Hi, Lykkers! We all want to breathe clean, fresh air, especially inside our homes, where we spend so much of our time. But did you know that certain indoor plants can help purify the air around us? One plant in particular stands out for its impressive air-cleaning abilities - the humble orange tree.
That's right! The same orange tree that produces those bright, vitamin C-packed citrus fruits we all know and love can also clear the air of harmful pollutants and toxins. It's like having a tiny green air purifier that bears delicious fruit!
Let's take a closer look at how this fantastic botanical friend can improve your indoor air quality.
How Orange Trees Clean Indoor Air
The secret lies in the orange tree's leaves. Like many plants, orange trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis. But their leaves also contain compounds called terpenes that actively help remove nasty volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
VOCs like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene are gases emitted from common household items like furniture, electronics, cleaning products, and even dried wood. Exposure to high levels of these invisible chemicals can cause headaches, nausea, and respiratory problems, and it has even been linked to some cancers.
Luckily, the terpenes in orange tree leaves act like a sponge to soak up these VOCs through the leaves' pores. The compounds are then broken down into other harmless molecules by microorganisms living around the plant's roots.
A NASA study found that orange trees were able to remove up to 94% of trichloroethylene from sealed chambers. Another study showed they decreased overall VOC levels by over 50% in 24 hours! Pretty impressive for such a small, leafy tree.
Besides VOCs, orange trees are also known to absorb other common indoor pollutants like carbon monoxide, xylene, ammonia, airborne microbes, and mold spores. Their leaves make your living spaces healthier with every breath you take.
Caring for Your Indoor Orange Tree
Of course, to get all those air-purifying benefits, you need to give your indoor orange tree the proper care it needs to thrive. Here are some basic tips:
(1) Light: Orange trees require lots of bright, direct sunlight for at least 6–8 hours per day. Position them near a large and sunny window.
(2) Water: Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waterings, then water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom. Oranges don't like soggy soil.
(3) Temperature: Oranges prefer warmer temperatures between 65 and 80°F during the day and a bit cooler (55 to 65°F) at night.
(4) Humidity: Aim for 50–60% relative humidity, using a humidifier if needed. Misting the leaves can help.
(5) Fertilizer: Feed every 6–8 weeks during the spring and summer with a balanced fertilizer or compost.
(6) Pruning: Prune off any dead or damaged growth in spring before the growing season kicks in.
With the proper environment and regular care, a happy, healthy orange tree can filter contaminants from your indoor air for 5–10 years or more! Just be sure to pick a dwarf or semi-dwarf variety that stays under 6–8 feet tall for indoor growing.
The Perfect Greens for Clean Air
From their lovely fragrant flowers and fruit to their air-detoxifying superpowers, orange trees make excellent houseplants that clean and freshen the air you breathe. Add in their beauty, and you've got an all-natural, low-maintenance biofilter that gives you cleaner, safer air.
So, Lykkers, if you're looking to improve your indoor air quality and you've got a nice sunny window, an orange tree might just be the perfect natural solution. Let this magnificent botanical friend be your eco-friendly air purifier, with a sweet, citrusy twist!
