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发帖数: 453 | 1 据说能帮助吸收室内有害空气，知道的就可以pass了。
Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against
rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to
be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning
the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic
Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological
pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and
disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ‘sick
building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches
and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants
that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C.
Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth,
resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they
expire into the air). NASA, with assistance from the Associated Landscape
Contractors of America, conducted a two-year study directed by Dr. B.C.
Wolverton, an environmental engineer from Picayune, Mr. Wolverton has worked
as a research scientist for NASA for some 20 years. His study, in the late
’80s and early ’90s, of the interaction of plants and air found that
houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific
chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers.
More information on this study as well as references and details on specific
chemicals can be found on Dr. Wolverton’s website.
Dr. B.C. Wolverton, researcher and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air – 50
Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office”, conducted plant studies for
NASA that determined that plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices,
factories and retail outlets. Later, Wolverton expanded the study and
assigned plants a rating from one to 10, based on a plant’s ability to
remove chemical vapors or indoor air toxins, ease of growth and maintenance,
resistance to insect infestation and the rate at which water evaporates
from the leaves.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from
the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat
vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a
humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca
palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant.
Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite
difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most
interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each
species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “
Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with
broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New
plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor
settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be
over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider
mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight
, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake.
The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as
the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth,
then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter
keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants
do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can
adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly
moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf
tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be
trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
One of the most durable of all house plants. Philodendrons prefer medium
intensity light but will tolerate low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves
and stunt plant growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-
climbing varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted regularly and
the leaves kept free of dust. Soil should be evenly moist, but allowed to
dry between watering.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant, the Dwarf Date Palm needs a
bright spot which is free of drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-
10’. The Dwarf Date Palm should not be placed near children’s play areas
because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf
stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even protective clothing.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
The Ficus Alii grows easily indoors, and resists insects. It prefers a humid
environment and low to medium light when grown indoors. The Ficus Aliii
should not be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts
because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist but allowed to
dry between watering.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows to 4’ in height with a spread up to 5’. It has
feathery ferns which are best displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers
bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist frequently
with warm water. This plant is prone to spider mites and whitefly which can
be controlled using a soapy water spray. Inspect new plants for bugs before
bringing them home.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows to a height of 3’ with a 2’
spread. This hardy plant tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and
high humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best results, the
Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry
between waterings. The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water. |
