Useful for decorating the home, indoor green plants offer many benefits. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing, but they are also effective in keeping the ambient air clean. Some depolluting plants purify the indoor air, while others can even retain dust thanks to their foliage. Discover these 3 indoor plants that eliminate dust and help keep your home clean.
What Are the 3 Plants That Eliminate Dust from the House?
The Rubber Plant
The rubber plant, also called ficus elastica, is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage from the Moraceae family. The rubber tree is not only a depolluting plant but also purifies the air of harmful substances like formaldehyde, often found in glues, varnishes, and insulation materials. Additionally, the large leaves of the rubber tree help retain suspended dust particles.
To maintain your plant, place it in a bright room, but avoid direct sunlight—partial shade is ideal. The rubber plant thrives in warm and humid conditions, with temperatures between 15 and 25°C. Be sure to mist the foliage regularly to maintain humidity levels. Water when the soil is dry, but avoid overwatering, and use non-calcareous water at room temperature.
If your rubber plant is losing leaves, it may be due to inadequate light, improper watering, or waterlogged roots. Also, check for signs of mealybugs (white marks on the leaves) or red spiders (yellowing leaves).
The Spider Plant
The spider plant, also known as Chlorophytum, is a perennial plant native to South Africa and belongs to the Agavaceae family. This plant is not only robust and easy to maintain, but it is also effective at eliminating toxins like toluene, benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene, and formaldehyde. While it doesn’t have large leaves like the rubber plant, its dense foliage helps trap dust particles.
Spider plants prefer partial shade and well-drained, neutral or clayey soil, rich in humus. They enjoy slightly damp soil but be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot. Always remove stagnant water from the saucer or cache-pot after watering, and use non-calcareous spring water. Mist the foliage regularly to maintain the necessary humidity.
To help your spider plant thrive, fertilize it during the growing season with a liquid fertilizer and repot it once its roots outgrow the pot. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites, which can be dealt with by simply rinsing the plant with water.
Ivy, the Decorative Foliage Plant
Ivy is a perennial plant with evergreen foliage, and its vines can either creep along the ground or climb. This resistant and hardy vine can withstand cold and frost, making it a great option for indoor environments. Ivy not only has a purifying action but also helps eliminate toxins like carbon monoxide, often produced by heating appliances. Moreover, all varieties of ivy are effective at collecting suspended dust.
Ivy is easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention. It thrives on minimal watering during its growth period, and in winter, it doesn’t need watering at all. Ivy loves humidity, so adding mulch to the soil in the spring will help retain moisture. Fertilize it every 15 days with a liquid fertilizer during the vegetative growth phase. Be sure to repot young plants annually.
These easy-to-maintain indoor green plants will not only purify the air but also eliminate suspended dust, making your home cleaner and more breathable.
