Oceanic Plankton and Indoor Plants
What Do Oceanic Plankton and Indoor Plants Have in Common?
Oxygen production!
The ocean contributes around 50% of the Earth’s oxygen, with oceanic plankton being the primary source. Among these, Prochlorococcus, the smallest photosynthesizing organism on the planet, is surprisingly prolific. It produces up to 20% of the oxygen in our biosphere—more than all the tropical rainforests combined! Who knew that the plankton, a whale’s favorite food and the sea’s unsung hero, played such a crucial role?
While it’s fascinating that plankton contribute so significantly to our oxygen supply, it doesn’t quite make me want to swap my serene fish tank for one teeming with algae. Personally, I’ll stick with decorating my home with beautiful plants and trees to help purify the air and boost oxygen levels. With countless plant options available, certain ones are particularly well-suited for specific areas of your home. Here’s a list of houseplants that can enhance air quality and produce oxygen:
Pothos
Pothos come in various types and are among the easiest houseplants to care for. They improve air quality by reducing pollutants like benzene and formaldehyde and absorb carbon dioxide faster than many other plants. Some experts suggest that having a pothos in your bedroom can even help with sleep.
Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law's Tongue)
Snake plants are excellent at producing oxygen and filtering out pollutants such as trichloroethylene, nitrogen oxide, xylene, formaldehyde, and benzene, according to NASA studies. However, since they absorb oxygen at night, they may not be the best choice for a bedroom.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera not only cleans the air by removing toxins like aldehydes and benzene but also produces oxygen at night, making it a great plant for your bedroom.
Gerbera Daisy (Transvaal Daisy)
One of the more colorful options, Gerbera Daisies are excellent for oxygen production. They absorb carbon dioxide at night and also remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Keeping one on your nightstand can help improve sleep.
Peace Lily
Peace Lilies are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that purify the air by removing pollutants such as benzene and trichloroethylene. They’re also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, making them a great addition to any room, including the bedroom.
Weeping Fig (Ficus Tree)
A study by Pukyong National University in Busan, Korea, found that Weeping Figs increase oxygen levels and filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They are also popular as bedroom plants.
Areca Palm (Golden Palm, Butterfly Palm, Yellow Palm)
Areca Palms improve air humidity and purify the air by removing benzene and xylene. For a noticeable effect, it’s recommended to place two of these palms next to each other. They’re also safe for bedrooms.
Spider Plant
Many of us remember Spider Plants from our childhood, thriving in our aunts' homes. They’re easy to grow and care for, produce a significant amount of oxygen, and filter out carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. They’re also believed to reduce stress and are safe for bedrooms.
Adding one (or all) of these plants to your home will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also create a healthier environment. If you have pets or children, be sure to research each plant’s safety to ensure it’s suitable for your home.
