Houseplants are good for your health
By Linda Petite
Nothing adds more beauty and color to your home or office than foliage and flowers of houseplants. Houseplants have been around forever and many symbolize an important time in your life. Some of us still have a cutting(now a large plant) from our grandmother's Christmas cactus or Aunt Greta's Jade.
Houseplant sales are steadily rising and younger generations are leading the trend towards plant parenthood and urban jungles!
Through photosynthesis and transpiration, plants provide oxygen, purify the air of toxins and increase humidity. NASA has reports proving that plants absorb more than carbon dioxide. They remove Volatile Organic Compounds(VOC's)present in rugs,vinyl,fibers and paint.
Plants produce humidity as they transpire releasing the water you add to the soil through their leaves. This moisture evaporates into the air.
The more plants grouped together and the larger their leaves, the more they improve air quality.
NASA came up with a list of indoor plants that cleaned the air most efficiently. Here are the standouts:
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)
- spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- golden pothos (Epipiremnum aureum)
- peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa')
- Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
- bamboo or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
- snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens `oxycardium')
- lacy tree philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
- elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
- red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
- corn plant (Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana')
- Janet Craig & Warneckii dracaena (Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig' & `Warneckii')
- weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
- gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Studies show that plants in the workplace improve focus and productivity. They also help reduce stress and boost your mood.
Houseplants have become trendy and social media provides a platform for plant lovers to inspire each other, Provide growing tips and arrange meet ups to exchange cuttings from their collection. More time spent at home has created a strong bond between people and houseplants.
Caring for living things gives us a purpose and is rewarding, especially when you see it bloom and thrive!
What houseplants are you growing at home or work?
Do you propagate them to share with friends?
Do you have an offset of a plant that has been in your family for years? Let me know - [email protected]
