The Amazing Benefits of Houseplants
By Lisa Dean

The impact of plants upon their environment and the impact of the environment upon human beings is continually being discovered. Studies have shown that "tending plants" improves our physical, mental and spiritual environment by reducing stress, promoting relaxation and providing mental stimulation.

In addition, plants and people have respiratory systems that complement each other. Plants use the byproduct of our respiration - carbon dioxide, and human beings use the byproduct of plant respiration - oxygen.

Studies by NASA researcher Dr. Bill Wolverton have revealed something amazing about plants that now make them an important tool in our fight against indoor pollution. His extensive research with plants has shown that there are plants, which actually have the ability to remove toxins from the air.

He has identified three of the most prevalent indoor toxins to be formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene(TCH). These toxins are found in hundreds of items we use daily, including foam insulation, plywood, particle board, clothing, carpet, furniture, facial tissues, water repellants, plastics, photocopy ink, paints, detergents, stains and varnishes...... For additional information regarding toxins and their sources, visit: http://www.wolvertonenvironmental.com/chem.htm Of course it would be impossible to eliminate all these items from our work and home environments. We can however, introduce plants, which help filter these toxins from the air.

Some of the more efficient plants for cleaning the air are:
  • the Spider Plant
  • English Ivy
  • Peace Lily
  • Janet Craig Dracaena
  • the Tree Philodendron
These plants have stoma on their foliage that allow toxins to enter. Once inside, these toxins travel to the root system of the plant, where it is converted to food!!

Dr. Wolverton recommends one average size potted plant per100 square feet of home or office space. For example, a 1000 sq ft home would require approximately 10 plants.

Here are a few tips for houseplant success:
1) Insert your finger into the soil before watering a plant. As a general rule of thumb, the plant doesn't need watering if the soil already feels moist or cool. It's usually more harmful to over water a plant, than it is to underwater.
2) Occasionally, clean the foliage with a soft cloth. Dust/grease buildup can clog the pores of the plant, and reduce its ability to clean the air.
3) Most importantly, examine the foliage soil on a regular basis. Becoming familiar with how a healthy plant looks, goes a long way towards recognizing an unhealthy plant.

Enjoy their beauty and health benefits!

Lisa Dean provides private consultation, based on extensive research and experience, on the proper care of plants and how they can be used to help detoxify your personal or business space. Please call 709-726-7159 for further information.

 

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