Houseplants Improve Sick Buildings
Gerberas, Pothos, Spider, Ivy Plants Reduce Formaldehyde and Toxins
These days, indoor air pollution is a rising problem, especially in office buildings and high-rises. Dangerous chemicals can be found in everything from grocery bags to rugs, and they give off fumes that can dirty the air. Cigarette smoke is another leading cause of indoor air pollution and can lead to serious illness. Everyone has heard of "Sick Building Syndrome." Having clean air is more important than ever, and houseplants can help! Here are a few of the best houseplants for cleaning the air:
Philodendron- This old favorite, with its beautiful foliage and easy care, has been shown to help remove harmful chemicals like formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde is found in everything from grocery bags to cigarette smoke. Philos like medium light and a good soaking, but be sure to let the soil dry between watering. They make gorgeous hanging plants.
Gerbera Daisy-These cheerful flowers, which come in a variety of colors, have been shown to help remove both benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. Both chemicals are found in inks, solvents, and paints. Benzene is also found in man made fibers and cigarette smoke. These plants will do well on a sunny windowsill. Keep the soil evenly moist and remove spent flowers to help encourage new blooms.
English Ivy-This plant has been shown to also help remove Benzene from the air. They like medium light and evenly moist soil. They also appreciate being misted every so often. They make lovely hanging plants and also love to climb.
Spider Plants- These were the first plants shown to help clean the air. They work best against formaldehyde. These beloved hanging plants come in several varieties, all which make babies at the ends of their leaves. They prefer medium light and evenly moist soil.
Golden Pothos-These beautiful plants are known for their gorgeous leaves, which are bright green splashed with yellow. Pothos will help remove formaldehyde from the air. Keep in a bright window, but not in direct sunlight, and water whenever the soil feels dry. These plants are tropical vines so they do best in a hanging basket or wherever they have the space to climb. Smaller specimens look great on tabletops.
Snake Plants-Also known as "Mother in Law's Tongue," these plants lend visual interest to any room with their upright, sword like foliage. These plants help remove a variety of chemicals from the air, including nitrogen oxide and formaldehyde. Snake plants are very easy to care for and will even tolerate neglect. They like bright light, but will grow in everything from direct sun to shade. Allow the soil to dry before watering.
To get the most out of these plants, there should be 1 per 100 feet of your home. Since all plants take in carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, all houseplants do a little something to help the air we breathe. Pick up a few today!
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