It’s easy to view air pollution as something that happens somewhere else, but it’s a genuine issue for us Londoners. As recently as last year, The Guardian published a story claiming that nearly 9,500 premature deaths each year are caused by the pollution in the London air, reported to be the dirtiest in Europe. We don’t mean to be alarmist, but that certainly gave us pause for thought.

But, you may be asking, surely the air indoors is better? Um, wishful thinking, we’re afraid. Indoor air pollution is a mixed bag of threatening air particles and pollutants that have either drifted in from outside or been invited in with new furniture or household cleaners and then recirculated in our air conditioning. It’s easy to hang your head and try to dismiss these things on the basis that there’s nothing much we can do individually, but amazingly there is a very simple solution to improving the environment: introduce some greenery to your home and workplaces.

Kamal Meattle gave a fascinating talk on TED a while back about how well-chosen houseplants can not only mitigate the negative effects of air pollution, but in the right proportions actually tangibly improve it. His office in New Delhi has been identified as having some of the cleanest air in the city, a notable achievement in a city where pollution is a very real issue indeed. As to dealing with our own air pollution issues? Well, to take a leaf out of Meattle’s book ‘Either you are overwhelmed by the fact that there are so many problems and so many people, or you find solutions to help in any way you can.’ Why don’t we all start with some well-chosen houseplants? Interested? Read on…

Introducing the house plant superstars…

Mother-in-laws Tongue (Sanseveria)

Also called Viper’s Bowstring Hemp and Snake Plant, these are great for cleaning the air and prefer to be cared for with an attention level bordering on neglectful. Their ability to convert carbon dioxide to oxygen at night means they are a great choice of plant to keep in the bedroom. With over 70 sub-species of the plant - usually characterised by their distinctive dark green leaves with light, grey-green banding - it shouldn’t be hard to find one to suit every size and style of home

 

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Time to share the clean air! Perhaps the friendliest plant on our list, the Spider Plant produces spiderettes that are great for replanting and giving out to friends and family. Spider plants clear the air of formaldehyde and xylene and the only requirements here are to make sure they’re planted in free-draining soil and allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Watering about once a week is usually good but depends on the size of the plant. Check by touching the soil: if it’s dry give your Spider Plant a drink.

 

Aloe Vera

Everybody’s heard of it: Aloe Vera is the undisputed problem-solver of the houseplant world. This sun-loving succulent is good for more than soothing your current bun - it helps to clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene and just like the Spider Plant above, is a very forgiving and resilient chap. As with most succulents, Aloe Vera like dry soil in between waterings so that it’s roots will grow thick and strong.

Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)

The Ficus is the biggest indoor plant on our list, sometimes growing up to 10 ft tall. With this kind of size, you may need to do a spot of pruning to ensure it stays at the right shape for the space it’s in. This powerhouse of a plant will help remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. If you’re lucky enough to have an outdoor space this plant will do well with being placed outdoors during the summer months. Other than that, give it a space with bright indoor light and some fertiliser twice a year and you’ll have a happy Weeping Fig.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Easily the most elegant plant on our list the Peace Lily is well known for being very tolerant as well as for it’s air-cleaning abilities. While the flowers will contribute a little pollen, the air will be better off overall with one or more of these guys in the picture. The Peace Lily is spectacular at removing ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air, as as we don’t much like the idea of anything ending in ‘ene’ or ‘yde’ in our lungs, this can only be a good thing, right? This plant will do just fine in shadier spots but do note that it will bloom less frequently, given less light. The Peace Lily likes moist but not soggy soil, it does much better with underwatering than overwatering. The leaves may need to be wiped or given a shower sporadically due to dust build up.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

Could there be anything more luxurious than the lush foliage of a fern? We think not. As well as being oh so fabulous the Boston Fern is a great plant for removing formaldehyde and xylene - two of the main bad air culprits in household cleaning products. Unlike most of the plants on our list the Boston Fern does not like it’s roots to dry out so make sure to water it frequently or line the pot with moss to keep your soil moist. They like a cool location, indirect light, and high humidity which can be easily created by spraying the leaves every day or so.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

A sturdy plant if ever there was one - the chinese evergreen will tolerate poor light, dry air, and drought. Along with making a stunning addition to any room it works to clear the air of benzene and formaldehyde. The leaves do tend to accumulate dust build up so either wipe them down every few months or place the whole plant in the shower, give it a good wash, and let it air dry.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Probably the most familiar on our list is English or Common Ivy. Yes, we’re familiar with this plant, creeping up trees and adorning Christmas wreaths, but who knew that it is also excellent for improving air quality?! This creeping marvel cleans mold and mildew, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene and as if this wasn’t enough it also reduces airborne fecal matter (yuck!). English Ivy likes moist soil and at least 4 hours of indirect sunlight, so bathrooms windowsills all across London are just begging for this plant.

Golden Pothos or Devils Ivy (Epipremnum Aureum)

This is a beautiful plant that does best with something to climb up, but frequently thrives in hanging baskets. A true wonder plant, it’s been said to filter benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. This plant wants bright indirect light and good ventilation, so place it in a light room where the window can be opened occasionally or in a basket that can be taken outside every few months. The soil should be moist but never soggy - try and let the soil dry out between waterings to keep your plant at its happiest - and its leaves may need to be sprayed during the winter months depending on how moist an environment it’s in.

Anthurium

This gorgeous plant also known as Tailflower, Flamingo Flower, and Laceleaf makes a stunning addition to any room and can suit many different decorating styles depending on how it’s potted. A true powerhouse it cleans ammonia, formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene from the air. It will need well draining soil but do water it regularly. When placed in direct sunlight the leaves will burn so find somewhere with indirect light or on the shady side.

Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Also known as the Bamboo Palm, Golden Cane Palm, Yellow Palm, and Butterfly Palm, the Areca Palm has some impressive air cleaning abilities. This Palm filters xylene and toulene, converts carbon dioxide into oxygen, and acts as a natural humidifier. Hello happy skin! Perhaps the neediest plant on our list but still deserving plenty of love this palm needs it’s leaves wiped every 1-4 weeks depending on the space and will need to be taken outdoors for a few hours every 3-4 months.

Here at Boxman we can’t claim that self-storage will help with issues of air quality at home, but we do do a great job of storing the things you don’t currently have room for. For just £5 a month we’ll deliver our sturdy boxes to your door, leave you to pack them up and come back to whisk them away to our warehouses at a time convenient to you. Questions? Queries? Give us a call - we like to chat.

Featured Image via billyoh.com