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Breathing Fresh: NASA’s Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants for Cleaner Indoor Spaces

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In 1989, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) partnered with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) to conduct a Clean Air Study. Led by Dr. B. C. Wolverton, the study provided a comprehensive list of plants that are highly effective at purifying indoor air. The research demonstrated that plants have the ability to filter pollutants such as benzene, ammonia, and formaldehyde, which helps mitigate the effects of Sick Building Syndrome. Certain tropical houseplants were found to be particularly efficient in removing formaldehyde, trichloroethane, benzene, and other harmful substances from the air, replacing them with oxygen. According to the report, it is recommended to have at least one plant for every hundred square feet of indoor space, be it at home or in the office.

Designer: Ugly Duckling ID

Common Indoor Pollutants

Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, ammonia, nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), and suspended particulate matter (SPM) are harmful substances found in various products and environments.

• Trichloroethylene, present in inks and pa2ints, can lead to symptoms such as dizziness and coma.
• Benzene, used in plastics and tobacco smoke, may result in drowsiness and unconsciousness.
• Formaldehyde, commonly found in paper products and fabrics, can cause irritation and swelling in the respiratory system.
• Ammonia, found in cleaning products, can cause eye irritation and sore throat.
• Xylene, present in rubber and vehicle exhaust, can lead to liver and kidney damage.
• NO2 and SO2, emitted by vehicles and factories, can harm the cardiovascular and respiratory systems.
• SPM, small particles in the air, can irritate the eyes and respiratory tract and contribute to long-term health issues like asthma and cardiovascular problems.

Top 12 Air-Purifying Plants

1. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Image courtesy of: Spaces

The Areca palm, native to Madagascar, is a popular foliage houseplant known for its ability to purify the air by removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius and it adds beauty and charm to any indoor space.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

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Sansevieria, commonly known as Mother-in-law’s tongue or Snake plant, is an incredibly resilient indoor plant that thrives even in low light conditions. It is a perfect choice for those seeking a low-maintenance plant as it requires infrequent watering. Moreover, Sansevieria has been recognized as one of the most effective air-purifying plants, capable of eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the surrounding air. It can adapt to various temperature ranges, from 5 to 45 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for different climates.

3. Money Plant (Epipremnum aureum)

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The money plant, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a popular houseplant found in French Polynesia. It is highly adaptable and can thrive in various indoor environments. It has the ability to effectively purify the air by removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics are as follows: it prefers indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and can withstand temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

4. English ivy (Hedera helix)

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English Ivy, a flowering plant from the Araliaceous family, is a highly popular vine plant in Europe. It is native to most of Europe and Western Asia. Notably, English Ivy has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, its growing habits and characteristics include indoor location preference, tolerance to shade and artificial light, less frequent watering requirements, and a temperature range of 5 to 30 degrees Celsius.

5. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Image courtesy of: Elisall

The peace lily, belonging to the Araceae plant family, is a well-known indoor plant. It has been identified as one of the most efficient plants in eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, ammonia, xylene, toluene, and other pollutants from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors and can tolerate both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 16 to 32 degrees Celsius.

6. Barberton Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

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Gerbera, a genus of flowering plants in the Asteraceae family, is renowned for its vibrant and lustrous flowers. It is a popular choice due to its ability to withstand adverse weather conditions and thrive in bright light. Notably, Gerbera is effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. As a houseplant, it flourishes indoors, tolerating both shade and bright light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius.

7. Chinese Evergreens (Aglaonema Modestum)

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Aglaonema, a member of the Araceae family, is a popular indoor plant originating from tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. With over 100 popular varieties, it is both visually appealing and low-maintenance. Notably, Aglaonema is known for its ability to cleanse the air by removing benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerates shade and artificial light, requires less frequent watering, and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

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Chlorophytum comosum, a member of the Asparagaceae plant family, originates from southern Africa. This popular houseplant, known as the spider plant, is not only elegant and fast-growing but also easy to care for. A report by the university’s Cooperative Extension Service highlighted the spider plant as one of the top varieties for effectively removing VOCs. It has been found to cleanse the air by eliminating formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. As a houseplant, the spider plant thrives indoors, tolerating shade and artificial light, requiring less frequent watering, and favoring temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

9. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis mill)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera, a succulent plant belonging to the Asphodelaceae family, is a remarkable plant known for its numerous benefits and medicinal uses since ancient times. It can withstand adverse weather conditions and thrives in bright light, making it suitable for deserts. Aloe vera is also effective in purifying the air by eliminating benzene and formaldehyde. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations, tolerates both shade and bright light, requires less frequent watering, and can thrive in temperatures ranging from 15 to 45 degrees Celsius.

10. Rubber plant (Ficus elastica)

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The Rubber Plant, classified under the genus Ficus in the Moraceae plant family, is native to South Asia. This houseplant has been discovered to effectively eliminate formaldehyde from the air. As a houseplant, it thrives indoors, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires less frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 30 degrees Celsius.

11. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

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The Boston fern, belonging to the Nephrolepidaceae family and the Nephrolepis genus, is native to humid forests and swamps. It is known for its ability to effectively eliminate formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, airborne germs, molds, and bacteria from indoor air. As a houseplant, it thrives in indoor locations, tolerating both shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and prefers temperatures ranging from 15 to 35 degrees Celsius.

12. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizi)

Image courtesy of: Natabuena

The Bamboo palm, part of the Chamaedorea genus in the Aceraceae plant family, is one of the 107 species within its genus. This plant thrives in shady and humid conditions, often found growing under trees in rainforests. It is known for its ability to effectively remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. As a houseplant, it prefers indoor locations and can tolerate shade and artificial light. It requires frequent watering and thrives in temperatures ranging from 10 to 35 degrees Celsius.

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20 Best Succulents for Beginners: Easy-to-Grow Varieties You’ll Love

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Introducing a touch of nature into your home not only enhances its beauty but also elevates the atmosphere with positivity. If you’re in search of attractive and low-maintenance plants, then nothing beats the beauty of indoor succulents. These delightful additions not only bring visual appeal but also contribute to a serene and inviting ambiance.

Image courtesy of: BlackBoxGuild

What are Succulents?

Succulents, known for storing water in their leaves, often have thick foliage, though the thickness varies among species. They thrive in dry climates and dislike high humidity. Proper watering is key for growth and flowering, as they can withstand drought by using stored water and nutrients but may rot if overwatered. Most prefer warmth and can’t survive freezing temperatures, which can lead to damage or decay. While some tolerate freezing to an extent, they still prefer warmth. Changes in temperature, water, or sunlight can alter their color, with some “blushing” or changing hues in response to increased sunlight.

1. Jade Plant (crassula ovata)

Image courtesy of: klenova

Like a bonsai, the jade plant features a thick trunk and branch structure resembling a miniature tree. Its glossy, dark green leaves grow oval, with some varieties displaying a reddish tint at the leaf tips. Under suitable conditions, mature jade plants may bloom beautiful white or pink star-shaped flowers.

2. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis Miller)

Image courtesy of: Olivier_Le_Moal

Aloe vera is a must-have for anyone wanting a succulent in their garden, thanks to its rich history in traditional medicine, beauty, and nutrition. Even if you’re not into medicinal herbs, you can still benefit from aloe vera’s widespread availability. Plus, it’s low-maintenance—just avoid overwatering for a healthy plant.

3. Snake Plant (Dracaena Trifasciata)

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Snake Plants, classified as succulents, are adept at water retention despite their upright leaves. To prevent yellowing or wilting, refrain from overwatering and only hydrate them when the soil is dry.

4. Burro’s Tail (Sedum Morganianum)

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The donkey tail plant, also known as Sedum morganianum, is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for beginners. Being a cactus, it is easy to care for—just place it in a well-draining pot and water occasionally.

5. Zebra Plant (Fasciated Haworthia)

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The zebra plant looks beautiful with its striking white or silvery bands on lush green leaves. Its thick, fleshy foliage makes it highly adaptable to different conditions, making it an excellent choice for any environment. Just ensure it gets plenty of bright light, whether from a bulb or the sun, making it perfect for indoor gardens.

6. Whale’s Tongue Agave (Agave ovatifolia)

Image courtesy of: ClaireLuci

The striking appearance of the Whale’s Tongue Agave makes it an interesting addition to any garden. Make a note that it can grow to be up to five feet tall and six feet wide.

7. Zebra haworthia’s (Haworthia fasciata)

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Zebra haworthia, with its striking stripes and spiky foliage, may appear rare, but it’s readily available at garden centers and easy to care for. Just place it near a window for a few hours of bright, indirect light daily, and let the soil dry completely between waterings. It’s also perfect for terrariums or growing alongside other succulents because of its small size.

8. Panda Plant (Kalanchoe tomentosa)

By Agnieszka Kwiecień, Nova

Panda plants, native to Madagascar, have fuzzy gray-green leaves with soft, silvery hairs and brown or rust-colored spots at the tips. They grow slowly, reaching about 2 feet tall indoors. It is recommended to provide bright light near a window and allow the soil to dry between waterings, being careful not to wet the leaves to prevent rot.

9. African Milk Tree (Euphorbia trigona)

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This eye-catching succulent, requiring minimal attention, includes unique varieties like the Rubra with green and magenta hues. Care entails ample direct sunlight, light watering, and adaptability to various soils, but it’s toxic to pets.

10. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera)

Image courtesy of: Multipedia

This houseplant, aptly named for its winter blooming, especially around Christmas, thrives with regular watering and enjoys occasional misting during its growing season in the spring. It prefers bright, indirect light and well-draining cacti mix soil.

11. String of Pearls Green (Senecio Rowleyanus)

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The String of Pearls is a unique succulent with long, trailing stems adorned with small, pearl-like leaves. Its cascading growth makes it perfect for hanging baskets or as a trailing accent indoors or outdoors. Easy to care for, it requires bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.

