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Pothos is an easy-to-grow plant that cleans indoor air.
You don’t need exotic technology or expensive gadgets to remove pollutants from the indoor air you breathe. A selection of hardy, easy-care houseplants can help clean the air while offering an attractive decorating feature for your interior environment. NASA has been studying methods of cleansing the atmosphere in future space stations to keep them fit for human habitation for extended periods of time. Researchers have found that many common houseplants can "scrub" significant amounts of harmful gases out of the air through photosynthesis, and pollutants also can be absorbed and rendered harmless in the soil. Studies have shown that some houseplants are better at removing formaldehyde from the air, while others do a better job on benzene. These findings can be especially important regarding newly constructed buildings, which are better insulated and sealed tightly to conserve energy, but can trap pollutants indoors. Based on the NASA studies, it’s recommended that you mix a minimum of two plants per 100 square feet of floor space in your home or office. The more vigorously the plants grow, the better job they’ll do for you. According to the University of Illinois Extension Service, you don’t need to be a green thumb to incorporate these popular, low-maintenance houseplants into your environment: Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum.) Chinese evergreens are very tolerant plants that do well in a variety of settings and will flourish for years with a minimum of care. These plants do best in shadow-less light, such as a north window. Keep the soil minimally moist. Dracena (including red-edged dracaena, cornstalk dracaena and Janet Craig dracaena). Dracaenas grow slowly and retain their foliage for long periods. Some, such as the corn plant, are known for their stems, while others are known for their long, slender leaves. Plant them in regular potting mix, and keep the soil moist at all times. Do not let the pot sit in water. These plants grow best in bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures and low humidity. Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens `oxycardium'). Philodendrons grow better than most other houseplants under adverse conditions. They do well as long as they are kept warm, moderately moist and out of direct sunlight. For best results, grow in bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures and low humidity. Pothos (Scindapus). Pothos looks like a smooth-stemmed philodendron, but it can be distinguished from philodendron by its ridged stems. Pothos plants are vigorous climbers and look nice in a pot or in a hanging basket. They are best grown in bright, indirect sunlight, warm temperatures and low humidity. Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata). These plants, which develop clumps of erect, strap-shaped leaves that are 18 to 30 inches tall, grow in almost any environment. Plant them in regular potting mix and allow the soil to dry completely between waterings. Grow in any light intensity, from dim interior to full sun. Keep moderate to warm temperatures and low humidity. In winter, water just enough to keep the foliage from shriveling. Spider plant (Chlorophytum). Spider plants make ideal hanging basket plants. Plant in regular potting mix. Spider plants prefer bright light but are very adaptable to medium light. Allow soil to dry between waterings. Spider plants will produce plantlets when potbound. Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina). These plants are adaptable to a wide range of growing conditions. While they grow best in a warm, moist environment, they do fairly well under normal household conditions of temperature and humidity. Plant in regular potting soil and keep the soil minimally moist at all times. Weeping figs grow best in bright, indirect light, diffused sun, warm temperatures and medium humidity. When grown in pots, they tend to develop a single stem. The leaves drop if the plant is chilled. Weeping figs like their roots crowded in a small pot. Wipe leaves with a wet cloth at frequent intervals.
