For years, I've heard that certain houseplants help keep indoor air clean by removing pollutants. Bill Wolverton, former NASA scientist, confirms this fact in his book How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office. In his book, Wolverton rates plants on four criteria: effectiveness in removing the three main indoor pollutants (formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide); ease of growing; resistance to insect and disease; and ability to transpire (release) moisture. Based on those criteria, the top three houseplants were Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa), Rubber plant (Ficus robusta), and English ivy (Hedera helix).

 

Wolverton estimates that you need two or three full-sized plants (in 10- to 12-inch containers) per 100- to 150-square-foot room for best results. If you don't have enough room for full-sized plants, place plants in "breathing zones" in your room, such as near the bed or office desk, for optimal results.

 

About Charlie Nardozzi, National Gardening Association (NGA)

The National Gardening Association (NGA), founded in 1973, is a nonprofit leader in plant-based education. NGA actively works to promote “best practice” principles that result in healthy lawns, gardens and gardeners. They provide tools and resources needed to support gardening as an enjoyable, satisfying and environmentally responsible activity. Visit www.garden.org.