12. Hens-and-Chicks (empervivum tectorum)

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Hens-and-chicks is well-known for its low maintenance and drought tolerance. The “hen” rosette is connected to its “chicks” via delicate roots, thriving in containers or rock gardens. Typically reaching 3 to 6 inches tall and 6 to 12 inches wide, it prefers bright light and well-draining soil, such as cacti or succulent mixes.

13. Echeveria

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Echeveria, with its striking rosettes resembling giant roses, thrives in containers or mixed with other succulents in the ground. It also does well indoors with sufficient bright light and prefers part to full sun exposure.

14. Angelina Stonecrop (Sedum Angelina)

Image courtesy of: Sugar Creek Gardens

The Angelina Stonecrop is an evergreen perennial featuring succulent foliage that creates a dense, low-growing mat. Thriving in rocky or gravelly terrain, it produces small yellow flowers during the summer months. As autumn approaches, its foliage transforms into a warm orange or rust hue.

15. String of Bananas (Senecio radicans)

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The trailing indoor succulent plant features long tendrils of small banana-like leaves, ideal for standalone or mixed plantings. Regular pruning encourages thick, lush growth. It thrives in filtered sunlight and should be watered when the soil is dry to the touch.

16. Ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata)

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The Ponytail palm, often mistaken for a palm tree but a succulent, is highly prized as one of the most appealing large houseplants. Its distinctive swollen stem base, resembling an elephant’s foot, has earned it the nickname “Elephant Foot Palm.” Thriving in sunny spots or bright indirect sunlight, it’s a low-maintenance plant that thrives on neglect, requiring infrequent watering.

17. Bear Paws (Cotyledon tomentosa)

Image courtesy of: Abu Shawka

The bear paw succulent, perfect for indoor gardens, features thick, fuzzy leaves with dark red margins resembling bear claws, and can grow up to 1 foot tall. To care for it, water when the topsoil is 1-2 inches dry and place it in an area with full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

18. Pinwheel Desert Rose (Aeonium arboreum)

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Also called Black Rose Tree Houseleek, this perennial succulent displays fleshy rosettes in solid colors or variegated hues of green, yellow, white, or red. It thrives in most light conditions, including partial shade, and should be watered when the top 1-2 inches of soil dry out.

19. Moon Cactus (Gymnocalycium mihanovichii)

Image courtesy of: kostiuchenko

This striking cactus features bright red, yellow, and orange round tops on a green rootstock. It thrives with a dry period before heavy watering. To ensure optimal growth, place the green rootstock near a bright, indirect, sunny window for plenty of sunlight. While some indirect light is beneficial, limit direct sunlight exposure to no more than 2 hours daily to prevent color fading.

20. Happy Bean (Peperomia ferreyrae)

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Also known as Pincushion Peperomia, this succulent features bushy, curved leaves and can reach up to 8 inches in height and spread. For best growth, place it in full sun to partial shade and water when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry.

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Top 20 Tips for Designing a Low-Maintenance Garden

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Who says that maintaining a beautifully landscaped garden demands extensive labor? Instead, contemplate these simple principles for crafting an easy-to-maintain outdoor haven that will bring you joy every time you step into it. This guide is designed to help you create a garden that needs little time for maintenance, freeing up more time for you to relish the space itself.

Designer: Austin Maynard Architects

1. Create a Plan

Image courtesy of: bialasiewicz

Plan for yard or lawn renovations, whether small or extensive. Research, sketch, and decide on plants, hardscapes, and furnishings to avoid later expenses and save time.

2. Craft an Outdoor Living Area

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Establish outdoor living spaces to expand your entertaining options during warm seasons, including dining areas, lounges, and seating arrangements around fire pits. Patios, decks, and terraces reduce the need for extensive planting areas and lawn maintenance. These gathering spots will encourage you to spend more time outdoors and appreciate the garden rather than constantly maintaining it.

3. Get Rid of the Grassy Area

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If you have a small garden, consider investing in tiled surfaces, paved areas, or decking. This will reduce the effort needed to maintain a well-kept lawn. By avoiding the use of a lawnmower, you can also explore permeable paving alternatives.

4. Invest in Large Pots

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When designing your garden, carefully plan the layout based on sunlight and water availability to determine the appropriate plant selections for each area. Larger pots are simpler to upkeep as they occupy space and demand less watering compared to smaller ones. Go for raised planters or cluster sizable pots if you lack soil, such as in grassy gardens.

5. Shape and Size of Plants

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Consider the sizes of the plants you choose and their placement within your garden; avoid overwhelming the space with excessively tall plants. Make sure that the smaller plants are not overshadowed by larger ones.

6. Choose the Best Area for the Kitchen Garden

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Most garden vegetables thrive in ample sunlight, while root vegetables and leafy greens benefit from some afternoon shade in hot weather. To prevent waterlogging, avoid low-lying or poorly draining areas, as well as sandy soils that drain too quickly, which can hinder plant growth.

