Plants That Absorb Radiation This [2021]

Table of Contents

Top 17 Anti Radiation Plants This [2021]

anti radiation plantRadiation can be a scary topic – the word alone instantly summons up gruesome notions of death and destruction from an invisible and unstoppable force. The earth has always had its share of radiation, but technology and industrial development has increased the amount of interactions we have with it.

When you think of radiation, you imagine nuclear radiation like the example of Chernobyl, leading to complications like cancer. Radiation is present in much more tame levels all around us. But despite the strong images and sentiments the subject of radiation can elicit, we as a society have a surprisingly vague understanding of what exactly radiation is, how much control we have over it, some plants that absorb radiation

This article deals with the different methods you can employ around you to help you block out EMF radiation and solar UV-B Radiation. The spectral properties of visible light and other types of electromagnetic waves are also mentioned in this article.

Radiation is All Around Us – And Plants May Be Able to Help

Radiation is all around us and flows through everything. There has been a lot of talk about the possible effects of radiation and ways to mitigate it. It could lead to long term health problems that might require complicated treatment.

Some believe that plants might be the answer – if true, it could be a great natural solution. Your approach and strategies toward this issue and the situations could help you in the long run.

What Exactly is Radiation?

Radiation is a very broad term that describes an invisible electromagnetic energy wave. These waves are produced when electrons – the smallest part of an atom – move around and generate energy. Ultraviolet radiation and infrared radiation are all examples of this.

The waves can travel at different speeds, all of which make up the electromagnetic spectrum. You’ve probably seen a picture of the electromagnetic spectrum before; it includes microwaves, radio waves, infrared and ultraviolet light (UV-B radiation, i.e. the cause of sunburn), x-rays, and gamma rays (think, The Hulk).

It also includes a very, very small section of “visible wavelengths”, or in other words, all the colors we can see. The electrical systems around us all emit a certain level of radiation in every direction around them. Not all electromagnetic radiation from the sun reaches the surface of the earth, as we already know from the functions of the ozone layer.

Both humans and plants can “absorb” all of these, but there are some theories that certain plants can actually retain certain types of radiation, leaving less in the general environment. The basis for these theories is based on comprehensive studies and a review of radiation with and without plants in the vicinity.

The next few sections in this article will talk about the factors that affect the presence of electromagnetic radiation, the effects of these waves, and which responses and measures you can take to combat these effects.

How Do Plants Help with Radiation?

You might have heard of EMFs, or electromagnetic fields – basically just another term for the radiation we described above. Plants have a specific response to UV and other types of radiation.

The two main categories of radiation, or EMFs, are ionizing (or high-frequency EMFs) and non-ionizing (or low-frequency EMFs). They both have different kinds of effects on the human body. 

Ionizing radiation/high-frequency EMFs includes some UV light, X-rays, and Gamma rays. These waves have the potential to damage your cells and the DNA inside them.

The good news about ionizing radiation is that, aside from the rays of the sun, you are unlikely to encounter it often enough in your daily life for it to have any impact on your health. Plants can absorb some of this ionizing radiation – sunlight for example. Plants use their photoreceptors to use light for photosynthesis, but they have other perks as well, like protecting you from radiation exposure.

Individual leaves convert solar radiation into sugars and food, so it may not be completely out of the realm of possibility to think that they can do something similar with other types of radiation. Trees add another layer of protection too – their leaves can help block ultraviolet radiation, among other wavelengths of light, as it penetrates the atmosphere. This incident radiation is a blend of different wavelengths.

They convert it into sugars and food, so it may not be completely out of the realm of possibility to think that they can do something similar with other types of radiation. Trees add another layer of protection too – their leaves can help block ultraviolet radiation as it penetrates the atmosphere.

Non-ionizing radiation/low-frequency EMFs are a type of radiation that comprise the other 2/3 of the electromagnetic spectrum. There are both manmade and natural sources of low-frequency EMFs, including the radio waves, Wi-Fi, and the Earth’s own magnetic field.

Within the low-frequency EMF range is another subcategory called the extremely low-frequency EMFs, or ELF-EMFs. These radiation levels are generated from things like power lines and electrical appliances.

This is the radiation that has some people concerned. Some speculate that certain terrestrial plants – particularly succulents and cacti – can absorb some extremely low-frequency EMF emissions along with visible light.

Plants That Absorb Radiation

Aside from the wide range of obvious benefits of adding green to your space, engaging in processes that keep you and your family safe, and increasing the oxygen levels, a lot of these leaf tissues also happen to be easy to care for. They do well indoors and in smaller pots, making them ideal for office spaces and desks – right where they’re needed!

