Air pollution is a significant concern affecting millions of people worldwide. With increasing amounts of pollutants circulating in the atmosphere, finding ways to purify indoor air has become more important than ever. One popular solution that has been receiving a lot of attention lately is the bromeliad plant.
Bromeliads can act as natural air filters, trapping pollutants in their foliage and helping to reduce the levels of airborne pollutants in the home.
So, ready to learn more about the air-cleaning capabilities of bromeliads? Keep reading to find out how these stunning plants can improve the air quality in your home and why they’re a must-have inclusion to your plant collection.
How Does Bromeliad Plant Clean Air?
Bromeliad plants are known for their ability to clean the air in the home or office, but how exactly do they do this? Now, I’ll dive into the science behind bromeliads and their air-purifying capabilities.
The Science of Air Purification
Bromeliads can remove toxins from the air due to their unique structure. Their leaves form a cup-like shape that holds water, creating a perfect environment for microorganisms to grow. These microorganisms break down and remove pollutants from the air, making the surrounding environment cleaner.
Specific Toxins Bromeliads Remove
Bromeliads aren’t just great at getting rid of pollutants – they can even target specific toxins that can be hazardous to our health. They can suck up benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene – all found in household products like cleaning agents, paint, and furniture.
Other Air-Purifying Benefits of Bromeliads
In addition to removing toxins from the air, bromeliads also increase the humidity in your home or office. This can be especially beneficial in dry climates where low humidity levels can cause respiratory issues and dry skin.
Bromeliads are also known to produce oxygen and improve air quality, making the surrounding environment fresher and healthier.
Best Bromeliad Plants Available for Air Purifying
Not all bromeliads are the same when it comes to air purification. Some are better at getting rid of toxins than others. These plants are ideal for air purification, providing aesthetic beauty and improved air quality.
It is essential to select a species that is well-suited to the environment and adhere to recommended care instructions to ensure optimal plant health. Here’s a list of the best bromeliads for cleaning up the air:
Guzmania Lingulata
Guzmania Lingulata, also known as Scarlet Star, is a popular air-purifying bromeliad. Its leaves are dense and hold water, creating the perfect environment for airborne toxins to be trapped and neutralized. This plant is also easy to care for and has a bright and vibrant appearance, making it a great inclusion to any room.
Tillandsia Cyanea
A distinctive bromeliad frequently used for air purification is Tillandsia Cyanea, also known as the Pink Quill plant. Small, fine hairs on their leaves trap and neutralize pollutants, and they also can absorb moisture from the air, which lowers humidity levels. Due to its vivid pink flower, the Pink Quill plant is a wonderful addition to any room.
Aechmea Fasciata
Aechmea fasciata, also known as the Silver Vase plant, is another excellent choice for air purification. Its leaves form a tight rosette, creating a natural trap for pollutants, and its silver markings give it a beautiful and eye-catching appearance. This plant is also easy to care for and does well in low-light conditions.
Are All Air Plants Considered Bromeliads?
Yes, all air plants are considered bromeliads. This diverse group of plants, commonly known as tillandsia, belongs to the bromeliad family. They are unique in their ability to derive nutrients from the air and can be found growing on rocks, trees, and even telephone wires. air plants and tillandsia are the same, referring to these fascinating bromeliads.
Natural Air Purifiers: Bromeliads vs Other Houseplants
Bromeliads are often cited as an optimal air-purifying choice among houseplants, but how do they stack up against some of the other popular options? To better understand their air-purifying abilities, let us explore the capabilities of some of the most well-known houseplants.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
The ability of snake plants to remove airborne toxins like formaldehyde and benzene is well known. They require very little upkeep, making them a fantastic option for those without a green thumb.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
The Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum) is an ideal choice for air purification. It is easy to care for and can eliminate various toxins from the air, like xylene and formaldehyde.
These plants are hardy and can thrive in a variety of indoor conditions. They are low maintenance and require minimal watering, making them ideal for those who don’t have the time or resources to devote to a more demanding plant.
In addition to filtering out toxins, spider plants also can reduce the levels of carbon dioxide in the air, which can help to reduce the risk of certain respiratory illnesses.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
This plant is great for purifying air and getting rid of all kinds of toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and ammonia.
It is an attractive, easy-to-care-for houseplant with white flowers, glossy green leaves, and a graceful, upright growth habit. Peace lilies are incredibly versatile and can be grown in various mediums and locations.
They prefer humid environments and must be watered regularly and given indirect light, but they will still tolerate low light levels.
English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy (Hedera Helix) is a popular favorite around Christmastime but also a great option for year-round foliage. In addition to its aesthetically pleasing features, it is incredibly beneficial to the air quality in any indoor space. In fact, research suggests that this plant can filter up to 78 percent of airborne mold in 12 hours.
While all of these houseplants are great options for air purification, bromeliads stand out as some of the best due to their air-purifying capabilities, low maintenance, and unique beauty. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your home’s air clean and fresh, consider adding a few bromeliads to your collection of houseplants.
Conclusion
Bromeliads have proven to be an effective air-purifying plant that can clean the air in your home or office. These tropical beauties add aesthetic appeal to your space and help remove harmful pollutants from the air. From the NASA Clean Air Study to more recent research, ample evidence supports the claim that bromeliads are excellent at cleaning the air.
While bromeliads are not the only natural air purifiers, their ability to clean the air through transpiration and the breakdown of pollutants by microorganisms in the plant’s roots sets them apart. They require little upkeep, making them an ideal choice for those looking to improve the air quality in their homes without putting in a lot of effort.
Resources:
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/
- https://askabiologist.asu.edu/plosable/ants-feed-plants
- https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/bromeliads/