7. Test the Soil

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Your soil’s condition is crucial for your garden’s health. Check its texture by squeezing a handful as it should crumble easily. Make a note that heavy, sticky soil suggests excess moisture. A soil test helps identify nutrient levels and pH. Low pH may require lime to raise it, while high pH may need other amendments. Address nutrient deficiencies with a balanced fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

8. Give Your Plants a Good Start

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Ensure your plants start strong by following planting tips on seed packets and plant tags, considering factors like weather and soil temperatures. Optimal planting times vary; some plants thrive in cool weather and can be planted early in spring, while warm-weather crops require higher soil temperatures and should be planted later. Proper spacing is crucial for growth; bushy varieties need room to spread while climbing plants can be planted closer together and trained upwards.

9. Opt for Climbers

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Climbers offer an ideal solution for expanding your growing area by utilizing walls, fences, or even trees. Examples of climbers include ivy and climbing hydrangea, which naturally adhere to surfaces. Before planting, consider painting or staining the surface for a low-maintenance yet visually striking appearance.

10. Use Mulch

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‘Mulching’ involves using materials such as bark chippings or gravel to cover soil around plants, reducing labor by inhibiting weed growth, minimizing watering needs, and preventing water evaporation. Remember, applying a dense 2-inch layer of mulch blocks soil sunlight, inhibits weed seed germination, and retains soil moisture.

11. Invest in Sturdy Plants

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Opt for easy planting by choosing hardy shrubs and evergreens, which are durable, long-lasting, and require less frequent replacement than deciduous plants, while also maintaining their attractive appearance year-round with minimal leaf shedding. Consider plants suited to your local climate to save time and money in the long term by placing them appropriately from the start, ensuring they thrive with minimal care. Additionally, it is highly recommended to grow ‘groundcover’ plants as they suppress weed growth.

12. Go for Raised Beds

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Raised beds offer an ideal solution for creating a low-maintenance small garden design, as they provide a tidy appearance, enhance drainage, minimize weed proliferation, and can be constructed at a convenient height, offering ease on the back by reducing the need for excessive bending.

13. Minimalist Garden

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Choose a modern, minimalist aesthetic over intricate, labor-intensive flower beds by selecting low-maintenance shrubs complemented by sleek hardscaping. Note that hardscape elements can be as diverse and captivating as plants, requiring minimal maintenance.

14. Stay Organized

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Efficiently arrange your tools to avoid spending more time searching for them than actually tending to the garden. Establish a suitable storage system, whether it be a garden shed or a dedicated cabinet for tools, ensuring easy access and tidy storage after use.

15. Consider a Zen Garden

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Zen gardens epitomize low-maintenance design, focusing on minimalism and tranquillity for meditation and relaxation with little upkeep. They feature raked gravel or sand instead of grass, offering serene patterns, while large rocks and stones serve as focal points, providing stability without maintenance. Sparse planting, with carefully selected plants like bamboo or Japanese maples, cultivates simplicity and calmness within the space.

16. Swap Hedge with Fence

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Replace hedges with fences for less maintenance. Well-kept hedges look good but need regular trimming, which can be time-consuming or costly. Installing a fence initially costs more but saves on upkeep in the long run, especially at the front of your property where it improves security and curb appeal.

17. A Simple Water Feature

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Maintaining sizable water features can be cumbersome and messy. If you desire a water element, opt for something easy to clean, such as a low-maintenance outdoor water fountain for the soothing sound of flowing water or a straightforward stone basin filled with water.

18. Look out for Pests

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Stay vigilant for pests as healthy plants are better equipped to withstand insects and their damage. Regularly inspect your garden for signs of infestation such as sticky residue, fruit holes, or damaged leaves. Identify the specific pests present to select the most suitable pesticide for effective control.

19. Install an Efficient Irrigation System

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Overhead watering with a hose or sprinklers encourages garden fungal diseases. To simplify and optimize watering, install a drip irrigation system. It delivers precise water amounts to the soil, minimizing waste and fungal risks. When choosing a system, prioritize timers but remain adaptable to weather changes for efficient watering.

20. Create Your Compost

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If you’re dedicated to cultivating numerous plants, having a quality compost heap is crucial. This allows you to recycle various waste materials like grass clippings, kitchen scraps, and more. Not only does this practice promote sustainability, but it’s also environmentally friendly. Despite the effort required to maintain a compost heap by turning it regularly for proper aeration and decomposition, there’s a convenient solution for rotating compost bins.

In conclusion, even individuals leading busy lives with limited time can achieve a low-maintenance garden with minimal effort by implementing these guidelines.

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Houseplant, vase, and microbiome work together to purify the air at home

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If you think pollution outdoors is already bad, you might be shocked to learn how bad the air we breathe indoors actually is. Although there’s no smoke from vehicles and other contaminants, there are still Volatile Organic Compounds or VOCs that pose just as much of a threat to our health. Air purifiers are en vogue these days, but these machines aren’t always the best solutions, especially if you consider sustainability and environment-friendliness. That said, nature’s own air purifying workers alone might not be enough to handle all those harmful toxins in our homes, so this creative houseplant product combines a normal but potent plant with engineered bacteria to offer a greener way to keep your air at home clean and safe.

