Air Quality
Houseplants can act as a living air purifier – at a fraction of the cost. In addition to giving off oxygen, houseplants can absorb airborne pollutants like formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benezene, and volatile organic gases (VOG), which many household air purifiers miss. By removing these toxins from indoor air, houseplants can keep you healthy and indirectly increase your creativity and productivity.
In addition, researchers believe that adding green to your environment can have a calming effect on people. A study at Washington State University proved that plants can lower systolic blood pressure by as much as four points. Other studies have shown that Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum), Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), and Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) are also good at reducing stress.
According to a study at the University of Georgia, when it comes to removing toxins from the air, the top four ornamental houseplants are:
-
Purple Waffle Plant – (Hemigraphis alternata)
-
English Ivy – (Hedera helix)
-
Waxy Leaved Plant – (Hoya carnosa)
-
Asparagus Fern – (Asparagus densiflorus)
Plants like Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis), Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Ficus Trees (Ficus Benjamina), and Elephant Ear (Colocasia) are also highly recommended for their ability to absorb formaldehyde, which is often emitted by plastics, particle board furniture, and carpets.
Calming
In addition, researchers believe that adding green to your environment can have a calming effect on people. A study at Washington State University proved that plants can lower systolic blood pressure by as much as four points. Other studies have shown that Arrowhead Vine (Syngonium podophyllum), Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata), and Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum) are also good at reducing stress.
Humidity
Houseplants add humidity to indoor air, which can help alleviate dry nose, dry throat, and cold symptoms. Plants like the English Ivy (Hedera helix), African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii), and Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron bipennifolium) are all good choices.
Low-Light Houseplants
Do you want to have some houseplants to keep the air fresh in your house and add some green to your décor, but are afraid you don’t get enough sunlight in the house? GoGardenGo has compiled a list of houseplants that can thrive in low-light conditions. And to make it even easier, we’ve put together some tips to help you care for these low-maintenance plants.
Recommended Low-Light Plants:
Bird Nest Fern - (Asplenium nidus)
Cast-Iron Plant - (Aspidistra elatior)
Chinese Evergreen - (Aglaonema commutatum)
Corn Plant - (Dracaena fragrans)
Devil's Ivy or Pothos - (Epipremnum aureum)
Peace Lily - (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
Philodendron - (Philodendron scandens ssp oxycardium)
Rubber Plant - (Ficus elastic)
Snake Plant - (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Spider Plant - (Chlorophytum comosum)
Plant Care
Low-light houseplants are generally easy to care for. Be sure they are potted in well-drained potting soil and change the soil once a year. Water your houseplants moderately—allow the soil to dry between watering. Most houseplants can thrive with minimal fertilizing; once-a-month fertilization is often adequate. You may need to remove dust from the plant leaves, using a damp cloth. In addition, you may need to keep an eye out for common houseplant pests to prevent infestations.
Having problems with your houseplants? Check out what GoGardenGirl has to say...What's Wrong With My Plant?
