Do Indoor Ferns Purify Your Home? Learn About Purifying Fern Plants

Having houseplants is a popular way to brighten up your home, but did you know that some plants can actually help purify the air in your living space? One type of plant that is often touted as an air purifier is the fern. In this article, we'll explore whether indoor ferns really do purify your home and what other benefits they offer.

The Science Behind Air-Purifying Plants

Before we dive into the specifics of ferns, let's briefly discuss how plants can help improve indoor air quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release oxygen as a byproduct. But that's not all they do - certain plants are also able to remove harmful toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene.

This ability to remove toxins is thanks to tiny openings on the leaves called stomata. As air passes over the leaves, the toxins are absorbed through the stomata and broken down into harmless byproducts. This process, known as phytoremediation, has been studied extensively by scientists and has been shown to be effective at improving indoor air quality.

What Makes Ferns Good Air-Purifiers?

So, why are ferns often recommended as indoor air-purifiers? For one, ferns are known for their high transpiration rates. Transpiration is the process by which plants release water vapor into the air, and it plays an important role in humidifying indoor spaces. Higher humidity levels can help reduce the concentration of airborne pollutants, making the air easier to breathe.

Additionally, ferns have been found to be effective at removing certain toxins from the air. A study published in the Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science found that Boston ferns were able to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. Another study from the University of Georgia showed that sword ferns were able to remove airborne heavy metals, such as arsenic and lead.

Other Benefits of Indoor Ferns

Aside from their air-purifying abilities, indoor ferns offer a number of other benefits. For one, they're relatively low-maintenance plants that thrive in low-light environments. This makes them a great option for those who don't have a lot of natural light in their homes.

Many types of ferns also have lush, vibrant foliage that can add a touch of greenery to any room. They're also known for being effective at reducing stress levels - studies have shown that simply looking at plants can help reduce feelings of anxiety and improve overall well-being.

Choosing the Right Fern for Your Home

So, if you're interested in adding an air-purifying fern to your indoor garden, what should you look for? There are a few different types of ferns that are commonly recommended for their air-purifying abilities:

• Boston fern: As mentioned earlier, Boston ferns are known for their ability to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. They're also relatively easy to care for and have a beautiful, bushy appearance.
• Sword fern: Sword ferns are another good choice for air purification. They're able to remove heavy metals from the air and are known for their resilient nature.
• Kangaroo fern: Kangaroo ferns are native to Australia and are known for their unique fronds. They're also effective at removing formaldehyde from the air.

Of course, there are many other types of ferns to choose from, so feel free to explore your options and choose the one that speaks to you!

So, do indoor ferns purify your home? The answer is yes - certain types of ferns have been shown to be effective at removing toxins from the air and increasing humidity levels. But even if you're not concerned about air quality, indoor ferns offer a number of other benefits, such as reducing stress levels and adding a touch of greenery to your living space.

Boston Ferns in a room

Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or just starting to build your indoor garden, ferns are definitely worth considering. With their air-purifying abilities and many other benefits, they're a great addition to any home.

Boston fern, Sword fern, Kangaroo fern, indoor plants, air purification, phytoremediation, houseplants