Well-being & indoor air
Practical guide
In an apartment or an urban office, plants provide visual breathing space and contribute to everyday comfort. Without replacing ventilation, they trap dust, slightly humidify the air, and improve the atmosphere. This guide helps you choose the simplest species, place them in the right spot, and care for them to fully enjoy their benefits.
1. Why do we talk about “pollutant-removing plants”?
The term comes from research showing certain plants’ ability to interact with ambient air: leaves capture dust, stomata exchange gases, and the root–substrate microbiota couple can degrade some compounds. In real apartment life, it’s mostly about improving ambiance: a room with plants visually breathes better, people tend to air out more, and local humidity stabilizes slightly.
In other words, a well-thought-out urban jungle becomes a wellness ritual as much as a gesture for indoor air.
To remember
Plants complement daily airing and reducing pollution sources (fresh paint, solvents, sprays, scented candles), they do not replace them.
2. What they do (and what they don’t do)
Understanding their effects helps make choices adapted to your space:
- Dust capture: large leaves (Ficus elastica, Spathiphyllum) act as natural “nets”; regular dusting multiplies the effect.
- Light humidification: through transpiration, useful during heating periods when the air is too dry.
- Psychological effect: reduced perceived stress, better concentration, visually “softer” temperature.
Limits
A plant does not “filter” an entire apartment. For a noticeable effect: multiply green points (3–5 plants per room), air out 10 minutes morning and evening, and avoid unnecessary pollutant sources.
3. Top 10 easy ones for healthier air
Verdeia Selection — robust, decorative pots and suited for urban interiors:
- Spathiphyllum (Peace lily) — bright interior without direct sun; white bracts, broad foliage that holds dust well.
- Chlorophytum (Spider plant) — tolerant, perfect hanging near an east or bright north-facing window.
- Sansevieria (Dracaena trifasciata) — graphic, tolerates forgotten watering; ideal for bedrooms and offices.
- Epipremnum aureum (Pothos) — fast growing, trailing; works wonderfully on shelves, windowsills, storage ladders.
- Scindapsus pictus — satin leaves, sophisticated look; prefers soft and consistent light.
- Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ — XL version, creates a “freshness island” in the living room.
- Ficus elastica — glossy leaves, generous volume; a classic for living rooms.
- Areca (Dypsis lutescens) — bright palm (without burning sun); brings movement and light shade.
- Aglaonema — decorative foliage, tolerates bright partial shade; perfect in entrance or bright hallway.
- Hedera helix (Ivy) — in bright and airy interiors; monitor substrate moisture.
Pro tip
Combine 1 upright plant (Ficus, Sansevieria) + 1 trailing plant (Pothos, Scindapsus) + 1 large-leaf plant (Spathiphyllum): you increase the leaf surface without visually saturating.
4. Place them well in your interior
The right location is half the work. Think “soft light + air circulation + plant safety.”
- East / bright north windows: perfect spots for most of the above species, without burning.
- Entrance & hallway: create a “green thread” with 2–3 plants to guide the eye and refresh the atmosphere.
- Open shelves: trailing plants break hard lines and soften the space.
- Dry rooms (heating): add a tray of moist clay decorative pots near tropical plants.
Visual rhythm
Repeat the same decorative pots finish in 2–3 sizes (e.g. matte sand stoneware). The eye glides, the space seems more orderly.
5. Watering & maintenance to maximize effects
Clean leaves and controlled humidity make all the difference.
- Dusting 2×/month with a slightly damp microfiber cloth (top/underside of leaves).
- Watering: a thorough watering followed by complete drainage; let the surface dry between waterings depending on the species.
- Rotation: a quarter turn each month to keep a uniform silhouette.
- Repotting every 12–18 months or top dressing (2 cm of fresh soil) in between.
- Fertilizer light during growth period (spring/summer), pause in winter.
Substrate mix
A draining soil (universal soil + perlite or clay balls) limits excess water and supports good root aeration.
6. Decorative pots & materials: enhance without cluttering
The decorative pot sets the mood as much as the plant. In an urban context, aim for textured sobriety.
