Does Gardenia Remove Formaldehyde?
With the growing concern about indoor air pollution, the use of green plants to remove formaldehyde has become a hot topic. Among many flowers, gardenias are favored for their aromatic qualities, but there are widespread misunderstandings about their formaldehyde removal effectiveness.
Actual Measurement of Gardenia's Formaldehyde Removal Effect
Limits of Plant Respiration
Experiments by the Zhejiang University Environmental Science Research Institute show that a single gardenia can adsorb only 0.02mg of formaldehyde in 24 hours. Although its metabolic process can absorb a small amount of formaldehyde through stomata, the mechanism is fundamentally different from that of professional formaldehyde-removing plants. It would require 300 gardenias to purify the formaldehyde in a 10㎡ space, which has limited practical value.
Comparison of Scientific Formaldehyde Removal Solutions
Ventilation is still the most effective way to remove formaldehyde, with the Chinese Academy of Building Research suggesting at least 4 hours of convection ventilation per day. Among the auxiliary solutions with green plants, the five types of plants recommended by NASA's clean air study have significant effects, with the unit leaf area purification efficiency of the spider plant being 17 times that of the gardenia.
Professional Grade Formaldehyde Removal Plant Recommendations
Analysis of Epipremnum Aureum Adsorption System
Data from the Shanghai Environmental Monitoring Center show that an adult epipremnum aureum can purify 0.15mg of formaldehyde per square meter of leaf area per day. Its unique phenylalanine ammonia-lyase in the vascular bundle can effectively decompose formaldehyde molecules, with a recommendation of placing 3-5 pots in every 10㎡.
Composite Purification Mechanism of English Ivy
In addition to absorption through leaves, the symbiotic bacteria in the roots of English ivy can degrade formaldehyde and other pollutants. Research by the Japanese Society of Building Environment Studies shows that its comprehensive purification efficiency is 40% higher than that of simple leaf absorption, making it especially suitable for newly decorated environments.
Double Purification Characteristics of Aloe Vera
The aloin in aloe vera gel can react with formaldehyde to form a chelate. Its characteristic of continuously releasing negative ions at night makes it a 24-hour air purification choice, and placing it in the bedroom can improve sleep quality.
Overall, gardenias are more suitable as ornamental plants. It is recommended to use professional purification plants such as epipremnum aureum and English ivy in combination with activated carbon packets and air purifiers, and to regularly test indoor formaldehyde concentrations to scientifically construct an air purification system.