top of page

Plants That Improve Indoor Air Quality

Writer's picture: velesconstructionvelesconstruction

October 4, 2024


Indoor air quality is crucial for our health and well-being. Certain plants can improve air quality by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels, making them a valuable addition to any home or office. With more people spending significant time indoors, it's essential to create environments that promote good health and comfort.


1. Spider Plant


Cross-laminated timber, or CLT, is a category of mass timber that is made by laying multiple layers—typically an odd number—of boards perpendicular to one another and then bonding them together using structural adhesive. The alternating fibers make CLT an extremely strong material with a high compression strength, despite being much lighter than conventional structural materials like concrete or steel.


Advantages: CLT is known for its strength, stability, and sustainability. It's made from layers of wood glued together, providing a low-carbon alternative to concrete and steel.

The Sara Kulturhus Center in Sweden is considered to be carbon negative thanks to its extensive use of CLT and glued-laminated timber. Photo by Patrick Degerman

2. Snake Plant


According to the World Steel Association, steel is the most recycled material worldwide, with 680 million tons recycled in 2021.

The use and material efficiency rate of recycled steel reached 97.34% in 2021. This is due partly to the many benefits of recycled steel in construction.


Advantages: Using recycled steel reduces the need for new steel production, which is energy-intensive. It's durable and can be reused multiple times without losing its properties.


Recycled steel provides strength and sustainability in modern construction.

3. Peace Lily


Bamboo has a long tradition of being used as a structural material where it grows natively, and is still used as scaffolding and for housing in areas of Asia, Africa and South America. Only a few dozen species are suitable for construction, with Moso, Asper and Guadua among the most common.


Advantages: Bamboo grows quickly and is highly renewable. It's used for flooring, walls, and structural elements, providing a strong and flexible material.

Bamboo is a fast-growing, renewable material ideal for sustainable construction.

4. Aloe Vera


Aloe vera plants are known for their air-purifying properties, particularly their ability to remove formaldehyde and benzene. They also have medicinal uses, making them a versatile addition to any home. Aloe vera requires minimal care and can thrive in sunny spots, providing both aesthetic and health benefits.


5. Boston Fern


Boston ferns are highly effective at removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They also help increase indoor humidity, which can improve respiratory health and skin hydration. Boston ferns require a bit more care, including regular watering and misting, to keep them healthy and vibrant.



Incorporating air-purifying plants into your indoor spaces can significantly improve air quality and create a healthier living environment. From spider plants to Boston ferns, these plants offer both aesthetic and health benefits. By choosing the right plants and providing proper care, you can enjoy cleaner air and a more pleasant indoor atmosphere.

1 view0 comments

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


bottom of page