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Did you know that virtually all house plants are powerful air cleaners?

Through entrance of the leaves on the plants, carbon dioxide gets in and through complex chemical reactions, the process called photosynthesis takes place. Then oxygen is released into the air. In essence the plant acts like a filter by removing pollutants from the air, and replacing the air with oxygen in a more pure form. Making plants even more important then ever, to help aid in removing the toxins in your home.

Evidence has been shown that just as little as 15-20 plants per household can purify a space up to 1,800 sq. Feet. You will see a list below that will explain the three most common pollutants in your home  and learn how house plants can assist in making it a healthier place to live in.

When deciding to fertilize your houseplants,  we use an all natural fertilizer from “Garden’s Alive”. It’s safe and effective and reasonably priced for the consumer.

The top 3 pollutants are formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.

Formaldehyde: major sources of this pollutant are, particleboard, insulation, and paper products. Beware also of cleaning products, as many of them also have formaldehyde in them.

Plants that assist in the removal of this pollutant are:

• Bamboo Palm
• Spider Plant
• Heartleaf Philodendron
• Snake Plant
• Peace Lily

Trichloroethylene: major sources of this pollutant are, varnishes, paints, inks, and adhesives.

Plants that assist in the removal of this pollutant are:

• Gerbera Daisy
• Bamboo Palm
• Peace Lily
• Chrysanthemum

Benzene: Major sources of this pollutant are, detergents, pharmaceuticals, dyes, tobacco smoke, inks, paints, gasoline, plastic, oil, and rubber.

Plants that assist in the removal of this pollutant are:

• Gerbera Daisy
• Chrysanthemum
• English Ivy
• Snake Plant
• Bamboo Palm
• Peace Lily

Yes, house plants are wonderful for any home. Particularly when it comes to helping to clean the air. However you must be aware of the dangerous house plants out there  that can cause harm to your family, especially young children and your loving pets.

 

• Amaryllis:

Poisonous part is the bulb

 

 

• Rhododendron:

( Azalea) All parts are poisonous

 

 

• Chrysanthemum:

Leaves and stalk are poisonous

 

 

• Angel Trumpet:

All parts are poisonous

 

 

• Poinsettia:

Latex, leaves and stems are poisonous

 

 

• Hydragin:

Leaves and buds are poisonous

 

 

• Heartleaf Philodendron:

Leaves and juices are poisonous

 

 

• Diffenbachia:

all parts are poisonous

 

A superb resource book to read on all these house plant questions is called `How to Grow Fresh Air“ 50 Plants that Purify your Home or Office by B.C. Wolverton
Here is a comment made by one of his readers that is quite interesting to read:

I was very pleased to receive this book – it will come in useful for many years. I have severe chemical sensitivities and up to date my house looks like “The Day of the Triffids”, with spider plants growing all over the place. Now, thanks to this book, I have many attractive plants, I know how good they are at cleaning the air, and my spider plants are gradually diminishing as I find good homes for them.
A very good buy for anyone interested in taking responsibility for their own health – we should all be more aware of the hidden chemicals in our homes.

The key to taking control of your health is to begin to remove any or all unnecessary toxins from your life. You can begin this process today, by simply purchasing some of the more common house plants that aid in cleaning the air in your home. Don’t delay, start today, to make your home the healthiest you can , bringing peace of mind to you and your family.

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