Can Cactus Absorb Formaldehyde? The Latest Answer Is Here

Cactus is the general term for plants of the Cactaceae family with a spherical shape, commonly known as grass ball, Changshengwan, and Duanmaowan. It is a plant whose stems, leaves, and flowers all have high ornamental value, has the effect of absorbing electromagnetic radiation, and is also a natural air freshener, with the ability to adsorb dust and purify the air. Many people do not know whether cactus can absorb formaldehyde, so let's take a look below!

Does cactus absorb formaldehyde?

The effect of cactus on absorbing formaldehyde is relatively small. The leaf pulp of cactus is very thick, and it is especially drought-tolerant. It will not have much problem if it is not watered for a long time. Its role in absorbing formaldehyde is relatively small. However, cactus can absorb dirt in the air and electromagnetic radiation waves, is very suitable for placing at home, and is also relatively easy to keep alive.

Cactus cultivation methods

1. Temperature: Cactus likes high-temperature and dry environments. In winter, the room temperature should be kept above 20°C during the day, and the nighttime temperature should not be lower than 10°C. Too low a temperature can easily cause root rot, but too high a temperature can easily lead to scale insect damage.

2. Light: Cactus requires sufficient sunlight, but in summer it cannot be exposed to strong light and needs proper shading. For indoor cultivation, lighting can be used to make it grow robustly.

3. Soil: Cactus is suitable for growing in well-drained sandy loam soil. For indoor cultivation, artificial culture soil is mostly used, usually prepared by mixing half peat soil and half fine sand. Culture soil made by mixing crushed pine needles with fine sand can also be used for planting.

4. Watering: Cactus requires a dry environment and is afraid of water accumulation in the pot soil. Usually, the pot soil should be kept “dry when it should be dry and wet when it should be wet.” It is best to use water that has been left to stand for watering. Note that when watering, it must be watered thoroughly

5. Fertilization: When changing the pot soil for cactus, a small amount of base fertilizer should be applied at the bottom of the pot, such as horseshoe slices, bean cake, or sesame paste residue. During the growing period, apply fermented organic fertilizer liquid once every half month (the concentration is preferably 20%). Be sure not to make the fertilizer concentration too high.

Common plants that absorb formaldehyde

1. Spider plant: Spider plant is a strongly formaldehyde-removing plant. One to two pots of spider plant in a room of 8 to 10 sq m can absorb more than 80% of harmful gases indoors. Its ability to absorb formaldehyde is extremely strong, equivalent to an air purifier. It can kill 80% of harmful substances in a room within 24 hours and absorb 86% of formaldehyde. It can also absorb various harmful gases such as nitrogen oxides, methane, benzene compounds, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and chlorine peroxide, making it an expert at purifying air.

2. Snake plant: Snake plant is a strongly formaldehyde-removing plant, with an extremely strong ability to absorb formaldehyde. During the day, it can release a large amount of oxygen and can absorb more than 80% of various harmful gases in a room of about 10 sq m. Two pots of snake plant can basically purify the air in an ordinary room.

3. Aloe: Aloe is a super formaldehyde-removing plant. If there is lighting within 24 hours, it can eliminate 90% of formaldehyde in 1 cubic meter of air.

4. Ivy: Ivy is a strongly benzene-removing plant. One pot of ivy can decompose 90% of benzene in a room of 8 to 10 sq m, can absorb tiny dust, and absorb formaldehyde.

5. Agave: Agave is an all-around plant. In a room of about 10 sq m, it can eliminate 70% of benzene, 50% of formaldehyde, and 24% of trichloroethylene.

6. Chinese rose: Chinese rose is an all-around plant and can effectively decompose and absorb harmful gases such as hydrogen chloride, hydrogen sulfide, phenol, and ether.

7. Chrysanthemum: Chrysanthemum is an all-around plant and can decompose and absorb xylene and formaldehyde.

8. Pothos: Pothos is a strongly formaldehyde-absorbing plant, known as a good formaldehyde absorber, and can remove harmful gases such as formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and nicotine.

9. Begonia: Begonia is a strongly formaldehyde-absorbing plant. Besides being able to absorb formaldehyde and purify the air, it also has strong ornamental value.