We spend a lot of time indoors: at home, the office, or enclosed spaces, but the air we breathe there isn't always clean. NASA has confirmed that a very common plant can help us improve air quality and protect us from respiratory diseases. Do you want to know which one it is? It's Epipremnum aureum, better known as pothos.
What is pothos and why is it so popular?
Pothos is a very popular and easily recognizable houseplant. Its leaves are heart-shaped and have a bright green color that brings life to any space. Native to Southeast Asia, this plant can grow by climbing or hanging, adapting well to different environments.
The best part is that it doesn't require much care: little light, little watering, and it hardly ever suffers from pests. That's why it's the favorite for those who don't have much experience with plants or are looking for something hardy and decorative.
How pothos improves the air we breathe
Beyond its beauty, pothos has an unbelievable function: filtering the air from toxic substances. According to NASA research, this plant can remove up to 73% of harmful compounds such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. These substances are found in common products, like paints, furniture, or cleaning products.
These pollutants not only dirty the air, but they can also seriously affect our respiratory health, causing allergies, irritations, and increasing the risk of diseases. Having a pothos at home or the office helps reduce those risks naturally.
Precautions if you have pets at home
Although pothos is ideal for improving the air, it's not safe for everyone. This plant contains crystals that can be toxic to dogs and cats if they chew or ingest them. Symptoms may include irritation, vomiting, and trouble breathing.
If you have pets and want to enjoy its benefits, the recommendation is to place the plant in high or hanging spots where they can't reach it. It's also important to watch their behavior during the first few days, since they're usually curious about new plants.
A small gesture with big benefits
We live in a world where pollution increasingly affects our health. That's why keeping the air quality we breathe at home is essential. Even though it may seem like a small detail, having a pothos is a simple and accessible step to improve your environment.
You don't need complicated devices or chemical products to have cleaner air. Just a plant that, besides decorating, takes care of your health and your family's. So, if you're looking for a natural way to protect your lungs, pothos is an excellent option.