We are lucky to live in the Lowveld, surrounded by CO2 guzzling plantations and macs, a stone’s throw away from true bushveld and well distant from the Highveld coal mines and factories. Air pollution isn’t on our anxiety lists and hopefully never will be but can you ever do enough to ensure your surroundings are a healthy place to live?
Thanks to NASA research in the late 1980’s, we have a list of air-purifying houseplants we should have in our homes.These beauties filter out harmful compounds in the air and make it healthier to breathe. If the space stations can green their living space with greenery that removes toxins from the air, we have no excuse. See our list of garden centres to go shopping http://wearewhiteriver.com/directory-index?zoom=15&is_mile=0&directory_radius=0&sort=title&keywords=plants&address=&directory_radius=0¢er=&address_type=&category=0
So what should be on your plant shopping list?
Aloe Vera
Also doubles as an excellent healer for burns and cuts. It sucks up benzine, a chemical commonly found in paint and chemical cleaners.
Peace Lily
Is a good one for bathrooms and damp places as it helps to reduce the levels of mold spores by absorbing the spores through its leaves. Clever Peace Lily then circulates these nasties to its roots and uses them as food. It can also absorb harmful vapours from acetone, so do your mani and pedi next to your lily.
Hen and Chickens
This easy to grow commonly found houseplant can remove up to 90% of the toxins in your indoor air within two days. The leaves help to absorb harmful molds and other allergens so if you have a dust allergy, this is one for you. Hen and Chickens will also remove small traces of formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, so keep it in your kitchen or close to your fireplace.
African Violets
These little beauties don’t have a high chemical filter ability but just looking at this cheerful splash of colour has health benefits, as it helps to stimulate adrenaline release and increase the flow of oxygen to the brain, making you relax.
Gerbera Daisy
Or as we like to proudly claim them for our own, Barberton Daisies. The Gerber’s bright, large blooms make it a popular houseplant for its attractive appearance as well as its air-purifying properties. Gerbera helps to remove trichloroethylene and benzene in the air and release more oxygen into the air than typical houseplants. This can be very helpful for those suffering from breathing disorders. So fill every dark nook and cranny with them.
