Top 10 Air Purifying House Plants

Top 10 Air Purifying House Plants
You may think that the air inside your home, school, and
work is not a non issue, but research has shown that the
air indoors is 30% more contaminated than that of the
outside, possibly more in the winter months when the
windows and doors are opened less often. Indoor air
pollution is a big factor in the creation of allergies and
asthma. If you have allergies or asthma the air inside your
house may be causing your symptoms or at the very least
worsening them. The top air pollutants indoors are
formaldehyde, benzene and Trichloroethylene or TCE. You may
be surprised at the origins of these chemicals and their
adverse effects on your body.

Know Your Poisons

Formaldehyde is a ubiquitous chemical found in virtually
all indoor environments. It is used in consumer paper
products which have been treated with UF resins, including
grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues and paper
towels. Many common household cleaning agents contain
formaldehyde. Formaldehyde irritates the mucous membranes
of the eyes, nose and throat. It is also a highly reactive
chemical which combines with protein and can cause allergic
contact dermatitis. Until recently, the most serious of the
diseases attributed to formaldehyde exposure was asthma.
However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has
recently conducted research which has caused formaldehyde
to be strongly suspected of causing a rare type of throat
cancer in long-term occupants of mobile homes.

Benzene is a very commonly used solvent and is also present
in many common items including gasoline, inks, oils,
paints, plastics, and rubber. In addition it is used in the
manufacture of detergents, explosives, pharmaceuticals, and
dyes. Benzene has long been known to irritate the skin and
eyes. In addition, it has been shown to be mutagenic to
bacterial cell culture and has shown embryotoxic activity
and carcinogenicity in some tests. Evidence also exists
that benzene may be a contributing factor in chromosomal
aberrations and leukemia in humans. Chronic exposure to
even relatively low levels causes headaches, loss of
appetite, drowsiness, nervousness, psychological
disturbances and diseases of the blood system, including
anemia and bone marrow diseases.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is a commercial product found in a
wide variety of industrial uses. Over 90 percent of the TCE
produced is used in the metal degreasing and dry cleaning
industries. In addition, it is used in printing inks,
paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives.

Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most
effective all-around in counteracting off-gassed chemicals
and contributing to balanced internal humidity.

Areca Palm- The Areca Palm is the indoor plant that outputs
the most humidity. It releases copious amount of moisture
into the air, removes environmental toxins, and is tolerant
of indoor spaces. Definitely one of the most useful
houseplants out there!

Reed Palm- The Reed Palm has the ability to survive in
relatively low light, but may grow several feet tall,
especially in a brighter location. This palm does best in
reasonably warm temperatures. Keep them away from leaky
windows and cold entryways where they'd be exposed to
blasts of frigid air.

Dwarf Date Palm- The Dwarf Date Palm or "Phoenix" Palm has
been proven effective at removing formaldehyde in the air.
It has a solid history as a houseplant and amongst the most
durable of all palms. In a pot-bound situation, this palm
continues to be beautiful for many years.

Boston Fern- The Boston Fern also removes formaldehyde in
the air. It requires more sunlight than the previous ferns.
Place your Boston fern near a window that receives plenty
of indirect sunshine. They can endure dimly lit locations,
but they won't flourish and grow. Boston ferns prefer
daytime temperatures that range from 65°F to
75°F. Evening temperatures should be a little cooler.

Janet Craig Dracaena- The Janet Craig Dracaena is widely
used in the interiors of homes. They are available in bush
form (pictured), cane form and occasionally as a braided
tree. Plants are available from small starter plants to
eight foot tall. Proper watering is the trick to keep this
plants full appearance. Set dracaenas in low light and
water sparingly allowing the top several inches of soil to
dry down. Dracaenas do not like fertilizer... only feed
annually.

English Ivy- English ivy has been proven effective in
removing airborne-mold and feces by a significant amount as
well as formaldehyde. If you have indoor pets, you should
consider placing this plant by any litter boxes or cages in
your house. Put it out of reach of your pets though as it
is poisonous. It can also be planted outside for benefits
to outdoor pet owners, but be aware that this plant has the
ability to overrun any area that it's set in. Most
cultivars of ivy grow best in bright light, but not direct
sun. There are hundreds of cultivars of this popular ivy.
It is an incredibly varied group, with leaves from well
under an inch to over 3 inches long and in many colors and
shapes.

Australian Sword Fern- Australian sword fern This plant
looks very attractive in your office, home or garden. They
do well in pots or in hanging basket plants. This is a
vigorous grower, and the sword shaped leaves remain sturdy
in windy areas. They grow to about 24-36 in.

Peace Lily- The Peace Lily (Mauna Loa) removes benzene,
xylene and toluene found in nail polish, paints, solvents,
and adhesives as well as TCE. Peace lily will flourish in
almost any well-drained potting mix. Peace lily will
survive low interior light but would prefer bright filtered
light. Peace lily should not be placed in direct sun or it
will sunburn. These plants need very little fertilizer. You
can plant it directly in water with a beta fish to feed on
the roots for a more interesting setting. Wash the leaves
occasionally to prevent insect attack.

Rubber Plant- Rubber plants can easily grow 6 to 10 feet
tall or more indoors if there is enough space. They can be
pruned to reduce their size. They grow best with the
morning light from an east window. They do well in warm to
average room temperatures. Water rubber trees thoroughly,
but let the soil dry somewhat between waterings. The soil
mix should be a well-drained houseplant mix. Wash the
leaves with water when they get dusty to keep them
attractive and help your plant stay healthy.

Weeping Figs- Weeping figs are usually sold as 3-to 6-feet
potted trees or bushes. They can grow as tall as allowed
indoors, but they are easily pruned to a suitable height.
Weeping figs grow best in bright indirect or
curtain-filtered sunlight. They will handle some direct sun
if the humidity is high. Variegated cultivars grow best in
somewhat lower light. Weeping figs prefer warm
temperatures. Night temperatures of 65 to 70 °F and
day temperatures of 75 to 85 °F are ideal. During
periods of active growth, keep the soil evenly moist. The
soil should be allowed to dry slightly between watering.

When planning the positioning of houseplants to maximize
the benefits, it is suggested that one plant should be
allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space.
Assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet, this means
that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air
quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to
25 square yards. In a NASA study, scientists found that
"houseplants can purify and revitalize air in our homes and
offices, protecting us from the negative effects of such
common toxins as ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene."

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