Did you know that growing houseplants will help clean the air inside your home? Houseplants are very beneficial in the air we breathe. They purify and renew our indoor air by filtering out the toxins and carbon dioxide we exhale, and then replace it with clean oxygen! It is proven that some plants do an excellent job of cleaning the air, while some just help to maintain the quality of the air you breathe. Our homes can be filled with VOC’s, (volatile organic compounds) that can be aggravating to the sinus and nervous system. The dyes in new furniture, new carpet, and some house paints can cause physical discomfort.
It is said that allowing one houseplant per 100 sq. feet will create a beneficial effect.
Tending houseplants is enjoyable and rewarding during the long gray days of winter. There are several varieties of plants available that adjust to lower light levels as well as low water needs.
Here are some of our favorites:
- A great choice would be the Baby Rubber plant (‘Peperomia obtusifolia) it prefers filtered light and removes impurities from the air.
- The Corn plant, (Dracenea) prefers filtered light and less water.
- My special favorite is the Golden Pothos (Epipremnum ) it does not require sunshine and also has low water needs.
- The Snake plant, (Sanseviera trifasciata), takes filtered sun and low water.
- The Spider plant (Chlorophytum) is great for hanging baskets, has no real pest problems, can dry out a little in between watering and does NOT like cold winter drafts.
- The Heart Leaf Philodendron helps remove formaldehyde from the air.
- Chrysanthemum as well as Gerbera Daisys clean benzene from the air.
- Aloe Vera is an excellent plant to treat for minor burns. Be careful to use only the leaf clear inner gel for topical use.
Try adding some indoor color and texture with house plants and add to the quality of your homes indoor air!
Liz Schwartz, CPH
Duvall True Value Hardware and Garden
