How Potted House Plants Improve the Quality of Air
Incorporating potted house plants into the home can help improve the quality of air. low maintenance house plants , such as snake plants or Mother-In-Law's Tongue, reduce indoor ozone levels and eliminate VOCs which trigger allergies and asthma.
If your houseplant appears stressed or has signs of being too big for its pot, it's time to repot it. Choose a larger pot, and add fresh pots and potting mix.
Boston Fern
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular houseplant with lush green fronds which add a tropical touch to a room. The plants are well-known for their air purifying properties. They reduce the amount of pollution and increase the humidity in homes. This makes them great additions to bedrooms, where they can help to improve sleep quality and decrease allergy symptoms.
This plant needs indirect light and moderate temperatures. It doesn't like direct sunlight or cold air or drafts. It is recommended to mist the plant regularly to increase the humidity, especially in areas with low humidity. It doesn't require a lot of pruning and fertilization, however the fronds can become dry and brown if the plant is overwatered or kept in a dry area.
This plant grows in forests in humid, slightly acidic soil in shaded areas. It doesn't tolerate extreme heat or cold however, it is a good choice in USDA plant zones 9 to 11. This fern thrives in humid environments and would benefit from being located near a kitchen or bathroom.
This is among the easiest to care for potted ferns. Repotting is only needed when the roots start to grow around the base of the pot. Repotting is best done in the spring. The old potting mixture can be used as fertilizer (use an ineffective sodium nitrate solution or Clay's Fertilizer). This plant is low maintenance, as it doesn't grow fast and isn't susceptible various diseases or insects.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata), also called the elephant's foot plant or bottle palm is a plant that grows in tight bundles of green leaves that resemble a ponytail. It is one of the easiest plants to care for, as its swollen stem holds water. It can last for weeks without watering. It is a great choice for people who have children and pets, since it isn't harmful to the animals.
Ponytail palms do well in bright places however, they can tolerate moderate levels of light. They should be kept in pots with a well-drained, dry soil. Repot them only when the roots begin to grow around the pot and it is necessary to replace the pot however, don't overcrowd the roots.
It is important to water them regularly and let the soil completely drain between waterings. Overwatering can lead to stem rot and yellowing of the leaves.
Like all houseplants ponytail palm can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites and mealybugs. These insects can be controlled by horticultural oils and soaps. It is also possible to cause fungal problems and stem root rots.
Areca Palm
Areca palms can be easily maintained if there is plenty of bright sunlight. They thrive in warm temperatures and can be planted outdoors or indoors however, they must have a decent level of humidity. Brown or yellowed leaves and tips can indicate that the plant requires more moisture.
Water your palms of areca when the soil's top inch is dry to the touch, but do not allow the compost to become soiled. It is recommended to use rainwater or distilled water to water these plants since they are sensitive to the fluoride present in hard tap water.
If you are growing your palm in a pot repot it every two to three years or when the roots feel crowded. It will also remove any salt deposits that have accumulated in the pot and are preventing the plant from growing.
Areca palms purify air by absorbing toxic gases. According to NASA's Clean Air Study these plants are efficient in removing toluene as well as formaldehyde. These toxic substances can be released by dyes, paints, solvents, vehicle exhausts smoking from tobacco, wood and paraffin stoves and more. Inhaling these gases could lead to headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritation, and even liver damage when in high doses. The palm of the areca can be used to cut down on toxic gases in the home and office.
Dragon Tree
Dragon trees (Dracaena marginata) are stunning as a stand-alone plants or when combined with shrubby and trailing plants in an indoor plant stand. They are one of the few houseplants that are tropical and can stand up to various levels of light and temperatures. They can even survive dry indoor air and low humidity, which would kill most other plants. Avoid overwatering because this could cause root decay.
A slow-growing exotic A slow-growing exotic Dragon plant's slender stem is enhanced by the crown of sword-like leaves that have red edging. It's an ideal option to fill in smaller spaces. These houseplants are easy to take care of. They thrive in typical conditions in the house, and can tolerate dry indoor air and low light levels that can be deadly to most other plants.
Repot only in cases where the roots are overcrowded. You can tell this by the growth rate and color of the roots. The most obvious indicator is if there has been very little or no new root growth.
As your Dracaena grows older it's common to see dead leaves fall off. It is also possible to tidy up your plant by cutting the straggly, long stalks using sterilized pruning shears. Sterilize the shears using an abrasive rag soaked in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide prior to use. Due to the saponin content of this plant and other members of its family, it's moderately toxic to cats if consumed. Symptoms of poisoning can include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness, and a higher heart rate.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are among the most popular houseplants. They are frequently seen in homes and offices because they are attractive, easy to maintain, and help keep indoor air fresh. These plants grow slowly to a height of two to three feet which makes them a great option for rooms where other plants could outgrow their pots. Their dark green glossy leaves reflect light and brighten the space. They bring a tropical ambiance to rooms, and are also a staple of Feng Shui.
They thrive in light indirect to medium light, but can tolerate lower lighting conditions as well. Because they are tolerant to low humidity, it's not necessary to mist their leaves or soil. The plant may need to be repotted if it begins to wilt. To keep the plant healthy it is vital to remove any yellow or brown stems and leaves.
Like all houseplants Like most houseplants, the ZZ plant is susceptible to root rot if it is overwatered. Water the plant when the soil's surface appears dry. This usually happens every couple of weeks or more. They don't have to be fertilized as frequently as other plants. However, they may benefit from the application of foliar sprays of plant food in liquid form every now and again. Spraying neem or other natural pesticides on the plants that show signs of pests will keep them healthy.
Tillandsia
The Tillandsia genus (also called Bromeliads) is a vast and diverse group of plants, with more than 650 species. There is a wide selection of plants to suit your home decor. They are usually found in terrariums and can also be used as accents for driftwood, wood magnets, cork, and even magnets. They like warm rooms with indirect but bright sunlight like the shade under the canopy of a tree, in which they naturally thrive. After a while they will begin to bloom. This is a good sign that you've been taking good care of them, but also the end of their life because they only bloom once. At tall house plants , the plant begins to lose its vigor and will slowly decline before dying. This is normal and part of the process of growth. When the flower spikes die off, the mother plant will produce offsets or pups. These can be trimmed and treated in a separate manner.
Most homeowners grow tillandsia indoors, because they are easy to care for. They are epiphytes which means they don't have large roots and instead absorb water through their leaves. This makes them extremely sensitive to excessive watering or rot. It is a good idea to mist your plants with filtered room temperature water at least once per week. If you reside in an area that is humid, this should be done more often. If they appear dehydrated their leaves will curl up and shrink.