Here is a list of 7 plants thought to help reduce the ELF-EMFs in your environment because of their UV-B absorption properties:

IMAGE PRODUCT  
EDITOR’S CHOICE 1. The Betel Leaf Plant

  • Hand-selected
  • The easiest house plants
  • Diy home decor
  • Unique gifts 
  • RUNNER UP
Check Price
RUNNER UP 2. Cacti and Succulents

  • Hand-selected
  • The easiest house plants
  • Diy home decor
  • Healthy live arrival guaranteed 
Check Price
3. The Snake or Airplane Plant

  • Easy care!
  • Light
  • Ships in grower pot
  • Enjoy living home décor Check 
Check Price
4. The Aloe Vera Plant

  • Health guarantee
  • Included (3) mature aloe vera plants
  • Fertilize aloe plants once a month
  • Water your aloe vera every 2-4 weeks 
Check Price
5. The Spider Plant

  • Health guarantee
  • Included (1) curly spider plant
  • There is no specific fertilizer
  • Watering: Keep soil evenly moist
Check Price
6. The Stone Lotus Flower

  • Stone lotus seeds
  • Ech runyonii san carlos
  • Tam flower seeds more meat
  • Lotus seeds
Check Price
7. The Narcissus Plant

  • Each mix is unique
  • Provide the bright cheery spring colors
  • Narcissus are easy to grow in well-drained soil
  • Known to be deer resistant!
Check Price
8. Cacti and Succulent Plants

  • Easy to care for
  • Thrive best under direct sunlight
  • Can be easily used on a table because of small size and no water drainage
  • Comes in a variety of sizes
Check Price
9. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

  • Needs very little watering
  • Very easy care
  • Leaves have striking appearance
Check Price
10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

  • Beautiful plants
  • Easy to care for
  • Better indoor air quality
Check Price
11. Betel Leaf Plant (Piper betle)

  • Very nice, lush plant
  • Rather easy to care for
  • Grows vigorously
Check Price
12. Stone Lotus Flower (Echeveria spp.)

  • Unique appearance
  • Easy to propagate for more
  • Bright, multicolored flowers
Check Price
13. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

  • Smells great
    Easy to care for
    Easy to propagate
Check Price
14. Ivy (Hadera helix)

  • Grows quickly
  • Likes shade
  • Cleans your air
Check Price
15. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

  • Conversation piece
  • Adds to the décor of any room
  • Grows well indoors
Check Price
16. Aloe vera

  • Easy to care for
  • Cleans your air
  • Medicinal gel bonus
Check Price
17. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

  • Great conversation piece (plant?)
  • Does well indoors out of the sun
  • Will grow to a large plant in no time
Check Price

1. The Betel Leaf Plant

Common particularly in parts of South Asia, the betel leaf is a vine plant whose concentrated extract has shown promise in protecting DNA from harmful radiation like nuclear radiation. It is a wonderful plant to have in your home for this reason.

Researchers and scientists in India conducted a study that found that betel protects the DNA from solar UV radiation by lowering the amount of breakage and thereby making it an effective plant in reducing the amount of damage to the DNA.

~LALOT~ Piper Sarmentosum WILD BETEL LEAF Culinary SPICE Thai Live Potted Plant

  • six plants between 6 and 10” tall

2. Cacti and Succulents

Cacti and succulents have become increasingly popular because they’re cute and very simple to take care of. As it turns out, a cactus plant is not just aesthetically pleasing and easy to maintain but it has other benefits as well.

A cactus plant or succulents are hardy plants that thrive in almost any environment. Researchers at NASA discovered that these plants are great for absorbing certain types of EMF radiation.

A cactus plant won’t necessarily be as helpful in radiation absorption from your computer since EMF radiation emits in a straight line. But it is quite a beneficial plant for protection against the radioactive properties of longwave radiation. The range of radiation can be different for different gadgets around your house as well. For example, cell phone radiation won’t be the same as computer radiation or UV-B radiation.

However, they are great for absorbing radiation that could be ricocheting around your room or being emitted from nearby cell towers. Just setting them up on a table can help reduce the radiation field in your house. The radiation-absorbing properties of these plants can make your study table both safer and better looking.

