Most of us spend many hours indoors during our working and off hours depending on our lifestyles and the
demands of our professions. That means we are breathing in air that may not be the best air to breathe. New construction materials, new carpets, new furniture, and cigarette smoke: these are many ways harmful toxins get into our enclosed spaces. Thanks to research done by NASA in the 1980's they learned that by bringing houseplants into our living and working spaces we can improve the quality of the air we breathe.
A live plant not only brings the natural world into a given space, which is a calming sight in my opinion, but through the process of photosynthesis (remember that from elementary school science class?) transforms carbon, water and light into oxygen. As stated in the links below, some plants also have the ability to remove harmful toxins from the air during this process of photosynthesis. What giving life forms!
Now I know many of you may say, "but I don't have a green thumb". Well go with the plants that are the hardiest. In my experience philodendrom, pathos, spider plants and snake plants (aka mother-in-law's tongue
plants) require the least amount of care.
Who knows you may discover a new hobby this is healthy, calming and fun. (written by Gloria)
http://www.cleanairgardening.com/houseplants.html
http://www.plant-care.com/indoor-plants-clean-air-1.html
http://houseplants.suite101.com/article.cfm/houseplants_pollution_fighters
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CENTURY 21 Absolute Realty
Serving Delaware County, Pennsylvania and Surrounding Areas
610-909-0687 Doug 610-328-4300 x131 Office
484-431-3686 Gloria Visit our Blog
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Something we can not live without-when I delivered my son I had pure oxygen and it was really fresh air. I said can I have more of that!
Yes, this is true! Unless you allow the soil to stay waterlogged and get moldy (happened to a client and couldn't find the source of the odor for the longest time!) I have read that Spider plants are one of the best natural air cleaners. Mine are very prolific and shoot off babies all the time. I pot them up and give them away.
Monika, Lucky for you to get that dose of pure fresh air!
Pat, You brought up a really good point about over watering plants or not being able to see if water is accumulating out of sight inside a pot. That's why in office settings there should be one person or a group that knows the watering schedule of the plants so over watering does not happen. I always like to have pots that offer a view of the bottom so I can see if water is accumulating even if the soil is dry. Thanks for your story and the reminder about Spider plants being a source of gift giving.
Gloria