How do plants improve respiratory health?
Written by
Olivia Mitchell
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Plants enrich respiratory health directly by removing irritants from the air. They filter out mold spores on the leaf surfaces. They degrade chemical vapors like ammonia. My asthma improved after starting with Spider Plants. They greatly reduced coughing at night.
Some plants increase oxygen levels through photosynthesis, providing more refreshing breathing spaces. Boston Ferns produce high oxygen rates and absorb mold. Peace Lilies influence humidity with dry airways. I put these by my bed. When I am sleeping, I breathe easier.
Mold Combatants
- Boston Fern: Absorbs airborne spores through dense foliage
- English Ivy: Reduces mold counts by 78% in controlled settings
- Areca Palm: Increases humidity to suppress spore proliferation
Chemical Neutralizers
- Peace Lily: Breaks down ammonia from cleaning products
- Spider Plant: Converts carbon monoxide into harmless compounds
- Snake Plant: Filters formaldehyde from furniture off-gassing
Oxygen Amplifiers
- Bamboo Palm: Produces high oxygen output during daylight
- Rubber Plant: Large leaves maximize oxygen release
- Aloe Vera: Nighttime oxygen production benefits bedrooms
Correct placement optimized breathing rewards. Place oxygen-enhancing plants near the bed. Put mold fighters in steamy bathrooms. Place chemical neutralizers near pollution sources. My Peace Lily is right next to the laundry area. It combats detergent fumes quite well.
Keep your plants for perpetual benefits. Wipe leaves every week to remove pollutant-trapping stomata. Adjust watering according to the seasons. Rotate plants for even distribution of light. My monthly maintenance routine takes 20 minutes. It should keep my Spider Plants filtering well all year long.
Begin with one pet-safe plant like the Spider Plant. Place it on or near the area where you experience issues breathing. Observe the changes over a period of a few weeks. Then, continue adding the good plants with complementary species 1 at a time. One of my original ferns really helped alleviate my morning congestion. Currently, I utilize 5 species of plant life around the place where we and our pets reside.
Read the full article: Top Air Quality Plants for Cleaner Homes
