Updated: November 26, 2024
A lot of factors come into play regarding how comfortable you are in your Jacksonville home. Indoor air quality is a big factor and one that you have a lot of control over. In fact, picking out the right houseplants can help clean the air in your home so that everyone can breathe easier and enjoy fresh-smelling air.
Benefits of Indoor Plants
Indoor plants act as natural air purifiers in your home. They undergo photosynthesis, and during this process, they release oxygen and absorb pollutants. This helps refresh and filter your air so that any harmful substances are at a lower concentration.
There are some indoor plants that have the ability to remove common indoor air pollutants effectively. Particular plants are ideal for certain types of pollutants. For example, peace lilies are capable of removing airborne mold spores.
Another important element of indoor air quality is regulating humidity. During transpiration, plants release water vapor. This helps to add some humidity to your home so that it does not become too dry. Balanced humidity is vital, and since the air can become dry with air conditioning or during the winter, plants that add a bit of moisture to the air can be highly beneficial.
Plants That Purify the Air
Spider plants are easy to care for, and they are highly adaptable. These plants also help to remove xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene from the air in your home. It is able to thrive in a wide variety of conditions and does not require a lot of care, so it is an ideal choice for numerous environments.
Snake plants are also ideal for the removal of xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene. It is a hardy plant, so it can survive even if you cannot keep a very close eye on it. There is minimal maintenance required for a snake plant.
Peace lilies are elegant and can add aesthetics to your space while also helping your indoor air quality. These flowers are effective in removing airborne mold spores. They make the air more breathable, and you can place them just about anywhere since they can live well in low-light conditions.
The Boston fern helps to eliminate pollutants and adds humidity to the air since it releases moisture. These plants are particularly good at removing xylene and formaldehyde from the air. Overall, they are also easy to care for, making them an ideal indoor air cleaning plant for busy people.
Aloe vera is ideal for minor skin issues and cleaning your indoor air quality. This plant effectively removes benzene and formaldehyde from the air. It only needs minimal care, and it is also highly resilient.
Plant Care Considerations
Plants will have different light requirements, so it is vital to look into the light needs of each plant you place in your home. For example, some plants are good when there is low light, while others thrive the most in bright light. When your plants are getting the right level of light, they will be able to clean your home’s air more effectively.
Different plants have different soil requirements. You also have to make sure that the soil has the right level of drainage. Root diseases can occur if they become waterlogged, so be careful about how much water you are giving your plants. For most plants, you want the soil to be moist but not overly saturated.
Do not allow your plants to get too dry, or this can cause stress. When plants are under stress, they are not able to clean the air as effectively. You also want to ensure that the humidity levels in your home are balanced. Check your plants’ humidity requirements to ensure you can accommodate them during all seasons.
You will want to keep an eye on your plants and prune any yellowing or dead leaves, as this will help to promote new growth. Make sure to inspect your plants regularly to see if there are any signs of disease or pests. Perform routine maintenance to help keep the plant as healthy as possible.
Integrating Plants into Your Home
Start by checking your indoor environment and making a note of the usual conditions. For example, check how much natural light you get and what the average humidity levels are in your home. This will help you to choose plants that will be the most likely to thrive in your space.
The first plants you should consider are those that do not require a lot of maintenance. This is especially important if you are new to plants and gardening. Consider those that are resilient so that if you miss a day here and there with the watering, your plant will still survive.
You can create little microenvironments by clustering some of your plants together. This helps to ensure that your plants have the right levels of humidity to thrive. During the winter months, this is especially vital since the air tends to be drier, so you have to do what you can to balance your home’s humidity levels.
To ensure balanced growth, rotate your plants. Every few weeks, turn your plants so that different angles get exposure to the light source. This will help to ensure that they grow and develop evenly.
Since there are several types of indoor air pollutants, it makes sense to have different types of air-cleaning plants. You also want to place your plants in areas that are more likely to have the highest concentration of airborne pollutants, such as in your kitchen, close to your electronics, and near furniture pieces that might off-gas.
Additional Considerations
If anyone in your home has allergies, you should ensure that your chosen plants will not aggravate their allergies even more. There are some people who have allergies to specific types of plants or their related allergens.
If you have any pets, you must also be careful about the types of plants that you bring into your home. Some plants can be toxic to your pets. For example, peace lilies are mildly toxic to dogs and cats. The best way to prevent a problem is to talk to your vet. They know which types of pets you have and can provide you with a list of plants you should avoid to protect the health of your pets.
Indoor Air Experts in Jacksonville
High indoor air quality is vital for overall comfort in your Jacksonville home. Our team can help you to assess your indoor air quality and determine the best ways to enhance it. Once we settle the issues with your home’s air, we can also assist with your other HVAC needs, an energy audit, or tackling any problems with your ductwork. Our business has proudly served the area since 1966, and your home comfort is our top priority.
Call J&W Heating and Air + Plumbing in Jacksonville today to learn more about improving your home’s indoor air quality.
