The Best Houseplants to Improve Your Home's Air Quality
The most effective houseplants can improve the air quality of your home and are easy to keep. The ZZ plant -- also known as the mother-in law's tongue is a popular choice, and thrives in low light with regular watering (ukhouseplants suggests letting the soil dry out between watering).
Another great option is the snake plant with sharp, pointed leaves, which was chosen together with other plants by NASA to improve indoor air. The plant is easy to grow and will flourish when you mist it with water every two weeks.
Phil the Philodendron
Philodendrons are tropical houseplants that grow well if you give them the right conditions. It's a great indoor plant since it can purify the air.
It is known that it removes toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. This is because of its large leaves, which serve as air filters, trapping these pollutants while release fresh oxygen.
This tropical beauty is a versatile plant and can be trained to climb up vertical surfaces or used to create cascading indoor plants. It thrives in warm temperatures, good soil and indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight is best avoided since it could cause burning to delicate leaves. A little bit of humidity is also helpful because it helps prevent dry air which can cause irritation to the eyes and make breathing difficult.
Philodendrons boost moods as well as purifying air. They reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the systolic blood pressure and increasing alertness. They improve mental clarity and boost productivity through concentration and creativity.
This plant does not have a dormant period in winter, so it can be used as an indoor plant all year. During the winter months, watering should be done less frequently and only when the topsoil becomes dry. For optimal growing conditions it is recommended that you use a lightweight organic soil.
Like other philodendrons Little Phil prefers well-drained soil and can withstand some shade. It also can tolerate low light levels and drought conditions.
It also produces edible berries if it is grown in the right conditions. These berries are often used to flavor soups and stews. However, keep in mind that philodendrons pose a risk to pets and children if ingested, as the berries contain calcium oxalate crystals.
The plant can be propagated using the air layering technique. This is accomplished by cutting a stem close to the base of the leaf using a sterilized knife. Then, take a portion of the lower stem and wrap it with a thin layer of peat moss that is moist. Then cover it with plastic wrap to keep in the moisture and nutrients. Wait until the roots have formed typically within a few weeks, before you transfer it into the pot.
Cassie the ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is among the easiest plants to maintain. ZZ plants are able to thrive in conditions with low light levels that would kill other indoor plants. This makes them ideal for offices and homes that have very little sunlight. ZZ plants are also a great option to cleanse the air inside interior spaces, since they remove toxic substances and chemicals.
The leaves of the ZZ plant are shiny and dark green and are situated on stems that grow up to 3 feet in height. The plant's rhizomes allow it to store water which makes it more tolerant of drought. It is also a beautiful ornamental plant, with its elongated stems as well as the thick upright leaves. It is a great choice for an indoor plant and is also able to create an enticing tropical display in the outdoor landscape.
The ZZ plant does not require lots of water and can be left to its own devices. However, it's crucial to water the plant when its leaves begin to turn brown or if the top couple of inches of soil are dry. When watering, make sure to use a well-draining potting mix and add ingredients like perlite or lava rocks to increase the aeration of the soil. It is recommended to fertilize the plant every six months using a balanced liquid fertilizer for your houseplants.
ZZ plants are a popular choice among beginners and those with a brown thumb because they require minimal care. They also make a great gifts for housewarmings and new jobs, as they're believed to be auspicious in Feng Shui and symbolize prosperity.
The most effective home plant is one that fits into your routine and lifestyle, says Cromer. Include the most appropriate plants in your house to improve your mood health, productivity and overall wellbeing. In addition many plants are visually appealing too! And with so many advantages, it's simple to see why a lot of people are drawn to these stunning and easy-to-care-for house plant s. Costa Farms has a wide variety of plants that you can plant in your workplace or home.
Susie the Snake Plant
The snake plant (scientific name Sansevieria trifasciata) is one of the most tolerant houseplants that you can get. It's also a beautiful architectural plant that can be used to provide some structure and height to a room. You can find a broad range of Sansevieria plants, with different length leaves and intriguing patterns that fit any design style.
This drought tolerant plant loves bright, indirect light and can handle some direct sunlight but will struggle in extremely cold or extremely hot conditions. In summer, you should water your snake plant once every two weeks and during winter, once every six weeks to ensure that it is healthy. Avoid overwatering, which can cause houseplants to droop or even die.
Snake plants are low-maintenance however, you must still clean their leaves frequently to prevent dust accumulation. It's a good idea also to trim the plants regularly to stimulate new growth. In addition you can even propagate snake plants by cutting off a leaf and putting it submerged for a month to create an entirely new plant.
Another benefit of owning the snake plant is that it releases oxygen into the air at night, unlike most other plants. This makes it ideal for bedrooms where it can boost your health and help you sleep better.
The tropical plant is resistant to common household pests, such as mealybugs and spider mites. It can also resist southern leaf spot and blight. If you notice any of these problems it is recommended to use an insecticide that is organic and follow the recommended treatment techniques.
If you're a newbie or don't have time for fussy plants A snake plant is a fantastic alternative since it's incredibly easy to take care of. It's also a great choice for those looking to incorporate a bit of Feng Shui, as it is believed to ward off negativity. Additionally, it's a great option for those who are concerned about their carbon footprint and wish to reduce the amount of chemicals within their home. This green friend is a true powerhouse, as it removes toxic substances from the air like formaldehyde or benzene.
Pippa the Peace Lily
The peace lily is a houseplant that is easy to maintain and has been proven to improve your health. Peace lilies absorb toxins in the air and release them through their leaves to microbes which convert them into less harmful substances. This means that the plant can lower the levels of carbon dioxide in a space and has been hailed as one of the most effective air purifying plants.
The addition of a peace lily in your home may also aid in reducing stress and encourage sleep. Studies have proven that the colors and pleasant scents of plants can reduce anxiety, making it easier to sleep. In reality, the majority of space programs utilize greenhouses for astronauts while in space to ensure they are relaxed and able to fall asleep peacefully.
Peace lilies are an excellent option for pet-friendly homes since they neutralize the chemical compounds in pet urine. The plant can also assist in reducing the buildup of mildew in restrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms. By absorbing moisture, the plant can stop mold and mildew from growing on walls and drapes.
As with many other plants in the plant kingdom the peace lilies are versatile and forgiving. Peace lilies are an extremely popular choice for houseplants because they can thrive in a variety of conditions. In their natural habitats they love hot environments which is why you can encourage them to bloom and grow in your home by misting them regularly. This is especially important during summer, to stimulate the plant to produce its beautiful white flowers.
Another benefit of peace lilies is that they are highly efficient in removing harmful vapors from household products and appliances. The plants, for example, eliminate acetone from nail polish removers and paint. They can also filter out benzene, xylene and carbon monoxide from the air. These toxins can cause fatigue, headaches and even damage to the liver.
To ensure that your peace lily is healthy and happy, ensure that it is receiving bright but indirect light and is not exposed to direct sunlight. If it is getting too much sunlight, the plant can be sagging or lose its leaves. If the plant is receiving too high amounts of nitrogen, it might not flower. Reduce fertilizing or use a fertilizer designed specifically for flowers to correct this.