Wouldn't you like to breathe nice, clean air? You can - at least inside your home - by growing houseplants. But don't just take our word for it. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) did research to evaluate the beneficial effects of houseplants in manned space operations. They found that common houseplants can improve indoor air quality by purifying the air.
True, plants absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, but that's not all. Research has shown that houseplants can remove up to 87% of indoor air pollutants through their natural recycling of the air around them. Building materials, fabrics, paint, cosmetics and other common household items can pollute your air with benzene, formaldehyde and other chemicals. Those toxins can cause allergic reactions, sickness and fatigue in humans.
NASA recommends one plant per 100 square feet of living area for optimum filtering effect. Having even a few houseplants can improve your home air quality, however, especially if you concentrate them in areas where you spend the most time, such as the family room. Plants that were found to be especially effective in removing air pollutants include palms, peace lilies, ferns, schefflera and English ivy. For a complete list of houseplants that can clean air pollutants, visit O2foryou.org.
Larger, vigorously growing plants are more effective in cleansing the air. Keep your houseplants growing strong by watering properly and feeding them regularly. You can do both at the same time with Miracle-Gro® Liquid Houseplant Food. Simply mix the recommended amount with the water in your watering can and apply the mixture to the soil under the plants' leaves.
» Find out the best way to place your houseplants