  • HAND SELECTED: Every pack of succulents we send is hand-picked. You will receive a unique collection of species that are FULLY ROOTED IN 2 INCH POTS, which will be similar to the product photos (see photo 2 for scale). Healthy leaves and plant tissue will be guaranteed with your choice of plant. Note that we rotate our nursery stock often, so the exact species we send changes every week.
  • THE EASIEST HOUSE PLANTS: A pleasant rubber plant or a trendy cactus plant can be much more appealing than artificial plastic or fake faux plants because of its unnatural surface, and care is a cinch. If you think you can’t keep houseplants alive, you’re wrong; our succulents don’t require fertilizer and can be planted in a decorative pot of your choice within seconds.
  • DIY HOME DECOR: The possibilities are only limited by your imagination; display them in a plant holder, a wall mount, a geometric glass vase, or even in a live wreath. Because of the amazingly low care requirements of these green plants, they can even make the perfect desk centerpiece for your office.
  • UNIQUE GIFTS: Everyone loves receiving succulents as a gift, from children to grandma and grandpa. Our succulents are sure to please as a wedding gift, a gift for mom or dad, or a gift for a favorite teacher.
  • HEALTHY LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEED: Your succulents will arrive alive and healthy. Each order comes with the Plants For Pets 30-day guarantee, and our promise to you that you’ll love your new plants or receive a full refund.
Sale
Succulents Plants Live (6PK) Potted Succulent Plants Live House Plants, Cactus Plants Live Plants Indoor Plants Live Houseplants, Indoor Plant Succulents Live Plant House Plant by Plants for Pets
27,472 Reviews
Succulents Plants Live (6PK) Potted Succulent Plants Live House Plants, Cactus Plants Live Plants Indoor Plants Live Houseplants, Indoor Plant Succulents Live Plant House Plant by Plants for Pets
  • HAND SELECTED: Every pack of succulents we send is hand-picked. You will receive a unique collection of species that are FULLY ROOTED IN 2 INCH POTS, which will be similar to the product photos (see photo 2 for scale). Note that we rotate our nursery stock often, so the exact species we send changes every week.
  • THE EASIEST HOUSE PLANTS: More appealing than artificial plastic or fake faux plants, and care is a cinch. If you think you can't keep houseplants alive, you're wrong; our succulents don't require fertilizer and can be planted in a decorative pot of your choice within seconds.
  • DIY HOME DECOR: The possibilities are only limited by your imagination; display them in a plant holder, a wall mount, a geometric glass vase, or even in a live wreath. Because of their amazingly low care requirements, they can even make the perfect desk centerpiece for your office.
  • UNIQUE GIFTS: Everyone loves receiving succulents as a gift, from children to grandma and grandpa. Our succulents are sure to please as a wedding gift, a gift for mom or dad, or a gift for a favorite teacher.
  • HEALTHY LIVE ARRIVAL GUARANTEED: In the event that you receive damaged or unsatisfactory plants, contact Amazon customer service within 30 days if you would like to receive a refund rather than a quick replacement

3. The Snake or Airplane Plant

It’s fortunate that Sansevieria or the “snake” or “airplane” plant is frequently seen adorning office spaces because they are great for absorbing EMF radiation from computers. The responses in plants from these sources is wildly different, and not every plant can absorb the levels of radiation from computers.

You might see these indoor plants in large pots where they can flourish and grow tall, but they can also be put in smaller pots for the desk.

  • EASY CARE! Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, water once a week, allow water to drain. Never allow the soil to become saturated.
  • LIGHT: Tolerates low, medium and bright light. Can grow in any room in your home, or office.
  • SHIPS IN GROWER POT: Ships planted, fully-grown, in an 8.75-inch black growers pot. Change the look by inserting the grower pot into a decorator basket or planter. These lush plants are grown by the horticultural experts at Costa Farms.
  • ENJOY LIVING HOME DÉCOR: Adds life and design to your home, porch, or office. Height at shipping ranges from 24 to 33in tall – measured from bottom of pot to top of plant. Keep this plant for yourself or give it as a gift!
  • REAP HEALTH BENEFITS: Studies show having plants in your home improves your mood, sparks your creativity and reduces stress.
Costa Farms Snake Plant, Sansevieria laurentii, Live Indoor Plant, 2 to 3-Feet Tall, Ships in Grow Pot, Fresh From Our Farm, Excellent Gift
11,187 Reviews
Costa Farms Snake Plant, Sansevieria laurentii, Live Indoor Plant, 2 to 3-Feet Tall, Ships in Grow Pot, Fresh From Our Farm, Excellent Gift
  • EASY CARE! Water when top inch of soil feels dry, water once a week, allow water to drain. Never allow the soil to become saturated.
  • LIGHT: Tolerates low, medium and bright light. Can grow in any room in your home, or office.
  • SHIPS IN GROWER POT: Ships planted, fully-grown, in an 8.75-inch black growers pot. Change the look by inserting the grower pot into a decorator basket or planter. These lush plants are grown by the horticultural experts at Costa Farms.
  • ENJOY LIVING HOME DÉCOR: Adds life and design to your home, porch, or office. Height at shipping ranges from 24 to 33in tall – measured from bottom of pot to top of plant. Keep this plant for yourself or give as a gift!
  • REAP HEALTH BENEFITS: Studies show having plants in your home improves your mood, sparks your creativity and reduces stress.

4. The Aloe Vera Plant

Succulents such as Aloe Vera are already known for their robust growth in austere environments as well as their healing properties, along with their radioprotective properties.

Aloe is a well-known remedy for sunburns caused by ultraviolet radiation, so it may not be too much of a stretch to suggest it has other radiation-curing uses.

