Katie Stevens, Sustainable Utah Blog Writing Intern.
Living in Salt Lake City, we are no strangers to air pollution and its harmful effects. Breathing in toxic air can cause a range of health concerns including increased asthmatic symptoms, bronchitis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and more.
It is no surprise that we often retreat into our homes to catch a breath of fresh air; however, sometimes our indoor air quality could be improved. Common indoor air pollutants include benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and ammonia. There are certain plants that can combat these indoor air pollutants, according to a study done by NASA.
Here are five plants that can improve your indoor air quality:
- FLORIST’S CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Helps to rid the air of: Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and ammonia.
- Care: Keep the plant in cooler temperatures and keep the soil moist at all times. Requires bright light.
- Toxic? Chrysanthemum leaves are toxic so keep this in a safe spot away from any furry friends and youngsters.
- PEACE LILY (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)
- Helps rid the air of: Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and ammonia.
- Care: Average room temperature is good for this plant. Keep the soil evenly moist and be sure to have a pot with a drainage hole. Bright light is recommended, but not direct sunlight.
- Toxic? Yes
- ENGLISH IVY (Hedera helix)
- Helps rid the air of: Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.
- Care: Keep under bright light, preferably fluorescent. Soil should be kept moist spring through fall and a bit drier in winter. Ivy likes cool to average room temperatures.
- Toxic? English Ivy leaves are toxic if eaten and can irritate the skin; it is always a good idea to wear gloves while handling this plant.
- BARBERTON DAISY (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Helps rid the air of: Trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, and xylene.
- Care: This plant requires bright light to full sun and thorough watering. Prefers cool to average temperatures.
- Toxic? Non-toxic.
- BROADLEAF LADY PALM (Rhapis excelsa)
- Helps rid the air of: Formaldehyde, xylene, and ammonia.
- Care: Keep this plant in bright, but indirect light. Soil should be kept evenly moist in the spring and summer and should be dried out between watering in the winter.
- Toxic? Non-toxic.
I invite you to create your indoor air sanctuary with these plants and test out your green thumb this winter!
Cover Photo Via Pixabay CC0