We often hear in the news about children spending less time outside playing and more and more time indoors. This is also true of adults. According to one government study, we spend almost 90% of our time indoors and with indoor air pollution being ranked among the top 5 environmental risks to our health, the air that we breathe is crucial. This is where plants can help!
NASA has scientifically proven in their clean air studies that some indoor plants can improve indoor air quality by removing certain toxins from the air. So having house plants not only give you lush, greenery in your home but are also detoxing the air in your living spaces.
We’ve listed our top five houseplants below – however if you need any more advice, please come into the centre and speak to any of our specialist house plant team.
1. Areca Palm
Areca reduces harmful substances and increases the amount of oxygen in the room. It is often considered to be the best air purifying plant. Most people find growing and maintaining this plant very easy. Just take care not to overwater your plant, find it a nice, bright spot and enjoy!
2. Aloe
Aloe is an easy-to-grow succulent plant that helps to clear benzene and formaldehyde, which can be found in some household products such as detergents, bath wash and adhesives,. Aloe plants love the sun, making a sunny kitchen window an excellent spot to place the plant. Along with removing air pollutants, this plant has renowned medicinal properties and contains a gel that can help to heal burns and cuts.
3. Spathiphyllum or ‘Peace Lily’
The ‘peace lily’ only needs weekly watering and shade to thrive. In the spring it produces beautiful fragrant blooms. They filter more indoor pollutants than other plants, so are ideal for removing toxins from the air in your home. Inside the plant’s pores, toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are broken down and neutralised. Plus they are very forgiving plants, so are easy to care for and maintain.
4. Spider Plant
Spider plants are renowned for being adaptable plants and very easy to grow, making them ideal plants for first time house plant owners or children. The abundant foliage and small white flowers remove over 95% of the toxic agents from the air, such as formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene, a solvent used in rubber, leather, and the printing industry. Spider plants like bright, indirect light, cooler temperatures and well-drained soil.
5. The Snake Plant
Finally, we have chosen the snake plant – it’s renowned for being one of the most oxygen producing house plants, so is a great addition to your home. Like our other top house plants, it makes its contribution to ridding our homes of dangerous toxins and absorbing carbon dioxide. It thrives in low light, and humid conditions, so consider making it one of your bathroom plants.
Learn more about House Plants at Burston Garden Centre.