  • INCLUDED IN PURCHASE | (3) Mature Aloe Vera plants. Each plant may vary from pictures shown as plants are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness.
  • WATERING NEEDS | Water your Aloe vera every 2-4 weeks. Don’t over water. If Aloe begins to smell, then it’s rotting. Dark, transparent spots or crimping at the base of the leaves are also signs of too much water.
  • FERTILIZING NEEDS | Fertilize Aloe plants once a month from Spring until late Autumn.
  • SOIL | SUN | POTTING | Needs bright light – do best in south- or west-facing windows. Needs soil that drains, so regular potting soil or dirt won’t do. Choose cactus soil or mix potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite.
  • CUSTOMER ASSURANCE | We strive to provide the highest quality plants delivered. If plants arrive damaged or unhealthy, we will issue a full refund or replace your plant.
Shop Succulents | Aloe Vera Collection of Live Plants, Hand Selected Variety Pack of Mature Aloe Vera | Collection of 3
741 Reviews
Shop Succulents | Aloe Vera Collection of Live Plants, Hand Selected Variety Pack of Mature Aloe Vera | Collection of 3
  • INCLUDED IN PURCHASE | (3) Mature Aloe Vera plants. Each plant may vary from pictures shown as plants are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness.
  • WATERING NEEDS | Water your Aloe vera every 2-4 weeks. Don't over water. If Aloe begins to smell, then it’s rotting. Dark, transparent spots or crimping at the base of the leaves are also signs of too much water.
  • FERTILIZING NEEDS | Fertilize Aloe plants once a month from Spring until late Autumn.
  • SOIL | SUN | POTTING | Needs bright light - do best in south- or west-facing windows. Needs soil that drains, so regular potting soil or dirt won’t do. Choose cactus soil or mix potting soil with sand, pumice, or perlite.
  • CUSTOMER ASSURANCE | We strive to provide the highest quality plants delivered. If plants arrive damaged or unhealthy, we will issue a full refund or replace your plant.

5. The Spider Plant

Most commonly known as the “spider plant,” Chlorophytum Comosum already has been shown to absorb large quantities of pollution and cleanse a space of toxic gases.

Spider plants are able to metabolize noxious gases such as Aldehyde formic acid and convert them into ammonia and sugar.

In addition to pollution, spider plants are also believed to be effective at absorbing radiation from computers.

  • INCLUDED IN PURCHASE | (1) Curly Spider Plant in 4″ Pot. Each plant may vary from pictures shown as succulents are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness.
  • WATERING | Water when soil is dry. Keep soil evenly moist – not dry, but not too wet. Keep your spider plant somewhat dryer over the winter and only give more water in the spring.
  • FERTILIZING NEEDS | Fertilize sparingly as over fertilization can cause tips to brown. There is no specific fertilizer for spider plants. Any all-purpose fertilizer for houseplants is acceptable.
  • SUN | SOIL | POTTING | Thrives in bright, warm spots indoors (65-77 degrees Fahrenheit) but preferably out of direct sunlight and preferably not below 50 degrees.
  • Warranty | We strive to provide the highest quality plants delivered. 30-day Health Guarantee. If plants arrive damaged or unhealthy, we will issue a full refund or replace your plant.
Shop Succulents | 'Bonnie' Curly Spider Plant, Naturally Air Purifying House Plant in 4' Pot, Easy Care, Live Indoor House Plant
322 Reviews
Shop Succulents | 'Bonnie' Curly Spider Plant, Naturally Air Purifying House Plant in 4" Pot, Easy Care, Live Indoor House Plant
  • INCLUDED IN PURCHASE | (1) Curly Spider Plant in 4" Pot. Each plant may vary from pictures shown as succulents are hand selected based on season, size, health, and readiness.
  • WATERING | Water when soil is dry. Keep soil evenly moist - not dry, but not too wet. Keep your spider plant somewhat dryer over the winter and only give more water in the spring.
  • FERTILIZING NEEDS | Fertilize sparingly as over fertilization can cause tips to brown. There is no specific fertilizer for spider plants. Any all-purpose fertilizer for houseplants is acceptable.
  • SUN | SOIL | POTTING | Thrives in bright warm spot indoors (65-77 degrees Fahrenheit) but preferably out of direct sunlight and preferably not below 50 degrees.
  • Warranty | We strive to provide the highest quality plants delivered. 30-day Health Guarantee. If plants arrive damaged or unhealthy, we will issue a full refund or replace your plant.

6. The Stone Lotus Flower

This is the perfect desk plant – it’s small, adorable, and a great producer of essential oils as well a powerful air purifier.

Its air purifying properties are why many people also believe it is effective for absorbing active radiation in the air, whether from ambient radiation bouncing off your walls or the type being emitted by computers and other electromagnetic radiation from devices.

  • Stone Lotus Seeds Ech Runyonii San CarlosTam Flower Seeds More Meat, Lotus Seeds
Stone Lotus Seeds Ech Runyonii San CarlosTam Flower Seeds More Meat, Lotus Seeds
  • Stone Lotus Seeds Ech Runyonii San CarlosTam Flower Seeds More Meat, Lotus Seeds

7. The Narcissus Plant

Aptly named for its beautiful flowers, the Narcissus is also very efficient at converting ionizing UV radiation into plant food. This means you get the best of both worlds with a beautiful decoration that also promotes greater health.

