There are many plants that can be used indoors to help rid the air of pollution and irritants. There have been studies done by NASA on the ability of plants to rid the air of toxins and chemicals. Choosing the correct plants can help rid pollution from your home.
Bamboo Palm
The Chamaedorea seifrizii, or bamboo palm, is an evergreen indoor container palm that grows to 7 feet high with long bamboo-like stems and dark green leaflets. It prefers well-drained moist soils with low indoor light. Propagate by offshoots and suckers. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 10 through 12. Bamboo palm, according to the Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010 manual, removes formaldehyde from the air.
Gerber Daisy
The Gerbera jamesonii, or Gerber daisy, is an easy to grow perennial indoor container plant. It grows up to 18 inches, depending on the cultivar with ray flowers in a multitude of colors, also depending on cultivar. Gerber daisies should be planted in well-drained sandy or loamy soil with full sun; however it will tolerate some partial shade. Propagate by clump division or by seed. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 9 through 11. According to the Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010 manual, Gerber daisies rid the air of benzene and trichloroethylene.
Chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum hybrids are evergreen, perennial, easy to grow, and fast growing. They do well in containers, growing up to 5 feet high depending on the selected cultivar. Colors, sizes and the type of flower will depend on which mum was chosen, however they all prefer acidic soils with good watering. Plant in sun or partial shade and propagate by division or tip cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 5 through 9. Mums remove benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air, according to the Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010 manual.
English Ivy
The Hedera helix, or English ivy, is an evergreen vine that works well indoors. It grows in various lengths in various colors and forms. Flowers are very tiny and rarely seen. It prefers to be planted in rich moist soils with good drainage and air circulation. Grow English ivy with partial sun or shade and propagate by grafting, layering or cuttings. It is hardy in USDA hardiness zones of 5 through 9. According to the Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010, ivy removes benzene.
Sources:
CSU/Denver County Extension Master Gardener 2010: Plants Clean Air
Tina Samuels - Tina Samuels specializes in health, animal, and gardening articles. She authored "A Georgia Native Plant Guide".
