Creating an indoor plant wall is a beautiful and effective way to purify the air in your home. Not only do plants add color and beauty to any room, but they also act as natural air purifiers, removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the science behind air purification and which plants are best for a plant wall, as well as provide step-by-step instructions for creating your own indoor plant wall and caring for your plants.
How Plants Purify The Air
First, let’s talk about air purification. Remember photosynthesis from middle school science class? Plants take in carbon dioxide and convert it into oxygen. This process is part of how they purify the air — as well as remove dust, pollen, and other pollutants. Some plants also release compounds like formaldehyde-eating enzymes, which can help to further purify the air around them.
Plants act as natural air purifiers by absorbing toxins and pollutants through their leaves and roots. They then break down these toxins and convert them into oxygen, which we breathe in. Not only do plants remove toxins from the air, but they also release oxygen, which can improve the overall air quality in your home.
Choosing Plants for a Plant Wall
When it comes to creating an indoor plant wall, there are several plants that are great for air purification. Some of the best options include:
Spider plants
These spiky, green and white plants are great for purifying the air of formaldehyde, which is commonly found in cleaning products, paint, and other household items. A study from NASA found that spider plants removed 95 percent of airborne formaldehyde from a sealed Plexiglas chamber in 24 hours.
Light and care needs: Spider plants love bright, indirect light and need to be watered every 7–10 days.
English Ivy
This woody, perennial vine is great for removing pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Another NASA study showed that English ivy is the most effective houseplant for cleaning benzene from the air, removing 89.8% of benzene over 24 hours.
Light and care needs: English ivy prefers bright, indirect light and should be watered every 5–7 days.
Snake plants
Snake plants are great for removing toxins such as formaldehyde and nitrogen oxides from the air.
Light and care needs: These flowering succulents thrive in low, indirect light and should be watered every 10–14 days.
Peace lilies
These plants are great for removing pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air. Pro tip: Getting clean air with peace lilies can be even more effective if a lot of the pot’s topsoil is exposed to the air.
Light and care needs: Peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered every 7–10 days.
Boston ferns
Boston ferns, also known as sword ferns, are great for removing pollutants such as formaldehyde and xylene from the air. These are also great for restoring humidity.
Light and care needs: Boston ferns prefer bright, indirect light and should be watered every 5–7 days.
When choosing plants for your indoor plant wall, it’s important to consider the size of the plants, as well as the light and humidity levels in your home. Be sure to choose plants that are appropriate for the light and humidity levels in your home and that will fit the space you have available.
Now that you know which plants to choose, let’s talk about how to create your own indoor plant wall.
Creating Your Plant Wall
Step 1: Choose a location for your plant wall.
Choose a location for your plant wall that gets plenty of natural light. A living room or dining room wall is a great option, as these rooms are often well-lit and visible from other parts of the house.
Step 2: Measure the space.
Measure the space where you plan to create your plant wall. This will help you determine how many plants you will need and how much soil and other materials you will need to purchase.
Step 3: Purchase your plants and materials.
Purchase your plants and materials, including soil, pots, and a hanging system.
Step 4: Assemble your plant wall.
Assemble your plant wall by hanging your pots on the wall using the hanging system you have chosen. Fill the pots with soil and add your plants.
Step 5: Water and care for your plants.
Be sure to water your plants regularly and provide the appropriate amount of light and humidity for the plants you have chosen.
Creating an indoor plant wall is a great way to improve the air quality in your home, while also adding natural beauty to any room. And with the right plants, a little bit of care, and these simple steps, you can easily create your own indoor plant wall.
At 2 Girls One Plant, we provide a wide range of indoor plants for your home and office. We also offer online and in-person consultations to help you choose the perfect plants for your space and provide tips on care and maintenance. So, if you’re ready to start creating your own indoor plant wall, get in touch with us today! We look forward to helping you create a beautiful and healthy space.