  • Each mix is unique and promises to provide the bright cheery spring colors everyone loves so much!
  • Narcissus are easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and are well known to be deer resistant!
  • 12″-16″ Tall
  • Zone 2-10
  • Plant in the fall or early winter for spring flowers!
50 Daffodil Mixture - Narcissus Large Cupped Giant Mixture
819 Reviews
50 Daffodil Mixture - Narcissus Large Cupped Giant Mixture
  • Each mix is unique and promises to provide the bright cheery spring colors everyone loves so much!
  • Narcissus are easy to grow in well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade and are well known to be deer resistant!
  • 12"-16" Tall
  • Zone 2-10
  • Plant in the fall or early winter for spring flowers!

Additional Plants

8. Cacti and Succulent Plants

Product Highlights

Cacti and succulent plants (those with fleshy leaves) are great additions to your home. They require little care and provide a nice contrast with your living room furnishings (plus, the pets will leave the cacti alone, but be careful with the succulents as with any houseplant around the cat or dog).

Both types of plants have a slow-growing structure and there are a variety of forms to choose from for an interesting display. Besides this, they will reduce the role of UV radiation in your household.

To keep your cacti and succulents healthy, use a soil that is compatible with them (either good soil from arid areas or mixes can be purchased at your local nursery), and use a misting bottle to wet the soil about every two weeks (weekly during the summer months).

Cacti and succulents need bright light, so place them in a location where they can receive direct sunlight. Do not overwater these plants or you will drown the roots and rot will set in, cutting the plants off from soil water and causing them to die off. These factors are extremely important for taking care of plants like cacti.

Features

  • Thorns or waxy leaves
  • A variety of shapes (barrel, tall, bushy)
  • Only needs fertilizer in summer
  • Care level: easy

What We Like About Cacti and Succulent Plants

The source for cacti and succulents we identified provides healthy plants that are well-rooted. There are no reports of customers receiving damaged plants, as they are packaged thoroughly.

What We Don’t Like About Cacti and Succulent Plants

There are some reports that plants do not survive shipping and is likely the result of careless carriers who do not heed the “fragile” label. Some customers were forced to re-pot upon receipt and a portion of the plants were unsalvageable.

PROS

  • Easy to care for
  • Interesting variety of plant colors and shapes
  • Thrive best under direct sunlight
  • Comes in a variety of sizes and shapes

CONS

  • Some shipping problems resulting in product damage

9. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Product Highlights

Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata, a common synonym for Dracaena trifasciata) is a tall plant with ribbon-like, lanceolate leaves that at first may strike you as being made of plastic due to the shiny, waxy coating on the leaf surface. Sansevieria is called a snake plant because the leaves present with a wavy, striped pattern that resembles snakeskin.

Leaf edges are yellow and the leaf tips terminate in a dark spike, so be careful when handling this plant. It is for this latter reason that the plant is also known as mother-in-law’s tongue (because it is sharp, no offense to mothers-in-law, it’s just a name).

Sansevieria is one of the plants included in the 1989 NASA study and noted for its ability to remove VOCs from the air, improving your indoor air quality. The plant grows best during the winter months (its natural range is Africa and southern Asia).

The plant tends to bloom at the end of winter and produces blooms on either a simple or a branched raceme that are any color from a green-white to rose-colored. Care of Sansevieria is extremely easy and this plant is highly recommended for those with a brown thumb who just cannot seem to keep anything alive.

Use a soil mix containing a generous portion of sand and a pot with drainage holes, since the plant is very prone to rot if left in saturated soil. Water the plants lightly once a week during winter and monthly during all the other months (also, remove the drain tray and pour out the excess water after watering).

Features

  • Grows tall, does not broaden when potted
  • Grows mainly in winter
  • Very easy care (allow soil to dry completely between waterings)
  • Tolerant of a range of light conditions (direct sun to shade; indirect sun is best)

What We Like About Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

Sansevieria is a plant well-favored not only for its striking appearance, but also for the almost complete lack of care required to grow it. This is a very popular plant to brighten any apartment or office.

Considering its demonstrated abilities to absorb a variety of indoor pollutants, Sansevieria is a must-have for living indoor décor, air quality, and if properly placed, lightweight EMF mitigation.

What We Don’t Like About Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata)

There are some reports of customers receiving plants with brown spot fungus. Usually, this is the result of excessive exposure to moisture, which may have resulted from improper or damaged packaging.

PROS

  • Needs very little watering
  • Very easy care
  • Leaves have striking appearance

CONS

  • Some plants received with fungal disease

10. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Product Highlights

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum, also known as airplane plant, ribbon plant, or hen and chickens) is another plant that is a good choice for those with a brown thumb. The plant requires very little care and is quite hardy, similar in needs to the snake plant reviewed above.

Chlorophytum is a bushy plant with long, lanceolate, thin green leaves with off-white margins. It is called the spider plant because it produces young plants at the end of branches.

If you choose to place spider plants in a hanging pot, these branches will become numerous and form a bush-like cluster of younger plants below the pot. Spider plants do bloom and produce pale white flowers at the ends of long branches (which can reach up to 75 cm in length), which eventually become young plants.

