Spider Plant: NASA Approved Natural Air Purifier

Neglecting the quality of the air you breathe on a daily basis could result in serious consequences. Illness, allergies, asthma and frequent headaches are just a few of many inconveniences that come from airborne particles floating around your home. Air pollution is also one of the reasons the can affect your digestive system.

There’s no need to dish out thousands of rupees on expensive appliances when you’ve got Mother Nature. According to NASA there are plenty of plants that soak up harmful particles in the air and release fresh oxygen – all while adding a decorative touch.

In the late '80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Lucky for us, the plants can also help clean indoor air on Earth, which is typically far more polluted than outdoor air.

Fresh Air Guaranteed

The Spider Plant, or Chlorophytum comosum, is possibly the most popular house plant. NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities. With lots of rich foliage and tiny white flowers, the spider plant battles benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in the leather, rubber and printing industries. As an added bonus, this plant is also considered a safe houseplant if you have pets in the house. 

Hard to Kill

They are not only good at purifying the air in your home and they are very easy to maintain. Even if you tend to neglect houseplants, you’ll have a hard time killing this resilient plant. Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow, and they're almost impossible to kill. Those without a green thumb can achieve great success growing these hardy houseplants

Also known as airplane plants, spider plants are also easy to regrow Spider plants are incredibly easy to grow, but thrive in cool-to-average home temperatures and prefer dry soil. Bright indirect sunlight keeps them growing best.

How to Care?

Spider plants aren't demanding houseplants, but they have a few requirements for optimal health and growth. They require bright, indirect sunlight, and they can be grown beneath artificial lighting if necessary.

Light: Undemanding. Spider plants prefer bright light, and tend toward scorching in direct sunlight. However, they will grow in conditions ranging from semi-shady to partial direct sun. 

Water: Water liberally through the summer. Mist occasionally. During winter, water moderately.

Grown for its grasslike, often striped foliage, this is an undemanding plant that thrives in medium to light shade and moist air. It is popular for hanging baskets. The spider plant cleans several toxins from the air, but is perhaps best known for decreasing carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide levels, as well as ethylbenzene and formaldehyde. A must have for every house hold and work space!

Author: Vandana Chaudhary