More than a hundred plants can absorb pollutants from the air through their leaves. They then filter them, digest them through their roots and transform them. The magic of nature!

Aloe vera – Source: spm

aloe vera

It is a plant with multiple virtues: it limits the proliferation of mites and eliminates formaldehyde – this volatile carcinogenic compound is one of the most important  indoor air pollutants  . It is not very demanding in terms of water, and can survive thanks to the famous gel contained in its leaves, from which it extracts the nutrients necessary for its survival. On the other hand, it needs a lot of light and exposure to direct sunlight.

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We admire it in the office and at home. With its long, upright leaves, it is considered a lucky charm in many countries.

Pothos – Source: spm

the pothos

We can’t resist this vine with its heart-shaped, light green young leaves. Originally from Polynesia, pothos purifies the air by absorbing pollutants such as formaldehyde, xylene and benzene. It can be hung or made to climb a pole or trellis, with its stems sometimes reaching several metres in length, it will elegantly adorn a shelf, the top of a piece of furniture or a stretch of wall.

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We avoid putting it in children’s rooms because its sap can be pungent. And we definitely forget about it if we have animals: a dog or cat that chews it will make it sick.

Boston Fern – Source: spm

boston fern

Very decorative thanks to its beautiful serrated leaves, it absorbs formaldehyde, xylene and ammonia. Originally from the humid tropics of South America, it does not need too much light, but loves humidity.

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Keep the potting soil always moist by watering it once or twice a week, and your pond will soon look like a mini-jungle!

African Violet – Source: spm

African Violet (or Cape Violet)

The most widely grown and sold plant in the world, it absorbs the fumes of pentachlorophenol (PCP), a fungicide that is still sometimes found in treated wood. It also helps to mitigate dry air and, which is not a problem, it flowers almost all year round. It tolerates exposure to semi-shade, and does not suffer too much from the heat of a radiator. Perfect for a bedroom!

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Water once a week, per cup (empty a few hours later, otherwise the lower part of the stem risks rotting).

Moonflower – Source: spm

the moon flower

It absorbs a large amount of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) contained in glues, paints, varnishes and putties, such as ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, trichloroethylene and xylene. The so-called “peace lily” likes light (but not direct sunlight) and tolerates partial shade temporarily. On the other hand, it does not like draughts, which dry out the ends of its long, shiny leaves (30 to 50 cm long). It can be grown in any room, with a preference for humid ones.

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Never directly water its beautiful, slender  white flowers  that grow all year round.

Sanseviere – Source: spm

Sanseviere

It is also called “mother-in-law’s tongue” because its large, hard and pointed leaves are like a very sharp tongue. It captures benzene, trichloroethylene, varnishes, but also the vapours of certain stain removers and many other degreasing products. Robust, it can withstand forgetting to water it, ideal for the absent-minded!

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Place it in a kitchen or entryway if you have enough   light   (even indirect).

A positive effect… but no miracles

According to a study conducted by Bill Wolverton, a NASA researcher in the 1980s, the anti-pollution effectiveness of certain plants was remarkable. His work has since been questioned, because the experimental conditions were very far from those of real life: the plants destroyed pollutants in a small bucket! Obviously good for air quality, they absorb CO2, like all plants, but they are not magic… Other studies show, however, that they have a favourable influence on mood; the English call it vitamin G – the “g” comes from the English word green.