Natives to southern Africa, spider plants grow best in well-drained sail containing substantial amounts of sand. The plants should be well watered (about every two weeks), but allow the soil to dry out almost completely between waterings.

Spider plant is also one of the plant species in the NASA study and has a noted ability to absorb harmful, volatile chemicals from the air and will improve indoor air quality.

Features

  • Bush-like
  • Easy to propagate
  • Needs little watering

What We Like About Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants from the source linked above tend to arrive quickly to the customer. There are no reports of unhealthy plants upon receipt. The seller seems to take great care in packaging them properly for shipping

What We Don’t Like About Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

There are some reports of customers receiving dead plants due to increased shipping time. This resulted in mold in the soil.

Make sure to examine the shipping method and estimated delivery times before ordering.

PROS

  • Beautiful plants
  • Easy to care for
  • Better indoor air quality

CONS

  • Shipping delays produce soil mold, dead plants

11. Betel Leaf Plant (Piper betle)

Product Highlights

The betel leaf plant (Piper betle) is a broadleaf bush-like plant with dark, waxy, heart-shaped leaves with red or purple stems and is widely cultivated across India and southeast Asia for its use in ayurvedic medicine and cultural use as a stimulant chewed in a mix with other herbs and nuts (paan). Betel leaf plants are best grown in warm conditions and do not tolerate cold temperatures well.

Growth and care of betel leaf plants are very easy and the plant thrives well in indirect or partial sunlight. Its growth is vigorous and can be cultivated as ground cover, as a low bush, or will readily climb any plant support provided.

Betel leaf plants grow best in sandy soils that are slightly damp and acidic. Fertilizing Piper betle is also easy, as it requires no additions of chemical fertilizers; simple animal manure additions will provide all the nutrients it requires, though you may not choose to add these materials if the plant is being grown indoors.

Water the plant as you would any subtropical plant that requires moist soil, but do not overwater or root rot will set in. The use of self-watering plant spikes is recommended and these can be purchased at any nursery shop.

Features

  • Broadleaf
  • Climber
  • Requires moderate watering
  • Lush foliage

What We Like About Betel Leaf Plant (Piper betle)

Betel plants from this supplier all arrived in healthy condition and were easy to transplant to new containers.

What We Don’t Like About Betel Leaf Plant (Piper betle)

Some customers have complained that this variety of betel leaf plant is not for paan, however we assume you will not be purchasing these plants to chew on them.

PROS

  • Very nice, lush plant
  • Rather easy to care for
  • Grows vigorously
  • Chemical fertilizers are not needed for plant care

CONS

  • Only for beatification and cannot be eaten as paan

12. Stone Lotus Flower (Echeveria spp.)

Product Highlights

The stone lotus (Echeveria spp.) is a plant from arid semi-desert areas of central and northern South America and is a member of the Crassulaceae (these plants use a highly-modified version of carbon fixation for photosynthesis known as crassulacean acid metabolism or CAM). They are pale turquoise to lavender-colored fleshy succulents that occasionally flower, but also spread by vegetative propagation.

Flowers appear on an erect cyme and are typically rose in color to the leaves, however many hybrids with brilliant flowers of other colors (yellow, orange, purple) have been developed. Due to its vegetative propagation behavior, stone lotus flower is also known as hen and chicks.

Although stone lotus is drought-resistant, they do thrive better with regular, deep watering and occasional additions of fertilizer. Be sure to purchase fertilizer that is suited for cacti and succulent plants.

Be aware, the source of the stone lotus flower erroneously lists the plant as belonging to the genus Lithops rather than Echeveria. A second source which includes other succulents as well can be found here.

Features

  • Unique appearance
  • Beautiful turquoise color
  • Bright flowers
  • Drought-tolerant

What We Like About Stone Lotus Flower (Echeveria spp.)

Stone lotus are easy plants to grow as long as they are not overwatered, which can lead to root rot. If you find that leaves are loose and fall off easily, this is a strong sign of overwatering.

What We Don’t Like About Stone Lotus Flower (Echeveria spp.)

Requires some attention and care. Browned or dying leaves should be removed regularly before fungal growth begins or you could lose your plants.

PROS

  • Unique appearance
  • Beautiful turquoise and other colors
  • Easy to propagate for more
  • Bright, multicolored flowers

CONS

  • Requires regular watering and pruning
  • If brown leaves are not removed increases chances of fungal growth

13. Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

Product Highlights

There are several species of plants that are called asparagus fern (not a true fern), the most common found in nurseries is the foxtail fern, Asparagus densiflorus. Asparagus ferns are very delicate perennial plants that produce dense, spiny mats of fronds that superficially resemble feathers.

Asparagus ferns grow best in sandy, well-drained soils as found in their native South Africa and are best cultivated in pots or other containers as they tend to spread and will take over the space of other plants. In many areas of the world, asparagus fern is regarded as an invasive plant for this very reason.

