THE IMPACT OF INDOOR PLANTS ON INDOOR CLIMATE AND HUMAN HEALTH

In the modern world, humans spend most of their time indoors, making the creation of a comfortable living environment particularly important. One effective way to improve air quality and psychological well-being is the use of indoor plants.

Indoor plants perform two main functions:

Sanitary-hygienic:

• Oxygen enrichment of air
• Phytocide action (fighting microorganisms)
• Purification from harmful substances
• Air humidification
• Ionization
• Dust capture
• Sound insulation

Aesthetic-psychological:

• Aromatherapy
• Color therapy
• Influence of crown shape on emotional state

Let’s take a closer look at each of these functions:

Sanitary-hygienic influence:

Plants are capable of significantly improving indoor air quality. For example, chlorophytum can reduce carbon dioxide levels by 96% in 24 hours and neutralize formaldehyde vapors. Optimal air humidity (40-60% at a temperature of 16-20°C) is maintained due to the plants’ ability to return up to 90% of absorbed moisture into the atmosphere.

Particularly effective in air purification are:

• Ficus
• Dracaena
• Chrysanthemum
• Chlorophytum
• Cyclamen
• Cyperus
• Spathiphyllum
• Hibiscus

Air ionization carried out by plants such as monstera, pelargonium, ferns, and Saintpaulia has a positive effect on the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.

Aesthetic-psychological impact:

Aromatherapy with plants can significantly affect human well-being. Citrus plants (lemon and tangerine) increase overall tone, while geranium has a calming effect due to the essential oils contained in its leaves. Plectranthus helps relieve fatigue and improve concentration, which is especially beneficial for people working at computers.

The shape of the plant crown also matters:

• Spreading and pyramidal crowns increase performance
• Oval and hanging crowns have a calming effect

Thus, indoor plants are an important element in creating a healthy and comfortable environment indoors. They not only improve air quality but also have a positive impact on a person’s psycho-emotional state, making them an indispensable element of modern interior design.

References:

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