As we are living in the age of houseplants, many gardeners and homeowners look for easy-to-maintain plants that clean the air efficiently. And this is where the cactus comes in!
Decontaminating plants, like cacti, are perfect for improving domestic air quality and are a wonderful option due to numerous reasons.
Although the purpose of having plants is to add aesthetics to the house, the purification factor is also crucial!
But have you ever wondered if those adorable miniature cacti on your windowsill are more than just decorative additions to your home?
Or, do mini cacti clean the air quality around you?
Yes, cacti do purify the air. Depending on the size and number of plants you have, they will clean the air where it is planted through the process of metabolic decomposition and photosynthesis.
To help you determine whether cactus fall into that category or not, I’m here with a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about it.
Can Cactus Purify Air? A Comprehensive Overview
Of course, Yes!
Cactus provides the key to well-ventilated, clean air.
It absorbs carbon dioxide and releases oxygen, and is super powerful in eliminating pollution from the air. Not just that, but it is high in reducing harmful radiation, too.
Having mini cacti at home comes with multiple physical and emotional benefits!
More productivity, increased mood, better air quality, and whatnot — it serves you in the best way possible. Yeah, that’s right!
Nowadays, having this kind of houseplant has even become a trend, and almost everyone wants to have one.
It is not only used as a decoration, but cactus in the house also redirect the negative energy from the surroundings.
Some mini-cactus types that can effectively clean the air are:
Besides, you can add a number of other plants to enhance the process of purification.
Besides, you can add a number of other plants to enhance the process of purification.
How many Cactus plants do you need in a room to clean air?
This is another crucial point that plays a vital role in cleaning the air.
Typically, the number of plants you require varies according to the size of the plants and the room.
On average, I would recommend having at least 2 normal-sized plants of cacti for a hundred square feet of indoor space.
Just remember this general rule: the bigger the plant, the more functional the air purification is!
This way, it will filter out maximum radiation particles from the air.
Highest Oxygen-Producing Cactus For Cleaning The Air
Almost every kind of cactus produces a handsome amount of oxygen. Anyhow, some plants do this task more nicely than others, just as some cacti that tolerate low light conditions.
Let’s see those bright candidates we have on our list:
Known as Astrophytum Ornate, this plant has a very unique spherical shape.
Having layers of tough spines and deep grooves, it grabs the attention of every individual who gets to see it.
With the passage of time, you’ll also notice a mold-like, white mist covering its outside. This happens because of its defense mechanism, which protects it from direct sunlight.
If you’re a busy person, and often forget to take care of your plant, this is absolutely for you.
With simple steps, like watering it enough and providing it sunbathe, you can leave the rest on it.
Barrel Cactus, also referred to as Frierce Cactus comes in three colors – green, yellow, and orange.
It contains a very rigid outer spine to protect the crunchy, sweet edible body inside. If you grow it at favorable conditions, it can grow up to almost 10 feet.
The cherry on top, it is suitable for both indoor and outdoor places!
In addition, it needs some water and enough sunlight to grow smoothly.
Also called Opuntia Albispinus, Angel Wings Cactus belongs to the prickly pear family that comes in green and yellow colors.
This tree’s characteristic appearance is the overlapping branches or pads. Furthermore, this Mexican plant can easily reach heights of around 5 feet.
Angel Wings need full sunlight and a basic amount of moisture to grow.
This category stands out from the crowd with its super attractive appearance.
Consisting of small feathers and balls of thorns, it looks really pretty when placed on the balcony.
But wait—things don’t end here! You’ll be amazed to see the bright red roses at the top of this plant, which look no less than a crown.
Water it just once a month, and place it in sufficient sunlight.
Last but not least, Saguaro Cactus is a beautiful plant characterized by its nice, spherical structure with stiff spines.
It generally comes in yellow and white color with green in the center.
A great advantage of having this plant is that you can also grow it in pots, without worrying too much about the potting soil going bad.
Plus, its lifespan can be up to many decades. However, it needs so much attention from the owner.
Therefore, consider this plant only when you’re ready to take proper care of it.
Water them every ten days & provide them with enough light all day long!
Is It Bad To Have Cactus In The House?
To some extent, yes!
Keeping the Cactus in the wrong area, like your bedroom or living room, can be harmful.
Instead of making your mood fresh, it’ll bring stress and anxiety. It is also believed that it disturbs your sleep and peace, unlike other plants.
On the contrary, placing them outdoors can do wonders for you.
Therefore, they should be kept in the gardens, or outside the house – so that their bad energy doesn’t bother the inner environment.
Keeping them on the window and terrace can also be a great idea!
Final Thoughts
Cactus plants take time to grow, but it is undoubtedly hard to kill and can be a great addition to your houseplant collection.
If you’re a health-conscious person and care about your house environment, you should definitely consider having a cacti plant — thanks to its purifying ability.
Ultimately, it produces an abundance of oxygen and detoxes the air effectively!
The best part? You don’t even need to take proper care of them. Just pay attention to their fertilizing, watering, and place them in adequate light!