Happy National Indoor Plant Week! Yes, it really is a thing. Kind of a made up holiday like the recent Grandparents Day or the upcoming Sweetest Day. That being said the benefits of having indoor plants are most definitely not made up. They are very, very real.
Although I’m not sure it takes a NASA scientist to tell us that houseplants clean the air in our house, that is exactly what is happening. NASA notes in their research publications “Both plant leaves and roots are utilized in removing trace levels of toxic vapors from inside tightly sealed buildings.” And “Plants take the carbon dioxide from air to produce oxygen that humans can breathe”. One potted plant per 100 square feet is recommended by NASA researchers.
Plants increase the level of oxygen in our home. Our body processes oxygen and releases carbon dioxide. Plants are the opposite. Through photosynthesis plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Indoor houseplants also can assist in reducing illness in humans. Not only do plants release oxygen they also release water through their leaves during a process called transpiration. During the winter our homes can become very dry. Plants will help to increase the humidity levels by releasing moisture into the air. According to Bayer Advanced using plants in a home leads to a decrease in dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs.
A recent Kansas State University study (Go Wildcats!) found a direct link between viewing plants after surgery (while recovering) and improved physiologic responses. Fatigue, anxiety, blood pressure, pain levels were all reduced in those patients who viewed plants verses those patients who did not. A Texas A & M study (Gig ‘em Aggies!) showed that people who took care of plants reduced their recovery time.
Convinced that houseplants are good for you? Want to give them a try? Perhaps you simply want to add a few more to your collection. Here are a few houseplants that are very easy to take care of.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum) This variegated green and white leaved plant is adaptable to a wind range of conditions. It prefers sun and for the soil to be kept slightly moist. It has a wide array of little shoots coming off of the ends of the leaves that resemble spiders. These shoots can be put into soil to develop new plants.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria )Snake plant is the politically correct name for a plant that most of us know as Mother in Law’s tongue. The drought resistant nature of this plant is perfect for those of us who forget to water our plants.
Golden Pothos The green and yellow heart shaped leaves on this plants make for a beautiful display. It prefers indirect light. Because of its air purifying qualities, I have given one to my son for his dorm room.
Aloe This succulent plant can grow for many, many years. Place it on in a sunny location and water only occasionally. It will be standing by the ready should someone get a sunburn next year. The liquid from the inside of the leaves can be used to treat sunburn.
Dumbcane(Dieffenbachia) This plant can take a low light growing situation. Make sure to plant it in a container with adequate drainage and away from areas in your home that may have a temperature swing.
Fiddle leaf Fig This tall growing house plants has very large, thick foliage. It prefers a humid environment so you might need to mist the leaves. Also keep it protected from drafts. Keep the growing medium moist.
Philodendron There are many types of philodendron to choose from. Some tend to vine, others have variegated foliage. Placed in an area with indirect bright light all types should do very well.
Inch Plant (Tradescantia zebrina) This is a gorgeous purple flowering house plant. The leaves are a wonderful mix of purple and green zebra type stripes. It has a trailing habit.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana) They are usually sold in bundles. Provide them with plenty of water and they will provide you with lots of luck.
In a future column, I will go discuss more specific maintenance requirements of house plants, general care suggestions, and plant propagating.
Kathleen Carr is the owner of The Growing Scene, Inc., a garden center and landscaping company. She can be reached by calling 815-923-7322 or emailing her at Kathleen@thegrowingscene.com. Have a gardening question? Please contact her. She may address it in an upcoming column.