- Terracotta, stoneware, stone: matte, they absorb light and enhance the green.
- Reliefs (striated, veined, hammered): gently capture light without drawing all the attention.
- Palette: sand, clay, anthracite — easy to harmonize with the materials of an urban dwelling.
Living room: large formats on the floor + small reminder on the coffee table. Kitchen: pendants + compact decorative pot away from the stove. Office: simple container, calm proportions.
7. Small spaces & offices
In 20–35 m², verticality becomes your playground.
- Wall shelves: alternating books and foliage for a “living library.”
- Wood/metal ladder: 3–4 light decorative pots, trailing on top, upright below.
- Deep window / sill: mini jungle with Pothos, Chlorophytum, small Sansevieria.
- Office: Sansevieria + Spathiphyllum duo = calming atmosphere without invading the workspace.
8. Common mistakes to avoid
- Sprays & scented candles under the leaves: heat + volatile compounds ≠ plant allies.
- Watering “small frequent doses”: favors a watering–drainage cycle, then rest.
- Neglected exposure: even the “easy” ones require a bright interior.
- Near radiators / leaking windows: edge drying, unnecessary stress.
9. Mini-plans room by room
Bright living room
Ficus elastica (on the floor) + Areca (bright corner) + Scindapsus on a shelf. Warm indirect supplementary lighting; monthly dusting.
Bedroom
Sansevieria near the window + Chlorophytum hanging. Calm atmosphere, spaced watering, no scented diffuser nearby.
Ventilated kitchen
Pothos placed high (away from vapors) + Aglaonema on a console. Open the window after cooking, not during.
Office
Spathiphyllum 1–2 m from a window + small Sansevieria on the shelf. Clean lines, simple maintenance.
10. Practical needs table
| Species | Ideal light | Watering | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spathiphyllum | Bright interior without direct sunlight | Regular, slightly cool substrate | Dusting + light misting |
| Chlorophytum | Soft to bright light | Moderate, let the surface dry | Very tolerant |
| Sansevieria | Bright to partial shade | Low, drain well | Ultra easy |
| Pothos (Epipremnum) | Soft light | Moderate, avoid excess | Regular sizes |
| Scindapsus | Soft light | Moderate | Foliage to dust |
| Ficus elastica | Indirect bright light | Moderate, let the surface dry | Leaves to polish |
| Areca | Bright, without harsh sunlight | Regular, gentle atmosphere | Enjoys ambient humidity |
| Aglaonema | Bright partial shade | Moderate | Avoid direct sunlight |
| Hedera helix | Bright and airy interior | Regular, do not soak | Stake if needed |
| Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’ | Bright without direct sunlight | Regular, ambient humidity | Frequent cleaning of large leaves |
Verdeia pro tip
Group 3–5 plants per area: more leaf surface, more visual impact, and slightly softer local humidity.
11. Express checklists
Monthly routine
- Dust leaves (top/bottom) with a microfiber cloth.
- Check the drainage and empty the saucers after watering.
- Turn each pot a quarter turn.
- Top-dress plants in old pots (2 cm of fresh potting soil).
At installation
- Place them less than 2 m from a light source.
- Avoid radiators and cold drafts.
- Add a source of warm indirect lighting in the evening.
Mini-FAQ
Is a single plant enough to purify a room?
No. Better to have several well-placed plants + daily ventilation + reduction of pollutant sources.
Can I put them in the bedroom?
Yes. Sansevieria, Chlorophytum, Scindapsus are reliable, quiet, and easy.
Should I mist?
Optional. Prefer a tray of moist clay balls near tropicals to avoid excess water on the foliage.
What if I go away for the weekend?
Water deeply, drain well, keep away from heat sources. The “easy” ones can last a few days without worry.
To go further
Our selection of easy plants that improve indoor ambiance, accompanied by textured decorative pots suited for small urban spaces.
A healthy interior is built through small habits: light, ventilation, simple maintenance — and a well-placed touch of green.