The plant propagates by production of rhizomes and roots with pale tubers, from which new plants are produced. Asparagus densiflorus produces small white or pale pink bell-shaped flowers with orange anthers at the apex of the stems.

Asparagus ferns should have indirect sunlight or shade and prefer humid conditions, so they need to be watered often. Make sure the soil never dries out for best growth results and fertilize weekly during the summer months.

Features

  • Delicate foliage
  • Fluffy appearance
  • Easy to grow indoors
  • Appealing fragrance

What We Like About Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

Asparagus fern has a lush, appealing appearance and makes for a great houseplant. It is rather easy to care for as long as the plant is watered consistently and kept in a warm, but shady location.

Asparagus ferns, especially when in bloom, have a wonderful smell that some have likened to a tropical drink or a pina colada.

What We Don’t Like About Asparagus Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)

As noted above, asparagus ferns can take over space from other plants, so they should not be co-planted in a pot with other species. In addition, the plant is considered an invasive species in some locations and may not be available for sale.

PROS

  • Looks abundant and beautiful
  • Smells great
  • Easy to care for
  • Easy to propagate

CONS

  • Can run over other plants if in the same container

14. Ivy (Hadera helix)

Product Highlights

Hadera helix or common ivy (also known as English ivy) is another plant that is attractive and easy to care for. Ivy is native to mixed woodlands in England and prefers shade, which makes it a great indoor plant.

Ivy leaves are basically triangular and medium green with variegated yellow margins that make for an interesting and aesthetically-appealing presentation. Hadera helix has also been documented to be one of the most efficient absorbers of VOCs (particularly volatilized benzene), so this plant will make a definite positive impact on the indoor air quality of your home of office.

Ivy should be watered regularly, provided you have well-drained soil (like a sandy loam), and prefers semi-dry soil moisture conditions. Use of a self-watering plant spike is recommended.

If you find that water is left standing on the soil surface after watering, dump off the water and repot the plant to a larger container.

Features

  • Striking appearance (green and yellow)
  • Easy propagation through root cuttings
  • Grows out of the pot to form a cascade of leaves
  • Big impact on indoor air quality

What We Like About Ivy (Hadera helix)

Plants from the supplier linked above arrive healthy and adapt quickly to new conditions. The plants overgrow their pots eventually producing an appealing cascade of leaves that provides a sense of green fullness to any room.

What We Don’t Like About Ivy (Hadera helix)

Some customers with questions about their ivy have complained that customer service representatives are not helpful and, on occasion, rude. Some shipping delays have resulted in customers receiving dead plants.

PROS

  • Easy to care for
  • Grows quickly
  • Likes shade
  • Cleans your air

CONS

  • Customer service problems reported

15. Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Product Highlights

Areca palms (Dypsis lutescens, also known by their synonym Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) are flowering palms native to Madagascar and other islands in the Indian Ocean. They can grow to be rather tall (6-12 m, when mature) and have fronds of medium green, pinnate leaves presenting with up to a hundred leaflets.

As a houseplant, areca palms require periodic pruning and Dypsis lutescens is the one of the only palms that tolerate this well and does not sustain damage. Areca palms require bright, indirect sunlight, so placing them near a window where they can receive light reflected off of walls is an ideal location.

Placing the palm in direct sun will cause burning and yellowing of leaves. This particular plant requires some attention, such as supplements of fertilizer in the spring and occasional repotting (every two to three years) when the plants become too large for their container.

Areca palms require a sandy loam soil and regular watering to keep soil moist, specifically in the spring and summer months during peak growth. Soil should be allowed to become slightly dry between waterings to prevent root rot in the winter months.

Roots of areca palm are very brittle, so great care must be taken when transplanting to a new pot to prevent stunting. Use of a burlap sheet to enclose the root mass and soil when transplanting is recommended.

Features

  • Grows to be a tall plant when mature
  • Excellent at indoor air purification
  • Has great room presence
  • Moderately easy to care for

What We Like About Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Excellent accent plant for the corner of any room. Plants arrive from the seller above healthy and grow vigorously.

What We Don’t Like About Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens)

Some reports of spider mite infestation upon receipt. Also, some plants have been received with broken roots, which eventually causes the plant to die (the shipping container was likely inverted, despite package warnings).

PROS

  • Conversation piece
  • Contributes to good indoor air quality
  • Adds to the décor of any room
  • Grows well indoors, since it prefers indirect light

CONS

  • Can be challenging to transplant
  • Susceptible to spider mite infestations during shipping

16. Aloe vera

Product Highlights

Aloe vera is a succulent evergreen perennial that hails from arid regions of the Arabian Peninsula. The plant is known by most people for its medicinal properties and is widely cultivated around the world.

Flowers are produced on stalks in the center of the plant and gradually change from white to a yellow or red color. These plants require direct sun and plenty of water, so make sure the soil does not dry out, however do not water Aloe vera very often in the fall and winter months during its dormancy.

Plant it in soil intended for cacti and succulents only in a well-drained pot.

