Areca Palm- Know About Lesser Known Natural Humidifier

The benefits drawn from plants are countless. From providing the basic necessities to human civilization like food, clothing, and housing – plants are also responsible for clean and clear air. A clean, clear, and disease-free atmosphere is what the world needs in today’s time. Because the level of pollution has paralyzed most of the health of the planet. Pollution is one of the most challenging situations that the world is facing currently. Especially, the third world countries, where industrialization is merging with urbanization – the ramifications are worst. India is one of the highly polluted countries in the world. The latest pollution reports shared by the World Health Organization suggest that 11 out of the 12 most polluted cities are in India.

In this challenging situation, only air purifying plants can bring a transformation. All plants are air-purifying in nature by default. But still, there are certain plants whose primary work is not to provide flowers and fruits but to eliminate harmful toxins from the air. Areca Palm is one such plants that is endowed with amazing qualities to transform the highly polluted atmosphere.

The scientific name of Areca Palm Plant is Dypsis lutescens. The other names given to this plant are- golden cane palm, yellow palm, and butterfly palm. It belongs to the Arecaceae family that is native to Madagascar and South India. Generally, this plant grows to 6-12 meter in height and multiple stems emerge from the base and the leaves curve upwards thus giving it a butterfly kind of look.

Lesser Known Facts About Areca Palm Plants

1. As per NASA, Areca Palm is one of the best air purifying plants. 50 plants were put on a test to know their ability to filter the atmosphere, ease of care, and ability to add moisture to the surrounding atmosphere. Areca Palm was ranked first in that test and thus it is the best houseplant for cleaning the air at home and office premises.

2. Areca Palm Plant removes the harmful toluene and xylene more than any other plant. Toluene is one of the notorious "toxic trio" (that also includes formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate) which is known to be very dangerous to human health. It is generally present in nail polishes, glues, nail polish removers, correction fluids, and paint thinners. Xylene is a solvent that is used in the printing, rubber, and leather industries. Thus, all the rubber and leather objects used at home or office releases xylene.

3. The transpiration rates of plants play a significant role in removing both airborne chemicals and microbes. Areca Palm has the highest transpiration rates among plants As per Bill Wolverton, the acclaimed NASA scientist, Areca Palm releases "copious amounts of moisture into the air". One 6 feet palm can transpire up to 1 quart (946.35 ml) of water every 24 hours.

4. Areca Palm is grown as an ornamental and indoor plant in tropics and sub-tropics.

5. It has received the prestigious Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

6. NASA also says Areca Palm is the best plant for the child's bedroom. That will promote great health and induce better sleep.

7. Another Areca Palm benefit is that as per ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), this plant is non-toxic to cats and dogs if swallowed.