Improving The Air Quality In Your Home

While looking out my living room window across the prairie, I marvel at the fact there’s a whole world of plants out there working for our health and well-being. They provide the oxygen we breathe while adding stability to our environment and cleaning our air of harmful pollutants.

If these workhorses of nature accomplish all this out there, then it shouldn’t come as a surprise to find that the plants we bring indoors work just as hard, only on a smaller scale.

Houseplants, especially those with large leaves, not only provide humidity and a bit of extra oxygen, but a specific group of these plants also have been proven to help clean our air of three very harmful pollutants: formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. According to Dr. William C. Wolverton, author of “How to Grow Fresh Air Plants,” concentrations of these big three are hazardous to our health.

Depending upon their concentrations, they can cause anything from skin irritation to cancer.

Formaldehyde is found in such things as room deodorizers, paper towels, foam insulation, grocery bags, permanent press fabrics and more. Benzene resides in inks, plastics, detergents, paints and pharmaceuticals. Trichloroethylene is used mainly for dry cleaning but also is contained in adhesives, lacquers and paints. Because of the movement toward energy-efficient offices and homes, more of these pollutants are being trapped indoors.

Welcome houseplants. According to a study conducted by NASA in 1989, certain houseplants were found to reduce concentrations of these pollutants up to 90 percent. You may already have a number of these plants growing in your home.

The spider plant is a very popular houseplant, not only because of its appearance, but also because of its easy care. It does best in bright light, as opposed to direct sunlight which can scorch the leaves. If the leaves develop brown tips (a common problem with this specimen), simply increase the humidity by misting it a few times a week.

Philodendrons are another of these plants, but it should not to be confused with the large, split leaf monstera, which is often called a philodendron. There are a number of philodendrons to choose from. Most have wonderful rich green color and interesting leaf shapes. They are usually climbing plants with 6- to 8-inch leathery lace-like aerial roots that appear along the stem. Rather than tying these climbing plants to a stake, wrap the stake with 3 inches of dampened moss and let the aerial roots work themselves into it. The aerial roots will pick up moisture and hold the plant naturally upright. This is a low-light plant that should be kept moist.

Pothos or devil’s ivy looks very much like some of the philodendrons. With proper care, this gem will last for years. It only asks for indirect light and water when the soil is dry. Stems will rot if the plant is overwatered.

The aloe vera has long been used for medicinal purposes - everything from soothing burns to restoring tissue from scrapes and bruises. Aloe needs bright light and little water. When water is needed, simply set the pot in a pail of tepid water for 10 minutes and then let it dry.

Spathiphyllum or the peace lily, as it is so often referred to, is one plant that’ll take medium light and still bloom. If it is exposed to dry air, the leaves will wither and fall. Misting a few times a week is helpful. Direct sunlight will scorch the leaves.

Ivy of all kinds can be used as individual specimens or as filler plants. Their main requirements are bright light and cool temperatures.

Spider mites love them, so mist the plants whenever possible. Allow the surface of the soil to dry out between waterings.

Dracaena come in many shapes and sizes. Like ivy, they can be used as individual specimens or as wonderful backdrop plants. They enjoy bright light and misting a couple of times a week.

The Chinese evergreen is a great one for low-light areas. It loves to be warm. Its leaves may be damaged if exposed to cool conditions or cold drafts.

Dieffenbachia or dumb cane is a very attractive plant that requires warm temperatures and moist soil. Misting the leaves periodically will help to maintain the plant’s appearance.

And finally, the areca palm or butterfly palm. This plant has been touted as the best plant for cleaning the air of pollutants. It requires bright light, humidity and water. If these requirements are met, this palm will live for years.

There you have the list. You can add the rubber tree plant, azalea, poinsettia and other palms to this list also. The only formula for using these plants is as follows: If you have an 8-foot ceiling, which most ceilings are, figure on two or three plants in 8-to 10-inch pots, or four or five plants in 6-inch pots, for every 100 square feet of floor space.

Research has proven the effectiveness of houseplants when it comes to cleaning the air of pollutants. So here’s to houseplants, not only for their beauty, but for their contribution to our health.