Biology class, ahh, did you pay attention??
We learned that plants take in carbon dioxide and output oxygen, but as adults we rarely put two and
two together to realise that house plants are built to be natural air filters!
The concept is simple: plants take in benzene, trichloroethylene and formaldehyde,
the 3 most harmful indoor toxins, and in turn produces not only a pretty green interior but also clean air for us to breathe.
Good indoor air quality is very important, and adding the right
house plants to your home is an easy way to help
keep your air clean and make your home look vibrant & fresh!
Aloe Vera
1. Aloe Vera is a big formaldehyde filter and it’s another win-win plant, since it can be used to treat sunburns.
The Dracaena plant
2. The Dracaena plant is best at removing trichloroethylene. There are also a few varieties of this plant with different leaf variations. It’s your personal piece of the tropics in your office. It doesn’t like direct sunlight, so keep the plant away from it.
Ferns
3. A Boston Fern removes formaldehyde better than any other plant, so make sure to keep at least one of these in your home. They also act as great natural humidifiers. Compared to most other ferns, this plant is a lot easier to care for in regards to light, humidity levels and propagating.
Golden Pothos
4. Golden Pothos process general air toxins well and are very easy to grow. Like crazy easy to keep alive! (great news for me!) If you don’t have a green thumb, start with this plant to ensure success.
Calathea
5. Patterned leaves make this plant a great decoration for any room, but you should remember that it does poorly in direct sunlight. Calathea likes darkened space.
Chlorophytum Comosum
6. The spider plant is very popular and can be found in many homes or offices. Most people have owned or lived with one (or many) at some point.
These are easy-to-care for types that grow quickly, making them a great beginner’s plant.
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Aglaonema
7. The Chinese evergreen is the common name used for a collection of plants from the Aglaonema genus – which tend to tolerate low light conditions very well.
Perfect one for would-be gardeners.
Dumb Canes.
8. The Dumb Cane plant is a strong little species that will thrive in any light conditions other than direct sunlight. Does well behind a curtain. Its easy to care for style and resilience to neglect make it a wonderful house plant.
The plant looks especially beautiful in spring and in summer, when bright and tender leaves appear.
Sanservieria Trifasciata
(one of my absolute favourites!)
9. The mother in laws tongue (also known as snake plant) is a flowering species which is primarily grown for it’s slick sword like long leaves. This is a slow growing plant that anyone can grow because of it’s low and high sun light tolerance and ease of watering. The only way growers can cause this plant serious problems is if they over water or allow the plant to reside in very cold temperatures for long periods.
Cactus
10. Enthusiasts of this traditional cacti enjoy its easy to please nature.
Despite the cute name, the Bunny Ear Cactus is in no way cuddly.
The polka dot cactus (other common name) is fairly easy to grow if a grower can provide enough bright light, no over-watering, provide it’s winter resting period and average room temperatures. Simple!
If you have been gifted with green fingers, you are one of the lucky ones. Try not to take
these little creations for granted. 🙂
Have a super weekend!