Prepared by Patricia M. Webb, Master Gardener Class Indoor Plants for Clean Air Home owners today are concerned about energy efficiency in their homes. Ways to keep energy losses down means lots of insulation in the outside walls, energy saving windows, carpeting, tightly fitting doors, and attic insulation.  However, this also means that there is little fresh air entering the home; especially in the winter months which, in turn, can lead to a buildup of air pollution. What causes air pollution in the home? There are a surprising number of sources. Cigarette smoke, items that have been dry cleaned, newly installed carpets, freshly painted surfaces, detergents, and synthetic fibers and plastics are all sources of pollutants. Paper products, furniture, and household cleaners are also culprits which produce air pollution. The three major indoor air pollutants are benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. Research by NASA in creating a healthy environment in space habitats indicates that a number of common house plants are effective in removing or reducing these pollutants.

Plants use a process called photosynthesis to produce their food. The plants take carbon dioxide from the air and produce oxygen as a byproduct. This allows them to grow and produce flowers, fruits, and seeds. Research now shows that many common houseplants also absorb pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. The most common house plants that have been proven to remove a large percentage of these pollutants are spider plants, numerous varieties of philodendron, peace lily, golden pothos, and snake plants. It is likely that most house plants are able to absorb some pollutants although only a few such as those listed above have been tested. For instance, studies have shown that the spider plant is quite effective in cleaning indoor air by absorbing chemicals including formaldehyde, xylene, benzene, and carbon monoxide in homes or offices. Other plants that help remove these toxic chemicals from the air are English Ivy, Bamboo Palm, Corn Plant (Ribbon Plant), Mother-in-Law’s tongue, Gerbera Daisy, Chrysanthemum, and a number of varieties of Dracaena.

Most flowering plants such as the Gerbera Daisy require sunlight and are difficult to grow inside. The greatest benefit from these plants occurs when there are 15 to 18 plants used in a house with an area of 1800 to 2000 square feet or 1 plant for each 100 square feet. The expense of buying this many plants may seem prohibitive for some home owners. However, most of these plants can be easily propagated. Spider plants are extremely easy to propagate by planting the “spiders” or plantlets that succeed the flowers that are produced on long stems in their own pots. Set the plantlet, still attached to the mother plant, on the surface of a pot filled with soilless potting medium and allow it to root before severing the stem connecting it to the mother plant. Cuttings from the stems of philodendron plants can be rooted in water and then moved to pots containing potting soil. Maintenance of these plants is very easy. Most of the plants will thrive in a low to bright light setting.

In fact, most of them can’t tolerate bright sunlight. Soil should be kept moist but not soggy. Do not over water.simple air coil cleaner Plants can provide an attractive environment as well as removing pollutants and increasing the oxygen content of the air in our homes. spray gun cleaner bottleRemoving these pollutants from the air we breathe is just one more way to help in maintaining good health and improving the environmentdvd lens cleaner for blu ray NASA Report 9/26/89  Study Shows Common Plants Help Reduce Indoor Air Pollution Release: 89-149 John C. Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Plants “Clean Air” Inside Our Homes Laura Pottoroff, Cooperative Extension Agent, horticulture, plant pathology

HOUSEPLANTS HELP CLEAN INDOOR AIR Deborah L. Brown, Extension Horticulturist“I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.” I have also bought plants at Home Depot and Lowes – soil too – but the problem with those stores is that they may have a black gnat infestation. I had this problem two years ago when I bought my organic potting soil there to repot a couple of plants and a few undetected gnats as well as undetected larvae turned into a whole house infestation (many of my friends experienced this same problem when buying soil from Home Depot). Nevertheless, thanks to Gardens Alive, I was able to humanely kill every gnat while saving my many plants (it took a couple of months, but it worked). To rid my home of this gnat problem, I went two weeks between watering while using many of these. The gnats were completely gone after about two months of this and I didn’t lose a single plant. I actually need to buy more organic potting soil and am planning to pay a little more at McNaughton’s.

I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it will be free of gnat larvae. Speaking of McNaughton’s, they have a great selection of house plants. However, they are a bit pricey unlike IKEA. I normally shop at McNaughton’s after I receive a 25% off one item coupon in the mail.In today's society, going green and living better has become the norm. From people exercising more frequently and eating better to using all natural products in the home, these lifestyle changes seem to be here to stay. Breathing in fresh air is another important aspect in healthy living, as fresh air helps remove pollution from a home or office, offering those who breathe in a chance to expose their lungs to pure, filtered air. You may not think about air purification when you decide to send a bouquet of flowers or house plants to a friend or coworker, however there are actually a variety of plants and flowers that have the power to purify. Aloe plants are a great option as they are both beautiful and have a purpose.

Mother Nature Network reports aloe plants, or aloe vera, are succulents that help clear the air of formaldehyde and benzene, byproducts of certain cleaners, paints and other household items. It may be smart to keep an aloe plant nearby if you are painting certain rooms in your home or are doing some major cleaning. Aside from helping to rid the air of chemicals, aloe also has a healing effect inside its branches. The gel inside works to heal cuts and soothe burns. At this time, Teleflora does not sell aloe plants but you may enjoy these succulents... Spider plant (aka Airplane Plant) Don't be afraid of the name - spider plants do not attract the eight-legged creatures, but rather got their title due to their flowy, long branches that resemble the legs of spiders. These lovely green plants also have tiny white flowers and are great for cleaning the air in a home or an office space. These plants work to eliminate benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and xylene - the latter of which is a solvent used in rubber and leather.

Spider plants may be the perfect option to keep on your desk at work, or to gift to one of your coworkers because the plant is hearty and doesn't require a lot of sunlight to thrive. This means you won't need to worry about watering or caring for it if you go on vacation or while you're home on the weekends. At this time, Teleflora does not sell spider plants but you may enjoy these five mixed plants in a ceramic container. You might assume that the best air-purifying plants are all in the greenery family, but that is actually not the case. In fact, colorful and lively gerbera daisies pack quite the air-purifying punch. These blossoms effectively rid the air of trichloroethylene, a chemical commonly found in clothes that have been dry cleaned. The flowers also work to filter out benzene that is commonly spread in the air by inks. Because of its super powers, this type of plant may be best reserved for the office, in a bedroom or the laundry room to have its abilities used to full potential.

The gorgeous blooming azalea is a flowering shrub that has the capability to neutralize formaldehyde that can enter the home or office from foam insulation or new construction involving plywood. These plants are also beneficial, as they prefer to stay in cooler temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, but do require some sunlight to thrive. Other air-purifying plants include the English ivy, which works to reduce airborne fecal-matter particles and warneck dracaena that helps to combat pollutants from varnishes and oils. Chinese evergreen is easy to care for and removes a variety of pollutants in the air, while bamboo palm removes benzene and trichloroethylene. To reap the most benefits, homeowners are encouraged to keep one large plant in the home for every 129 square feet, while between 15 and 18 plants are recommended to reap air purifying qualities. Health benefits of having house or office plants Keeping house plants around your home or office boasts other real benefits as well, Bayer Advanced reports.