Wellness Tips
DETOX HOUSE PLANTS
We all know that plants and vegetables help us detox when we consume them, but do you know about the helpful house plants that can remove dangerous chemicals in the air with no effort on our part aside regular watering and loving?
The one thing I remember being taught in school was that trees take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. A mature leafy tree produces as much oxygen in a season as 10 people inhale in a year. Deep down I must have always known I was a tree hugger!
Plants are also our friends, the leaves absorb chemicals that pass into the roots, where microbes turn them into food for the plant. Water pulled up from roots to leaves also sucks polluted air into the soil. The nearer the plants are to your nose, the more effective their purifying properties. Here’s which plants should go where and the nasty chemicals they ingest…
For your bedside table
Christmas Cactus
Unlike most plants, removes carbon dioxide at night and releases oxygen during the day. Perfect while your sleeping.
Dendrobium Orchid
Not just beautifully adorable, it detoxes formaldehyde, acetone and chloroform from indoor air.
For the living room
Areca Palm
One of the best plants for removing airborne toxins. All palm plants are generally easy to keep.
Lady Palm
The second most effective detox plant, and are the best for neutralising ammonia from cleaning products.
Bamboo Palm
Moisturises centrally heated indoor air; good for removing trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde.
By the computer
Gerberas
For instant cheer as well as effective toxin absorption. Keep moist.
Golden pothos (devil's ivy)
Thrives in gloomy spaces with little natural light and tolerates infrequent watering. Loves formaldehyde. One of the easiest plants to keep and perfect for that macrame plant hanger!
Dracaena
A good detox plant that enjoys computer screen glare. Prefers bright light, but not direct sun. Water thoroughly Spring through Winter and let the soil dry out between watering.
For the bathroom
Boston fern
The most effective air purifier especially for formaldehyde; thrives in humid environments. Keep moist.
Dwarf banana
Looks exotic and loves humidity. Generally thicker leaf plants are easier to keep as they are more robust and need less watering.
For the kitchen
Tulips
Grow bulbs indoors early spring to remove xylene, formaldehyde and ammonia pumped into air by conventional cleaning products.
Peace lily
Siphons off VOCs (especially benzene) outgassed from flooring and wallpapers, paint and composite furniture, stain treatments and dry cleaned clothes. Blooms in medium light conditions, Keep soil slightly moist.
Spider plant
Rids air of carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. Likes average temperatures with bright light, but can tolerate medium light. Water thoroughly and let the soil dry out between watering.
Its important to love and care for your plants as many studies show that they have feelings. They thrive in good energy and pleasant music. Another essential to looking after your house plants (for me anyway!) is to have beautiful plant pots and macramé plant hangers showcasing your special friends!
