YOUR LINK TO THE LOCAL EXPERTS
The Saturday Life section connects you to practical know-how from local people who know.
Spring cleaning is in the air. By adding a quick trip to a garden nursery, a spring cleaning to-do list can help with cleaning all year-round.
Specific indoor plants can “clean” and improve indoor air quality, help with allergies and give a boost to your four-season cleaning routine.
“I feel one of the best plants for cleaner indoor air is the Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” said Patrick Flanagan, landscape manager/designer at Knollwood Garden Center and Landscaping in Beavercreek.
“Besides the huge benefit of lowering carbon dioxide levels, the Snake Plant also removes formaldehyde, found in glues and pressed wood products, and benzene, found in paints and polishes, from your indoor air,” Flanagan said.
Houses are stuffed to the brim with objects, furniture, carpets, finishes and chemicals that can affect the quality of indoor air, and with windows closed to keep warm air in and cold air out for seasons at a time, the air is even more impacted.
But with help from Mother Nature, indoor air can get better.
“The Golden Pothos is another great plant. The fact that it is a fast-growing vine, adapts well to low light, and requires very little care makes it an attractive option, but the ability of the plant to target carbon monoxide is a huge bonus,” Flanagan said. “Hanging or placing a Golden Pothos close to your garage area, where exhaust fumes may sneak into your home, might be a wise decision to start.”
Retired NASA research scientist B.C. Wolverton said in an article on www.safbaby.com that the three most effective plants to improve indoor air quality are the Areca palm, Lady palm and Bamboo palm. Wolverton is the author of “How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office.”
Since some houseplants can be toxic for small children and animals, even with their air purifying powers, it is always advisable to consult a professional gardener or medical expert before bringing any plants into your home in order to protect everyone.
Wolverton said houseplants considered to be safe around small kids include the Areca palm, Lady palm, Bamboo palm, Snake plant, Swedish ivy, Spider plant, Yucca, Corn plant and Boston fern, whereas Golden Pothos, English ivy, dieffenbachia, philodendron and syngonium are harmful.
Once you have decided which plants are a good fit for your household and indoor air, figure out how many you can handle.
“I would use as many plants in a room that you feel comfortable with maintaining. If one plant helps, several will only benefit you more,” Flanagan said. “I would just make sure to arrange your indoor plants so that they are receiving the required light, especially if you choose to go with a good number of them. Also, make sure to not overwater your plants. The last thing you want is to have mold make a home with you.”
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