Since we have all been spending more time at home, thoughts about our indoor air quality might be coming up more often. Modern home-building has created a tightly sealed space for us to safely enjoy, however, this space can also frequently be filled with items that, over time, may contaminate the indoor air. Additionally, at times such as these, it is the outdoor air that is dangerous—currently full of the acrid smell of wildfire smoke that has darkened the skies. Regardless of the cause, it is a natural instinct to want to improve our indoor air quality, especially since we are all spending more time than ever inside our homes.
In the late 1980s, scientists from NASA teamed up with the horticulturalists from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to study the use of indoor houseplants as air purifiers for space facilities. Their findings revealed that there are several houseplants that filter out common volatile organic compounds in a sealed environment. Based on this research, some current experts say houseplants are natural air cleaners. However, no definitive studies show significant reduction of air contaminates in our homes or indoor spaces.
Science does support the notion that indoor plants provide other health benefits to us including reduced stress, more creativity, higher energy levels, and increased happiness. After all, as long as plants provide joy as all-around great roommates, fans and filters can do their job.
Breathe easy with these six easy-care plants that you can find at any Dennis’ 7 Dees nursery location:
PEACE LILY
Spathiphyllum
The Peace Lily is a wonderful, low-maintenance indoor plant. With broad, glossy dark green leaves and white flowers, bright indirect light and weekly watering are all that is needed to keep this plant thriving.
POTHOS
Epipremnum Aureum
Also known as Devil’s Ivy, this eye-catching plant is known for its ease and flexibility. Available in various leaf colors, Pothos can be grown in a hanging basket, trailing out of a decorative pot, or trained to climb up a moss pole. They are best with medium light and when the soil is allowed to dry partially between waterings.
SNAKE PLANT
Sansevieria Trifasciata
A great pick for tight spots, the Snake Plant needs very little water and tolerates low light (also okay in bright light). Research suggests that this plant is able to remove some indoor air contaminates while producing copious amounts of oxygen throughout the night. It’s an excellent plant to grow in your bedroom (even if you forget to open the curtains)!
CHINESE EVERGEEN
Aglaonema
With silver and green variegated leaves, the Chinese Evergreen looks lovely in any setting. Only moderate to bright, indirect light and average water are needed for this easy-to-care-for plant, but it is even tolerant of low light or artificial lighting, making it a great office companion too!
ZZ PLANT
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Complete with deep green and glossy foliage, the ZZ Plant asks only to be kept out of direct sun and watered sparingly—yet another easy-to-care-for plant on our list with a high resistance to insects and diseases. This slow grower is perfect for almost any space in your home!
SPIDER PLANT
Chlorophytum Comosum
One of the most common house plants, Spider Plants are decorative and easy to grow since they are able to perform photosynthesis under minimal lighting. Spider plants are also fun for children to learn about roots and plant growth since they often produce “plantlets” that dangle from the main plant on long, thin stems. Plantlets (spider plant “babies”) can be cut from the main plant and either planted into soil or rooted into water first.
Your home and your health will greatly benefit from adding any one of these indoor plants or a combination of them to your décor. You can find all of these varieties and more at Dennis’ 7 Dees by visiting one of our garden centers in Cedar Hills, Lake Oswego, Bridgeport Village (plant shop), and Seaside, or by shopping online!