There is something about having living plants in a home that just makes you feel good! I believe that the primary reason for this response is our intimate connection with nature. Bringing the outdoors in through decorating with plants produces a sense of comfort and calm as well as adding positive energy to a space. Even silk plants help create this effect. Living plants however contribute to more than just our emotional well being, they also work to filter impurities in the air we breath, which is good for our physical health.
From a design viewpoint, plants provide a perfect way to soften hard edges or bring attention to a particular area. They can be used to balance a space by their scale, color, shape or texture. Strategically chosen, well-placed and maintained plants make a space look great and feel complete.
From a health viewpoint house plants can have a significant impact on us physically. Plants actually help you get well and stay well. Dr Bruno Cortis a Chicago cardiologist says that studies have shown a shorter recovery time for hospital patients who have a garden view rather than just walls to look at. These patients are calmer and more optimistic. A study in Norway at a University of Agriculture revealed a 30% reduction of fatigue, sore throats, coughs and other cold-related illnesses in people with house plants around them, due in part by how plants can decrease dust and raise humidity levels.
A NASA study found that up to 87% of air toxins could be removed by house plants in a 24-hour period. Plants can remove a variety of toxins emitted in our air including ammonia, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, paint fumes, car exhaust fumes and tobacco smoke as well as fumes from many cleaning products.
How many plants do you need to improve indoor air quality? NASA recommended 15-18 "good-sized" plants in 6-8 inch diameter pots for a 1,800 square foot home. Another recommendation suggests that 1 plant should be allowed for about every 10 square
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yards of floor space in spaces with 8-9 foot ceilings. An average living room would require 2-3 plants.
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This Mother Fern is a very popular house plant because it is easy to care for. It is very attractive, one of the best at purifying the air and it thrives in indirect light with little moisture.
Here are two lists of the top Air Purifying Plants to choose. Remember that the healthier the plant the more purifying it will be.
The following plants are most effective in removing potentially harmful toxins from the air in your home.
- Dragon tree
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- Ivy
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- Chrysanthemums
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- Philodendrons
| | - Spider plants
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Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting off-gassed chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.
- Areca palm
- Reed palm
- Dwarf date palm
- Boston fern
- Janet Craig dracaena
- English ivy
- Australian sword fern
- Peace Lily
- Rubber plant
- Weeping fig
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Many popular indoor plants originated in the dense shade of tropical or subtropical forests and will do fine in darker areas. Be aware of the balance of ventilation and light as you position plants in your home. Plants set in a draft appear to reduce indoor air pollution more effectively. |
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If you have small children or pets, be sure to check on any plants you are considering bringing in to your home to make sure they are not poisonous to them. Wishing you healthy decorating! |