Designer: Neoplants

Plants have always been Mother Nature’s hard-working air purifiers, but some plants are just better than others at doing that job. The Marble Queen Pothos plant, for example, is notable for being quite effective while still being suitable as a houseplant. It’s still not enough, though, considering how many VOCs there are in the air we breathe indoors, so science, specifically biotechnology, is ready to lend a helping hand. Or tiny microscopic hands in this case.

The Neo PX utilizes a bioengineered microbiome that contains the evolution of two bacteria specifically designed to break down pollutants such as Benzene, Toluene, and Xylene, collectively referred to as BTX, into substances like sugars and proteins that are beneficial to the growth of a plant. These bacteria are dried up and packaged as “Power Drops” that are dissolved in water and then poured into the soil of the house plant. Not only do these microorganisms help remove the VOCs from the air, they also transform them into nutrients for the Marble Queen Pothos plant growing from it.

Even the plant pot itself, the third part of the Neo PX system, is specially designed to facilitate this process. Unlike a typical pot, it has vents at the bottom and an internal structure that facilitates airflow, bringing the dirty air into the bacteria-enriched soil to enhance the plant’s root growth. It also incorporates a simple self-watering system so that you only need to refill the water reservoir once every three weeks during winter or once every two weeks in summer.

The best part of this system is that it doesn’t require any electricity or chemicals to function. The shell of the pot itself is made from eco-friendly PLA Flax derived from renewable and biodegradable materials. There are no fans for sucking up and blowing out air, so you don’t have to worry about charging anything or keeping it near a wall socket. Neo PX is definitely an interesting air purifying solution that also adds to the aesthetic of a room with its minimalist design and lush green foliage, keeping your air clean while also helping to keep the planet alive.

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Biophilic smart humidifier concept also functions as a plant pot

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It isn’t just outdoors that air quality can be a problem. The recent years have made us acutely aware that even indoors, the air we breathe isn’t always in its best state. Even disregarding pollutants, the air inside our houses or rooms can be bereft of moisture, leading not only to discomfort but also respiratory issues. That’s why not only air purifiers but also humidifiers have become so popular of late, though most of their designs leave a lot to be desired. Fortunately, there seems to be a wave of creativity washing over this market, producing designs that blend better into living spaces or push the boundaries of what an appliance can do, like this minimalist humidifier concept that also gives a home to nature’s own purifiers: plants.

Designer: NOI Creative Design Studio

There’s a reason why interior designers always recommend placing plants in living areas, and not just because they look good. They have the natural ability to clean the air around us, purifying and releasing just the right amount of moisture. Of course, just a few plants can no longer handle our poor air quality by themselves, and they’ll definitely need a little help to ensure the quality of life of the humans they’re living with. That’s the core concept of the ACQUAIR design, a smart humidifier and air purifier that tries to combine technology and nature in an aesthetic design.

ACQUAIR is actually two products in one, a smart humidifier and a pot for a single-stem plant. These two parts share the same water tank that both nourishes the plant and sprays moisturized mist to meet the required humidity in the air. The latter is determined using sensors, intelligently adjusting the mist depending on the temperature and amount of humidity already present. There’s very little human intervention needed other than refilling the tank once in a while.

With this system, both the plant and the smart appliance can work together to ensure the comfort and health of the people living inside the space. The small plant can utilize its own natural abilities to purify the air while also living on the same water used to humidify the air. It also serves an aesthetic value, displaying a symbol of life and health in a simple yet elegant pot. Unfortunately, the concept doesn’t go deep enough to detail the device’s features for helping keep the plant alive beyond just water. It definitely has room for improvement, like utilizing sensors to also monitor the health of the plant itself.

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Futuristic indoor pot concept turns your plant into a virtual pet

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We all know that plants are living things, but we also often just treat them as objects simply because they don’t behave like animals and humans. It’s almost hard for us to wrap our heads around the fact that the mostly stationary creatures in pots are alive until they show signs of withering and dying. We’d probably have a completely different attitude if those plants started to show expressions or visibly react to changes in the environment and human interaction. That’s the kind of paradigm shift that this smart plant pot concept is trying to develop by creating a holographic representation of the plant that makes you feel like you’re taking care of a pet instead of just a succulent.

Designers: Dingyu Xiao, Bouyan Pan, Jianshen Yuan, “me me” (Suosi Design)

Plants are like pets with very stoic personalities. They don’t immediately react to the way you take care of them but the effects reveal themselves sooner or later, whether they’re good or bad. The delayed feedback might sometimes make us also slow to respond, sometimes leading to a detached and impersonal relationship that could lead to the plant’s untimely demise. Of course, we could just use one of those smart, self-watering planters, but that widens the gap even further.

