Creating a healthy, breathable environment in your basement living space can be a bit of a challenge. Basements are often known for their low light conditions and lack of natural air circulation. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle for stale and stuffy air. You can transform that dingy basement into a charming and fresh oasis with a little help from the right houseplants.
Indoor plants not only add a touch of nature to your environment but also actively clean and purify the air. They can help remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene, and boost oxygen levels, making your basement a more inviting space. However, not all houseplants are created equal, especially when it comes to surviving in low light conditions and purifying the air. So, what are the best plants for improving air quality in a basement living space? Let’s explore.
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The Importance of Air Purifying Plants in Indoor Spaces
Before we delve into the best varieties to choose, it’s essential to understand why air purifying plants are needed in indoor spaces like your basement. Indoor environments, particularly basements, often contain higher levels of pollutants than outdoor air. The toxins you breathe in can come from sources like furniture, building materials, and even cleaning products.
Plants improve indoor air quality by absorbing these pollutants through their leaves and roots. Some indoor plants can reduce levels of formaldehyde, benzene, and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are among the most common indoor air pollutants. When houseplants absorb these toxins, they essentially clean the air and make it healthier for us to breathe.
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Palm Family: A Great Choice for Basements
Palm plants are among the best indoor plants for air purification. The members of this family are known to remove formaldehyde and other toxins from the air, making it healthier and cleaner. They are also well-suited to grow in low light conditions, making them ideal for basements.
One of the best palm plants for your basement is the Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa). This plant is a great air purifier that can adapt to low light and cooler temperatures. Another option is the Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii), which excels at removing formaldehyde from the air. It requires a bit more light than the Lady Palm, but it will still grow well in a bright basement with indirect light.
Snake Plants: Hardy and Efficient Air Purifiers
Snake Plants (Sansevieria trifasciata), sometimes known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, are another excellent choice for basement living spaces. They are not only one of the hardiest houseplants you can find but also one of the most effective at improving air quality. Snake plants can remove several types of toxins, including formaldehyde and benzene, and they are known for their ability to produce oxygen at night, unlike most other plants.
These plants have strong, upright leaves that can add a striking visual element to your basement. They can grow in low light conditions and require very little care, making them perfect for those who may not have a green thumb.
Spider Plants: Easy to Grow and Great for Air Cleaning
Spider Plants (Chlorophytum comosum) are another fantastic choice for improving air quality in your basement. They are well-known for their ability to absorb formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins from the air. These plants are also incredibly easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions, making them suitable for basement living spaces.
Spider plants have a unique growth habit, with arching leaves and small plantlets that dangle down, giving the appearance of a spider. This can add a unique visual element to your basement and make it feel more alive and vibrant.
Peace Lilies: Beautiful and Effective
Last but not least, Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum) are a beautiful option that can significantly improve air quality in your basement. They can remove several toxins from the air, including benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. These plants also thrive in low light conditions, making them a suitable choice for basements.
Peace Lilies bloom with beautiful white flowers that can brighten up any space. They do require a bit more care than some of the other plants mentioned, but their beauty and air purifying abilities make them worth the extra effort.
Improving the air quality in your basement living space doesn’t have to be complicated. By adding a few of these air-purifying indoor plants, you can create a healthier and more inviting space that you’ll love to spend time in. Whether you opt for a palm, a snake plant, a spider plant, or a peace lily, you’ll be breathing easier and enjoying a touch of nature in your basement.
Low-Maintenance Plants: Aloe Vera and English Ivy
If you are looking for low-maintenance yet efficient air purifying plants, Aloe Vera and English Ivy might be the ones for you.
Aloe Vera, known for its healing properties, also excels in purifying indoor air. The gel inside its leaves can help heal cuts and burns, but this plant also improves air quality by removing formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Additionally, Aloe Vera can survive in low light conditions, making it a suitable plant for basements. This desert plant stores water in its leaves, which means it requires minimal maintenance and watering.
On the other hand, English Ivy (Hedera helix) is an excellent air cleaner. It removes toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air. It is an easy-to-grow plant, making it a popular choice for indoor gardening. English Ivy prefers indirect light and can easily grow in low light conditions. This trailing vine can add a touch of nature to your basement, creating a peaceful and fresh environment.
Taking Care of Your Air Purifying Plants
Caring for your air purifying plants doesn’t have to be a daunting task. While requirements might differ slightly from one plant to another, most of these plants share common care needs.
Firstly, most air purifying plants like the ones mentioned above prefer indirect light, which makes them suitable for basements. However, you should still make sure that they receive enough light to grow healthily. If your basement doesn’t have a window, you could consider using an LED grow light.
As for watering, most of these plants prefer their soil to dry out between watering sessions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, which can kill the plant. Therefore, it’s better to underwater than overwater your plants.
Lastly, while it’s important to keep the air indoors clean for us, it’s as crucial for the plants as well. Ensure that your basement has enough air circulation. A fan can help move the air around and prevent the buildup of mold and mildew, which can harm your plants.
Conclusion
Creating a comfortable, breathable environment in a basement living space can be a challenge due to low light and stale air conditions. However, with the right choice of indoor plants, you can significantly enhance the air quality and create a healthier and more inviting space.
Whether it’s a palm, snake plant, spider plant, peace lily, aloe vera, or English ivy, these plants are not only aesthetically pleasing but also efficient in purifying the air indoors. Notably, they are capable of removing harmful toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air, contributing to a cleaner indoor environment.
While these plants thrive in low light conditions, remember to provide them with enough indirect light and avoid overwatering. By following these simple plant care tips, you can create an oasis of fresh air in your basement.
