Flowers do a lot to improve our moods and brighten up the appearance of a home or office, but did you know that they can also help improve your indoor air quality? If you needed an excuse to splurge on bouquets and centerpieces, here it is!

While flowers and houseplants might not have the effects of, say an industrial-strength HEPA filter, they can and do contribute to improving your air quality. Since we’re all spending a lot more time indoors lately, why not indulge in some flowers that will improve your indoor air quality in San Francisco, CA?

How indoor plants and flowers eliminate pollutants

In the late 1980s, NASA conducted a study of indoor plants and found that they could help improve indoor air quality simply by being in the room. Indoor air quality can be quite toxic, particularly if you live or work in a space without good ventilation. However, certain plants take in toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and expel oxygen, effectively “scrubbing” the air of these harmful chemicals.

Formaldehyde is just one of these chemicals—it is common in upholstery and linens, and can cause your air passages and lungs to swell. If you have house pets, you might be exposed to ammonia, which causes irritation of your eyes and throat. Other common indoor chemicals include xylene, benzene and trichloroethylene, all of which can cause dizziness, nausea, confusion and other awful side effects.

Soil microorganisms in potted plants also contribute to this air purifying effect. According to the NASA study, the bigger the leaves, the more surface area they have to help eliminate the volatile organic compounds, which has a positive effect on our air quality.

However, this research is fairly limited, and there’s nothing to suggest that plants and flowers can completely clean your air, but they can have such positive effects on your overall psyche that it’s another great reason to indulge.

Which plants, and how many do you need?

Certain plants and flowers have more air-cleaning capabilities than others. Peace lilies, while not suitable for pet owners, are a classic choice and often given out on holidays. Chrysanthemums are a classic florist’s favorite, come in a wide variety of colors and do a wonderful job of eliminating toxic chemicals from the air. The flamingo lily, which looks like brightly-colored calla lilies, is another great (and hardy) choice for indoor air purification and cheer. Finally, gerbera daisies, which are sought after for their almost neon colors and bold shape, are yet another flower that works well to improve your indoor air quality.

If you’re not in the mood for flowers, why not try some of the best indoor air purifying plants? Golden pothos, snake plants and philodendron are some of the easiest plants to keep indoors, and are good for improving the air. You should have at least one plant per 100 square feet of indoor space.

Need flowers and plants to improve your indoor air quality in San Francisco, CA? The Delicate Daisy – House of Flowers has you covered. Call today to get started designing your arrangement.