Planpet is a smart plant pot concept that tries to create a more personal connection between humans and plants by giving the plant a face and changing the way we see it. There’s a glass cube standing on one end of the box-shaped pot, right beside where the actual hole for the plant is. This cube isn’t just some extraneous embellishment, however, and is actually a holographic display that shows a miniature 3D representation of the plant with one big difference: it actually has an expressive face.

The idea is that the user will select a virtual character that best resembles the type of plant being put in the pot. But more than just a passive face, this virtual plant will change its facial expressions based on real-time soil and environment analysis. It will react when you give it enough light, when you water it, or even when forget to take care of it.

Planpet is pretty much like Tamagotchi for plants but with more significant consequences in the real world. Rather than waiting for the plant to dry up and die before you get a clue, seeing the expressions the “plant pet” makes gives more immediate feedback and warnings when things aren’t going well for the plant. It still won’t be able to dynamically respond to your actions or commands unless you add a pinch of AI, but just having a face that can express some emotions is enough to really make the plant feel more alive, driving home the responsibility of raising a plant just as you would a dog or a cat.

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Aesthetic air purifier concept also doubles as a stylish plant pot

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Recent events have made people more concerned about the quality of the air inside their homes, leading to a rise in interest and sales of air purifiers. These appliances, however, haven’t seen much design iteration in the past, which is why many of them look so dated and out of place in modern homes and interiors. Thankfully, that status quo has changed and a new trend is beginning that transforms these cold, impersonal devices into something that looks more at home in your home. Some disguise themselves as pieces of furniture or art objects, while this particular concept functions as a place to grow short plants and flowers, giving a splash of green as it keeps your indoor air green as well.

Designer: Sukchand Saren

In order to maximize airflow and performance, most air purifiers are tall, white boxes or cylinders placed in conspicuous locations, often at the center of a room. This often makes them an eyesore and an obstacle to movement, so some homeowners might end up just storing them away, allowing low-quality air to circulate and put themselves and their families at risk. There isn’t really a need to compromise between function and aesthetics, as this concept tries to prove by fusing air purification with botanical elegance.

FloraPur is technically two separate products designed as one. It is primarily an air purifier, of course, albeit one that is designed for smaller rooms or at least to work in tandem with other similar units spread across the space. Unclean air is sucked into the circular base where it passes through four purification levels, including HEPA, activated carbon, and UV light, before the clean air is blown out of the top half. Given the size of the device, it won’t be effective in large rooms so placing a few of these in strategic locations would be a better idea.

What makes FloraPur different from the majority of air purifiers is its focus on visual appeal without compromising functionality. In addition to this colorful powder-coated metal finish, the container that makes up the bulk of the purifier’s form serves as a convenient pot for growing plants and flowers indoors. The design combines two of the trends that rose during the pandemic, cleaning the air inside while adding natural beauty as well.

Granted, the design also has some shortcomings, not including how it would struggle to cover a very large room on its own. The connection between FloraPur’s two functions is completely superficial, with the plants playing no role in cleaning the air despite being nature’s own air purifiers. And despite having smart features that can monitor air quality around it, the device has no function to monitor the state of the plant growing inside it. The latter shouldn’t be too hard to implement with the right sensors and software algorithms, and a larger air purifier that can house more plants and use those plants to keep the air clean is also possible. All it takes is some creative thinking and ambition to breathe new life and fresh air into an old and tried appliance design.

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What is Permaculture? Exploring the Basics of Permaculture Gardening

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Permaculture gardening is deeply rooted in the principles of sustainability and aims to harmonize the growth of plants with the local environment. In 1978, Australian ecologist David Holmgren and environmental psychology professor Bill Mollison coined “permaculture” from “permanent agriculture,” later expanding its meaning to include “permanent culture.” Permaculture gardening primarily emphasizes the gradual enhancement of soil quality with nutrients, aiming to continually revitalize the earth while nurturing plant health. Its core ethics include prioritizing care for the Earth, for people, and ensuring equitable sharing, returning any surplus.

Designer: Robert Hutchison Architecture and Javier Sanchez Arquitectos

What is the primary goal of Permaculture?

Permaculture advocates aligning with nature, emphasizing mindful actions to avoid widespread negative impacts. It stresses preserving and restoring natural systems and settlements, highlighting their irreplaceable value. The goal is to achieve objectives with minimal environmental disruption.

What is Permaculture farming?

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Permaculture farming means growing crops in a way that takes care of itself and the environment. It learns from nature and creates farming systems where different crops help each other grow. This way of farming is diverse, strong, and lasts a long time, just like nature does.

What are the benefits of creating a Permaculture Garden?

The benefits of creating a Permaculture Garden includes:

Protects Natural Resources

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We can optimize natural resources by harvesting wild medicinal plants, growing anti-pollutant plants for indoor air quality, and strategically planting trees for summer shade. It’s essential to minimize waste and promote material reuse.

Avoid Tilling the Soil

In permaculture, it’s preferred to avoid tilling vegetable garden soil. Instead, natural insect processes, aided by mulch, are encouraged, as tillers or cultivators can harm underground insect populations.

