| Plant Care Tips:
How Can Having Indoor Plants Benefit You?
Plant Benefits | Natural
Fertilizer | Natural
Soil Enhancers
In addition to the nutritional value of the
plants you can eat and the esthetic value of those whose beauty
you can admire, plants can have other positive effects on
your life.
Some indoor plants help clean the air
Certain plants help clean your indoor air by
absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
What can VOCs do to you?
VOCs are typically not acutely toxic but they
may have a chronic negative effect on your health. They can
give you cancer, as well as many allergic, respiratory, or
immune conditions. Some of the symptoms associated with exposure
to VOCs include eye, nose or throat irritation, dizziness,
loss of balance, headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Where can VOCs be coming from in your house,
apartment or office?
The most commonly occurring VOCs are formaldehyde
and benzene, and their sources include:
| • Synthetic carpeting
• Furniture/shelving/etc. made from plywood,
particle board, or medium-density fiberboard
• Cleaners and, ironically, air fresheners
• Paint and wallpaper
• Adhesives and solvents
|
• Insulation materials
• Permanent press fabrics
(e.g., drapes and linens)
• Dry-cleaned clothing
• Cosmetics
• And even… tap water!
|
The good news is that you can significantly
reduce VOCs that occur in your environment with one 6-inch
plant per 100 square feet of living or working space. This
solution is both far less expensive than an air filter and
a lot more pleasing to the eye.
What plants can absorb VOCs?
|
• Bamboo palm
• Dracaena
• Gerbera daisy
|
• Ivy
• Mother-in-law’s tongue
• Peace lily
|
• Philodendron
• Pot mum
• Spider plant
|
Who needs to keep their air clean?
Well, everyone really, but especially people
who have asthma or certain allergies. A few good plants may
bring you significant relief.
Also, if you frequently use chemicals where
you live or work, keeping your air clean would be a smart
move. In places like that you might want to try larger plants,
or more than one per 100 square feet.
What else can you do to keep your air low
on VOCs?
Reduce or eliminate the use of toxic products,
such as cleaners, air fresheners, cosmetics, etc., and replace
them with non-toxic ones. You can learn about many of them
by browsing this website.
Indoor plants can improve your focus and productivity
A recent study published in the Journal
of Environmental Psychology describes the positive
effect indoor plants can have on the mental acuity of the
person who shares their space.
Apparently, plants provide a welcome distraction
to a person who might otherwise get bored with monotonous
or tedious tasks. Just a moment of paying attention to the
plant, as your eye involuntarily wanders off in its direction,
can rejuvenate your mind enough to enable you to focus on
your work again.
What to increase your or your employees’
productivity? Place an attractive potted plant on everyone’s
desk, or invite everyone to bring their own.
* * *
Can you think of more benefits from having indoor
plants? Let us
know!
back
to top
Plant Benefits | Natural
Fertilizer | Natural
Soil Enhancers |
Plant Care Tips