Houseplants have always played an important part of health and well being. Having green plants around gives us a nice feeling, a connection with nature, a Mother Nature “warm fuzzy,” if you will. We love our plants and in return, they love us back and go beyond the call of duty by cleansing the air we breathe, filtering out toxic fumes, pollutants and bad air.
We all want to live healthier and happier lives, and plants can help us achieve this goal. Where we work, live and play, clean air makes it more pleasant and healthy.
NASA research proves that plants in the home and office clear pollutants. The same plants that clean the air in the space station also can be used in your bungalow. They purify the air of paint fumes, tobacco smoke, detergents, inks, adhesives, gasoline fumes and more. Many of these air borne pollutants are derived from carpets, fireplaces, household cleaners, electronics, furniture and building materials. They can eliminate significant amounts of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. Plants of course, absorb carbon dioxide and release to us life-giving oxygen.
The plants topping the list of effective air filters are very common, low priced, widely available, easy to care for and adaptable to different growing conditions. The recommended rate for best results is approximately 16 good-sized plants for an 1,800 square foot living space. Not to mention, a great way to decorate inexpensively. Here they are, your indoor good buddies, helping you breathe healthier and easier:
- Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Great vining plant that doesn’t want to be overwatered. Good in low light. Easy care.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): A beautiful dark foliage with a white flower. Low light, easy care, keep moist.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): Sun loving, vining, good for hanging baskets. Don’t let dry out to avoid spider mites.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Likes the bright light, water when dry. Likes to hang or a good potted plant.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum): Beautiful foliage for low light. Tolerates neglect well and water when dry.
And here are five more plants that have amazing filtering talents: Snake Plant, Weeping Fig, Rubber Plants, Philodendrons and Dracaenas.
Which houseplant is your favorite?