Promotes Biodiversity

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Unlike conventional agriculture, permaculture embraces nature, drawing inspiration from its diversity and working in harmony with it to derive benefits.

Connects Humans with Nature

Permaculture links humans with nature, fostering harmony by working in tandem with natural processes. This approach to gardening can deeply affect our spiritual well-being.

Low Maintenance

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Permaculture gardening offers low-maintenance benefits, making it ideal for those with limited time or less gardening experience.

Avoids Use of Pesticides

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Permaculture avoids all pesticides and insecticides, organic or not, to protect biodiversity, relying on natural self-regulation and abstaining from herbicides and chemical fertilizers. Gardeners may accept some crop loss to pests rather than resorting to chemicals.

Saves Space

Producing ample yields in a confined space reduces the need for more area, allowing for extra activities. An essential element of permaculture gardening is maximizing space efficiency. Permaculture gardens vary in size, but in limited spaces, employing strategies to uphold permaculture principles is key. For instance, consider cultivating plants vertically using trellises or similar structures.

Supports Local Wildlife

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Permaculture’s ethics and practices naturally draw wildlife to outdoor spaces. Follow permaculture guidelines to turn your backyard into a flourishing haven for birds, pollinating insects, and other creatures. Tips include avoiding pesticides, using vegetation to attract specific animals, hanging bird feeders, keeping dead logs and leaf litter, and planting trees and shrubs for wildlife shelter.

However, there are a few downsides to permaculture gardening. It can initially be more expensive to implement its practices. Although, the upfront costs are usually justified by long-term benefits. Some may find the initial workload overwhelming, despite its eventual rewards. Moreover, there may be concerns about potential odors from composting, managing a garden that utilizes all resources, and dealing with pests and bacteria without pesticides.

How to design a Permaculture Garden?

Use these tips to create your own Permaculture Garden:

Know your Surroundings

Get to know your environment by familiarizing yourself with the native flora, fauna, and predators in your area, while also noting the sunny and shady spots in your garden. Identify any unique features that could be advantageous for your permaculture garden.

Choose Your Plants Wisely

Select plants suited to your local conditions, researching which species thrive annually and perennially. Utilize companion planting to attract beneficial insects, deter pests, and enrich soil naturally. Opt for butterfly-attracting flowers, pest-repelling herbs for fruit trees, and nitrogen-fixing green manure crops to gradually enhance soil fertility. Opt for edible crops like fruits, veggies, herbs, seeds, and fruit trees, as they provide sustenance with minimal resource use.

Design the Garden

Once you’re familiar with your surroundings and the existing plant life, you can better design your garden. Consider light, water sources, and landscape when situating plants. Utilize plant stacking for efficient space use, with ground cover herbs, shrubs, and trees organized accordingly.

Create Garden Beds

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Build raised beds, ideal for permaculture gardening as they preserve soil nutrients without tilling, placed six to 12 inches above ground. Alternatively, use sheet mulching, and layering compostable materials over grass to build soil without disturbing tillage.

Plant the Permaculture Garden

Plant your permaculture garden, prioritizing taller plants to offer shade for sun-sensitive ones. Group together plants with similar water and sunlight requirements for optimal growth.

Add Mulch

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Use organic mulch on topsoil instead of chemical weed killers in line with permaculture principles. Apply it after planting to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture. Options include leaves, newspaper, straw, wood chips, shredded bark, and grass clippings.

Add Compost

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Add compost without disturbing the soil, favoring natural options over chemical fertilizers. Utilize materials like manure, kitchen scraps, earthworm castings, and worm tea to enrich the soil with organic matter and beneficial microbes.

Efficient Water Irrigation System

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Use a sustainable watering system, minimizing water consumption for optimal garden health. Choose a low-waste drip irrigation method to directly hydrate soil and collect rain runoff from roof gutters for recycling into your watering system.

What is the difference between Permaculture and Organic Farming?

Organic Farming

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Organic farming, initiated in the 1940s, is denoted by the term “organic,” indicating products grown or raised without synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics, and growth regulators, spurred by J. I. Rodale.

Permaculture Farming

In the 1970s, Bill Mollison and David Holmgren introduced permaculture design, an agricultural system mirroring nature and addressing human needs like food, shelter, and energy consumption.

Here is how Permaculture differs from Organic Farming

• The primary difference between organic farming and permaculture is their approach to sustainable practices. Permaculture centers on preserving natural resources and conserving the planet, ensuring current needs are met without compromising those of future generations.
• Permaculture prioritizes energy conservation by locally growing and selling food, minimizing carbon footprints, while organic-labeled produce is often transported globally.
• In organic farming, the focus is on eliminating chemical residue from the food supply while protecting pollinators, while in permaculture, it’s environmental protection, ultimately benefiting humans.
• Permaculture farming promotes zero waste through recycling and reusable packaging, while organic food often uses disposable containers, contributing to landfill waste.
• Permaculture emphasizes integrated design, where each element serves multiple functions, contrasting with organic farming’s focus on a limited range of commodities. For example, chickens in permaculture not only provide eggs but also help control pests, fertilize the soil, and contribute to soil aeration.

