small, characteristic green leaves beautify and complete environments. Indoors can be placed in hanging pots, and in gardens can adhere to the wall or even the floor.
12. Imbé
It belongs to the same family of Boa (Araceae) and therefore it is also a vine. It has wide and green leaves and for this reason, can be better accommodated and make a more balanced decoration in large environments. "To grow indoors requires a large pot with a support for the plant support (may be coconut fiber), as well as a fertilized soil.", Advise the experts.
13. Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm is a great choice for gardens, balconies and lounges. It can be grown in large pots and gets along with shady places. Its size can be controlled by pruning and as it gets older it produces several trunks, which you also need to prune.
14. Lounge Cafe
According to biologists Rosângela and Regina, this is a great plant to grow indoors, as it grows well in shady environments and is super ornamental, both for its leaves and its red and orange fruits. Nonetheless, Lounge Café has two caveats: it needs well-fertilized soil, so care must be taken and it can be toxic, so keep it 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 easily develops in large or small pots. It does not like cold areas and, like the Lounge Café, is a toxic plant and not advisable for those with pets or children at home.
Now that you know the species with the ability to filter the air you breathe and a little about the particularities of each one, just choose the one that suits you the most to make your home more cozy and your life greener and even purer. let it be a little bit!
A NASA study explains how to purify air with house plants (May 2024)
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