5 Pretty Houseplants That Purify Your Environment

By Lawrence Leaf

Indoor plants are not just pleasant to look at –  they are great for your health and purify the air.  They even help to relieve allergies. Furthermore, they are easy to take care of and last a long time. Here are my fave.

1) ALOE VERA

* Aloe vera has anti- inflammatory and antifungal properties and is full of vitamin A. Useful for soothing itching in cases of allergies.

2) ARECA PALM

*Areca palm is great for adding humidity to the air, which can help to soothe allergy and asthma. Additionally, the Areca Palm helps to purify the air by removing harmful toxins, such as formaldehyde and benzene. These toxins are known to flare up asthma symptoms.

3) HEARTLEAF PHILODENDRON

*Heartleaf Philodendron also purifies the air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air, making it an ideal plant for people with allergies or respiratory issues.

 

4) GOLDEN POTHOS

*Golden Pothos, is a fantastically low- maintenance tropical houseplant with exceptional formaldehyde reduction capabilities. When having allergies that irritate the respiratory tract,  it is believed that formaldehyde makes the condition worse.

5) SNAKE PLANT

*Snake Plant improves air quality of your home. They release lots of oxygen and add moisture to the air, which lessens the impact of airborne allergens like dust and dander. Snake Plant is also low maintenance.  One problem some have with Snake Plant is that they water the plant too much. Always put your finger in the soil to test for dryness. Water accordingly. Less can be more with these plants.

 So, there you have it. Buy yourself an attractive house plant for your home or office and you will benefit from better health. Studies confirm this fact.

According to a NASA study, houseplants remove 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that are in everything from rugs and grocery bags to paint and vinyl.

Another study by the Identity Realisation research group at the University of Exeter, in association with Indoor Garden Design, found that houseplants increase well-being by 47 percent, increase creativity by 45 percent, and increase productivity by 38 percent.

Plus, bringing nature into your indoor living or working place makes your environment not only happier, but prettier.

Lawrence Leaf is a master horticulturist with decades of experience.