Plants play a major role in our world. Not only do we rely on them for sustenance, they also convert carbon dioxide into the oxygen that we breathe. Some plants do even more than that, however. From absorbing dangerous chemicals to proving an ointment to help heal burns, plants are a wonderful thing. While there is some disagreement about the validity of some recent plant studies, others are agreed on.
These studies are the ones that say that just having a plant where you can see it helps increase concentration and improves overall mood. If you are living in an apartment, knowing which house plants to grow can be challenging. From aloe vera to the spider plant, here are seven of the best house plants for improving your health. If they don’t improve your health physically, they will at least help your mental health.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a wonderful plant that is fairly easy to grow and keep alive. Aloe vera is used to treat sunburns; the leaves of the aloe vera plant are very thick and full of a gel that can be used for a variety of purposes. If you have a burn or need to sanitise your hands, the aloe vera gel can help. It also works to help exfoliate dry skin and can even help if you are having problems with your digestion. And, if the air in your house is becoming toxic, the leaves will develop brown spots. Aloe vera is a great plant to have in your kitchen.
Spider Plant
Spider plants, or airplane plants, are listed as one of the best plants to purify air. Spider plants grow well indoors, look pretty, and fight pollution in the home. Spider plants are said to be effective against formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and other nasty chemicals. They are also safe to have in a house with pets, and very strong. This makes them a plant that is decorative, helpful, and resilient; this is a winning combination.
Bamboo Palm
Bamboo palm is similar to spider plants in some ways. It is also listed as one of the best plants to purify air, and, like spider plants, it can absorb formaldehyde, particularly when it comes from new furniture. It also helps by absorbing benzene and trichloroethylene. Bamboo does need to be watered frequently, but can survive in shade or in direct sunlight. Like many of the other plants on this list, it is also a beautiful decoration, making it lovely and functional. This plant works best in complimenting outdoor lighting as well.
Garden Mum
Garden mums are another versatile plant that can be planted outside or grown inside in a pot. Mums are a cheap but popular bloom that could absorb ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the air. With these toxins in the plant, they are not going into your lungs, helping keep you healthier than you would be otherwise.
Ficus
A ficus is also called a weeping fig. A native plant to Asia, it can grow anywhere from two to ten feet tall. The ficus, like most of these plants, is actually a fairly simple plant to care for, as long as it is given enough light and not overwatered. Like other plants, a ficus will both improve your mood and, remove several pollutants from the air inside your house. These pollutants include formaldehyde and benzene. A ficus will also remove odours, another helpful and beautiful plant.
English Ivy
English Ivy has been called the best air-filtering plant by scientists. Its main strength lies in removing formaldehyde from the air. It is a plant that does a wonderful job absorbing the toxins from the air that affect sufferers of asthma, and also cleans cigarette smoke and airborne fecal-matter particles from the air. Although English Ivy is a popular and hard to kill houseplant, it is also great for attracting wildlife when planted outside, providing hiding and hibernating spots for animals, birds and insects.
Ferns
Ferns do absorb formaldehyde and xylene, but they are famous for something else. Ferns have an additional function that can be a health benefit. Although they need a lot of water, studies have shown that having ferns in the house can increase the humidity levels. Once a month, they need to be soaked in water, but otherwise they are fairly easy to maintain. Of course, they are also a lovely addition to any home.
If you are looking for plants that offer health benefits for your new home, these seven house plants can help absorb toxins while being an attractive part of your house.
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