In the hustle and bustle of urban life, the lack of green spaces might leave you yearning for some nature within your living spaces. Indoor houseplants not only beautify your UK apartment but they also play a significant role in purifying the air. But, let’s face it, not all of us are blessed with green thumbs or apartments with ample sunlight. You’ll be pleased to learn that some houseplants thrive in low light conditions and are quite easy to care for. This article will guide you through the significant role of indoor plants and highlight the best low-light houseplants that will enhance your apartment’s air quality.
The Role of Indoor Houseplants in Air Purification
Indoor houseplants possess the unique ability to purify the air in your apartment. These small green warriors work silently yet efficiently, making your indoor atmosphere healthier. Certain species of indoor plants can absorb harmful toxins, like benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide, from the air. They then convert these toxins into oxygen, their by-product being the air we breathe.
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Keeping indoor plants can also help maintain optimal indoor humidity levels. They do this by releasing moisture vapor into the air, which increases the humidity of the surrounding area. This can be particularly beneficial in maintaining a pleasant indoor environment, especially during the dry winter months in the UK.
Spider Plant: The Humble Air Purifier
The Spider Plant, with its striking arching leaves, is one of the best indoor plants for air purification. This plant is an excellent choice for any apartment in the UK due to its robust nature and ability to adapt to low light conditions.
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Spider plants are highly efficient in combatting pollutants in the air. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that these plants could remove up to 90% of the toxins in your indoor air. This includes formaldehyde, a common toxin found in many household products.
The plant prefers well-drained soil, but it isn’t picky about its watering schedule. As long as you don’t overwater it and keep the soil slightly dry, your Spider Plant will thrive.
Palm Trees: Tropical Indoor Houseplants
If you’re a fan of tropical plants, then consider introducing a Palm Tree into your apartment. Palms are not only aesthetically pleasing but also one of the best air-purifying indoor plants.
There are several types of Palms suitable for indoor conditions, including the Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, and the Kentia Palm. These varieties are able to grow quite large, even in low light conditions, providing a tropical touch to any UK apartment.
Palms are effective at removing harmful toxins from the air, with the Areca Palm being one of the best at this job. In addition to purifying your air, palms also help to maintain a good level of humidity in your home.
Taking care of a Palm Tree is straightforward. Keep the soil slightly moist, and ensure that it has good drainage. Water it less during the winter, and make sure it is not left standing in water.
Snake Plant: The Hard-To-Kill Houseplant
Don’t be put off by the name; the Snake Plant (also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue) is one of the best plants for indoor spaces and particularly for those not so green-fingered. This plant is nearly indestructible and can survive in low light conditions.
Snake Plants are excellent air purifiers. They not only absorb toxins but also emit oxygen at night. This makes them an ideal choice for bedrooms where they can help enhance the quality of air while you sleep.
Snake Plants are pretty low maintenance. They prefer dry conditions with well-drained soil. In terms of watering, less is more for these plants, making them great options for those who tend to forget about watering their plants.
Peace Lily: The Beautiful Purifier
The Peace Lily is a low-light loving plant that also doubles as an effective air purifier. This houseplant stands out with its glossy leaves and stunning white flowers, bringing a touch of elegance to any apartment.
Peace Lilies are known for their ability to remove toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Additionally, they also help increase humidity levels, making them a great choice for dry apartments.
Peace Lilies prefer a shady spot with well-drained soil. They only need watering once the soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to brown leaves, so it’s best to err on the side of caution with this plant.
These low-light indoor plants not only help to enhance the air quality in your UK apartment but also add a touch of life and charm to your living spaces. With their easy care routine and significant benefits, these houseplants make a great addition to any home.
Aloe Vera: The Indoor Healer
Aloe Vera, a popular plant in many households, is not only known for its healing gel but also for its air purifying abilities. This hardy, low maintenance plant thrives in low light conditions, making it a perfect choice for apartments lacking in direct sunlight.
Aloe Vera plants are excellent for absorbing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air. These toxins are common in household cleaning products and paints, hence having an Aloe Vera plant can help to keep your apartment’s air clean.
Taking care of an Aloe Vera plant is relatively simple. It prefers dry conditions and requires well-drained soil, similar to conditions needed by the Snake Plant. Watering should be infrequent to prevent root rot. The plant is sensitive to overwatering, so it’s best to wait until the soil is completely dry before adding more water.
Cast Iron Plant: The Immortal Indoor Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is aptly named for its ability to survive in almost any condition. It’s an easy care plant that requires minimal attention, making it ideal for busy people who love the idea of indoor plants but lack the time for extensive care.
Known for its ability to thrive in low light, the Cast Iron Plant is also a champion air purifier. It can effectively remove toxins from the air and handle temperature fluctuations with ease. This makes it a great addition to any UK apartment, regardless of how much natural light it receives.
As for its care, the Cast Iron Plant is quite forgiving. It prefers a low light area and can handle periods of neglect. This plant prefers to be kept dry between watering, so it’s best to wait until the soil is dry before watering again.
Conclusion
Having indoor plants in your apartment not only adds aesthetic value but also significantly enhances air quality. Low light, air purifying plants like the Spider Plant, Palm Trees, Snake Plant, Peace Lily, Aloe Vera and Cast Iron Plant are all excellent options to consider. These plants not only survive but thrive in low light conditions, making them the perfect additions to your UK apartment, and they also require minimal care.
By choosing any of these plants, you’ll be taking a significant step towards improving your indoor air quality. Remember to adhere to each plant’s specific watering routine, and your green companions will continue to thrive, making your apartment a healthier place to live.