Features

  • Long, fleshy pointed leaves
  • Beautiful pale green color
  • Flowers under the right conditions
  • Easy to care for

What We Like About Aloe vera

The air quality and medicinal use properties of Aloe vera have made these plants common houseplants. The shipper above takes great care in packaging the plants properly, however even if they become dislodged from the soil during transport, Aloe vera is a very resilient plant and can be repotted. It is a great balance between looks and survivability.

What We Don’t Like About Aloe vera

Some customers have received plants dead on arrival (DOA) or shortly thereafter. The main complaint is that the soil and plants were far too wet and the likely culprit leading to the demise of these products is fungal infection.

PROS

  • Easy to care for
  • Cleans your air
  • Medicinal gel bonus

CONS

  • Some plants improperly prepared for shipping and in wet soil.

17. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Product Highlights

The rubber plant (Ficus elastica) is a subtropical evergreen from south and southeast Asia and produces foliage consisting of shiny, waxy dark green or reddish leaves and shoots. Older specimens can grow up to 40 meters in height and mature plants of tree size can grow up to 10-20 cm per day with the right water and light conditions.

We had one of these in our greenhouse and if you are very quiet and wait long enough, you can actually hear the plant grow. It makes a squeegee/squeaking sound as the shoots extend.

Rubber plants need bright, indirect light to prevent leaf burn and a lot of water during the summer growing season. It is also helpful to mist the leaves or wipe them with a damp cloth to keep them moist.

Ficus elastica needs to be grown in well-drained soil with a modest amount of sand to prevent root rot. Although the rubber plant is a rather stiff plant, if you are not watering enough, the plant will start to droop indicating that you should water more often.

During the winter months, allow the soil to dry but not crack. A word of caution: sap from this plant can cause dermatitis in people with sensitive skin.

Features

  • Broad, beautiful leaves
  • Fast grower
  • Needs frequent watering (summer)
  • Easy to propagate (by cuttings)

What We Like About Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

This is a beautiful plant to liven up the corner of any living room. The purple cultivars (linked) are especially interesting to look at. The seller packages their plants carefully, so they endure transport well.

What We Don’t Like About Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Some plants have been received with a fungal infection and did not last long.

PROS

  • Great conversation piece (plant?)
  • Does well indoors out of the sun
  • Will grow to a large plant in no time

CONS

  • Some problems with fungal infection

Radiation Absorbing Plants Video

Here is one of the videos talking about other benefits of anti-radiation plants and protection against incoming radiation:

Apart from plants that absorb radiation, if you are interested in other ways to detoxify yourself and save yourself from high-energy radiation around you, check out these great low-emf infrared saunas that will help you sweat without all the extra radiation. These are convenient tools that have been shown to reduce the amount of radiation on your body based on observation and solid evidence.

Buyer’s Guide

We learned in this article about different types of plants that can provide protection against EMF radiation. The surface of these plants can absorb this radiation, making your house a safer place. Their role in UV light absorption is also widely noted.

When considering plants for your home or office that offer electromagnetic frequency (EMF) protection, you will likely see a lot of websites that cite studies and terms, but do not provide any link or direct reference to those studies or the field conditions they were performed in. This can leave consumers rather confused as to the veracity of these claims.

An often-cited reference is to a study on houseplants and EMF conducted by NASA in 2005. After conducting a paper chase, we tracked down the actual source document.

A study was conducted by NASA, but in 1989, and the focus of that study was how different species of houseplants contribute to improvement of indoor air quality by removing VOCs (volatile organic hydrocarbons).

So, the question remains, do plant leaves make meaningful contributions to mitigating EMF radiation? The answer we came up with is mixed. The characterization of these plants has shown that the main contribution of any plant towards reduction of EMF radiation resides in the fact that plants are mostly water.

Water is a great absorber of EMF, functions by line-of-sight scattering of radio signals, and essentially a two-liter bottle of water or soda will do the job. The responses to a bottle of water are just not as good as that of a houseplant.

In this article, we will review popular choices for houseplants that can reduce the phenomenon of line-of-sight transmission of EMF signals and the stray beam of radiation due to their water content. If you are going to put up some light shielding against UV-B radiation, plants are an aesthetically-pleasing choice.

They will also improve your indoor air quality and reduce your stress as well.

Final Word

The effects of UV and other kinds of EMF radiation on you can be very harmful to you in the long run. Some people are hypersensitive to EMF radiation, and the effects of this exposure is much more obvious in their case. However, even if you’re not sensitive to it, years of exposure to it has been linked to cancer and other serious conditions in the human body.

For this reason, you should take all the necessary steps to reduce the amount of radiation around you. Your house is where you spend the most amount of time, and the number of wireless devices present there can make it a dangerous zone for you. However, there are some steps that you can take to reduce the amount of radiation present in your house. 

Radiation absorbing plants are an excellent way to ensure that EMF exposure in your house is reduced. You can set up these plants around your house strategically, making sure that the total radiation that goes on around the house is minimized. This article talks about the best radiation absorbing plants available today. If you’re interested in similar topics, please feel free to check out our other articles, as well!