People are spending more of their time indoors, and nearly everyone sleeps inside (unless you’re Tarzan). Unfortunately, modern living means more pollution and toxins are in the air that can rob of us our sleep and our health.
That is why healthy air quality should be your top priority. Healthy air is just as important as healthy eating, so don’t knock these green thumb tips until you learn all the facts. Your patience will be rewarded with a happier, healthier life and better sleep at night.
Even if you live in the suburbs or the wide-open country, furnishings, upholstery, synthetic building materials, and cleaning products emit a variety of toxic compounds, like ammonia and formaldehyde. And indoor pollution isn’t limited to just the human-made. Pollen, bacteria, and molds, as outdoor air contaminants like car exhaust, finds its way into our lungs.
Fortunately, there is an answer. I this brilliantly clear video below, Marty from Waukesha Floral and Greenhouse show you the plants you should have in your home which help to remove the nastiest of toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide.
But that’s not all. The fragrance generated from a plant’s terpenes have been proven to have an immediate calming effect which is why supermarkets have their produce sections right as you walk in the door. (Surely you’ve noticed the result for yourself. )
This is why you will see an immediate effect on your well-being within minutes of placing any of these plants in your bedroom — or wherever you need to feel peaceful and centered. So let’s start your plant shopping list, shall we?
English ivy (Hedera helix) is a very vigorous and aggressive woody evergreen vine. English ivy is also a very popular indoor houseplant for hanging baskets. A European native, English ivy was brought to the new world by colonial settlers, but soon naturalized into the wild.
This eye-catching vining plant is an almost foolproof houseplant. Ivy can be trained atop a trellis or topiary, as well as across a wall. It also trails readily, so it makes an ideal hanging basket plant or looks beautiful spilling down from tall furniture.
Ivy prefers humid conditions. Keep English ivy plants moist but not too damp for long periods. Avoid letting the soil dry out, as droughted ivy is not likely to recover.
Dieffenbachia or Dumb Cane plants, native to the tropics of Mexico and all the way down to Argentina, are easy-care houseplants with large, broad, patterned, oblong leaves. All parts of a Dieffenbachia are incredibly poisonous which is how they earned the nickname “dumb cane plant” and should be kept away from pets and children.
If you’re craving the beautiful greenery, then a Boston fern might be perfect for you. Boston ferns that are full and flourishing make an excellent addition to the home, adding classic charm and elegant beauty, unlike any other houseplant.
Boston ferns need a cool place with high humidity and indirect light. When you care for Boston fern plants indoors, you should provide additional moisture for them, especially in the winter.
Who knew moth orchids could be beautiful, easy to grow, and natural air cleaners? These colorful plants work day and night to clean the air and add elegance at the same time. Though moth orchids have a reputation for being hard to grow, they’re easy to care for as long as you don’t overwater them.
They do not like to be in direct sun, and this can burn their leaves easily. Diffused light or early morning light in an east window works well. Not enough light will keep the plant from re-flowering.
Peace lilies (which are not true lilies, but a member of the Araceae family of flowering plants) are famous for their easy care. The peace lily is hardy, forgiving, and will tell you when it is thirsty: look for the telltale droop. This shade-loving tropical plant is also known for its air-cleaning abilities – it’s excellent at neutralizing toxic gases like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.
One of the most common mistakes in the care of peace lilies is overwatering. Peace lilies are much more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering. Because of this, you should never water peace lily plants on a schedule.
The dracaena corn plant (botanical name: Dracaena fragrans massangeana) is a well known indoor plant which is grown in many homes and offices within the US, UK, and Europe.
The corn plant was used in the NASA’s clean air study which proved to remove a considerable amount of toxins from the environment.
This plant is relatively easy to grow and quite tolerant of neglect (i.e., low light levels and lack of water), although it will start looking unattractive when neglected. The worst thing’s to do with this plant is over water it or let it stay in direct sunlight for too long. Otherwise, it’s a survivor.
The Dracaena Wameckei removes not only benzene and formaldehyde from the air but also xylene and toluene Other air filtering Dracaenas include Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’), Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’), Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans ‘Massangeana’)
This plant likes bright light, but under no circumstances direct sunlight. It’s better to have too little light than too much. It is similar with water. Too much water can make its root rot. It will tolerate irregular watering cycles and dry soil much better than too much water.
Mother-in-law’s Tongue or Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) is an excellent houseplant for beginning gardeners. It is a straightforward type of plant that likes dry soil and air, which makes it perfect for many indoor environments.
Any problems with growing Sansevieria are usually related to watering. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings during the season. In winter, water just enough to keep the soil from drying out. Overwatering will cause root rot. Keep the leaves dust-free and glossy by wiping them with a damp cloth and this plant will thrive!
Ficus Benjamina, or Weeping Fig, is the most common indoor tree. Even though they’re trendy, this isn’t an easy houseplant & can be fickle. The reason why Ficus bejaminas can be difficult is that they’re susceptible to any change. The plant can be sensitive to changing conditions, so it doesn’t much like being moved. If you move them, they shed their leaves.
Ficus can handle partial shade, but also really likes bright sunlight. The soil should be well drained. They appreciate moderate watering presuming the pot provides drainage.
The Chinese Evergreen is very easy to care for and can help to rid your home of many air pollutants. It produces beautiful red berries that are lovely to look at and can help to remove toxins from the air that are found in chemical-based household cleaners.
But the list doesn’t end there. There are four more plants that we’re saving for Marty to tell you about. Watch this video and then share it with a friend who could use a breath of fresh air.
The good news is that there’s a simple and affordable way to fight the presence of the nasty stuff we are breathing in, and it comes right from Mother Nature. Share this with a friend in need.