In conclusion, permaculture yields numerous benefits: waste reduction, efficient resource utilization, and pollution prevention. It fosters ethical land management, enhancing both homeowners’ lives and ecosystems. Moreover, permaculture paves the way for sustainable systems that safeguard habitats for humans, animals, and plants, ensuring a healthy planet for the future.

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This Chair Allows Plants to Grow On it And Puts Nature Before Human Needs

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Notice that cool abstract design on the chair? It’s not just some fabric, it’s real plants! 3 design students from the University of Gothenburg in Sweden changed the narrative of chairs for humans. Why do chairs always have to be used for us to come sit on them? We’re all taught that plants are living beings right? What if these living things could practically bring furniture to life? This chair is a unique piece of furniture that prioritizes plant life over human occupants by allowing them to grow on it.

Designers: Alice Hultqvist, Emelie Sjöberg and Linnea Nilsson

The Chia-Chair is different from regular chairs. Instead of cushions or upholstery, the chair has a seat and backrest that are composed of a knitted, knotted tube that doubles as a planting bed for chia seeds. The idea is to let the plants be the main users of the chair, and humans are just visitors. The designers emphasize that humans should approach it with respect, recognizing that it’s a living thing.

Hultqvist, Sjöberg, and Nilsson, all students in the MA Design program at HDK-Valand, the University of Gothenburg’s art and design academy, showcased their creations at the Making Transparency exhibition. This event, hosted in the student-focused Greenhouse section of the Stockholm Furniture Fair, explored posthumanist design principles.

The inspiration behind the Chia-Chair arose from the designers’ contemplation of humanity’s negative impact on the planet. They acknowledged that throughout the last century, humans have prioritized their needs at the expense of nature and wildlife, leading to severe consequences. The Chia-Chair, therefore, serves as a symbolic gesture, aiming to redress the balance by placing the plant at the forefront and demanding reciprocity from its human users.

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Constructed with an ash wood frame and a wool sock filled with polyester stuffing as the cushion, the Chia-Chair offers a distinctive aesthetic. The chia seeds, mixed with water, were planted in the knitted structure, and the designers diligently watered them twice daily. To maintain optimal growing conditions, a plastic cover was placed over the chair overnight to retain moisture.

While the Chia-Chair may be more of a statement piece than a functional item, the designers foresee a future where greenery becomes integral to our living spaces. In an era of increasing urbanization that disconnects people from nature, incorporating natural elements into furniture and homes is seen as a natural progression.

The Chia-Chair serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humans and nature. By prioritizing plant life over human comfort, the designers challenge us to reconsider our impact on the environment and encourage a more harmonious coexistence with the natural world.

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Plant-inspired desk accessories bring a sense of calm to your work life

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There are plenty of tips and pieces of advice on how to decrease stress levels at work, particularly on your desk. Keep your workspace clean and tidy, put objects and pictures that inspire, and add green plants that remind you to take breaks and live. The latter, however, isn’t always possible in all environments, and some might not be too keen on the added responsibility of keeping that plant alive, even if it’s a succulent. That’s not to say you have to give up the benefits of having some green on your desk, especially not with this collection of accessory concept designs that try to bring life to your work by taking inspiration from Nature’s miracle workers.

Designers: Gahnghyun Yi, Jiwon Lee, Chaeyeon Ha

Plants have long been a source of inspiration for creators of all disciplines, including scientists, engineers, architects, and, of course, designers. The natural beauty these silent creatures possess is surprisingly not that easy to recreate, but we can easily distill the essence of their forms and translate them into designs that hold meaning in our lives. These desk accessories, for example, try to nudge your mind to think about real greenery, eliciting the same emotions of peacefulness, calm, and relaxation that a plant would bring if it were actually standing on your desk.

It’s not a literal imitation, of course; just an interpretation of the basic forms and shapes that plants possess. The Greenery Pencil Holder, for example, is a cylinder with a curved plate partially wrapped around it at an angle, almost like a bamboo stem with a leaf growing out of it. This “leaf” actually functions as a container as well, creating two spaces to place your pens, pencils, and other long stationery tools.

The Greenery Clock is a bit more abstract in comparison, with a stem that curves upward and a leaf that droops down from the top, forming a minimalist digital clock. There is actually a second leaf that’s less visible since it’s lying flat on the desk, creating a space to put small items on. The latter design is repeated in the Greenery Tray with two horizontal “leaves” providing the same flat container. What makes it different, other than the lack of a clock, are the elongated “stems” that act as a hook for hanging key rings and other items.

The Greenery Cable Holder is admittedly a bit of a stretch to imagine as leaves growing on a leaf vein. After all, it’s just a set of circles with cutouts for inserting a cable. One side of the circle is flat, allowing the cable holder to be stuck on desks or walls. With this set, you can add some green hues to your desk without sacrificing space, deriving both utility and aesthetic from simple designs, thanks to some inspiration from Mother Nature.

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