Potted plants have long been a popular way for
homeowners to bring some life and greenery to their living space, but plants do more than simply revamp home
decor. Responsible for turning carbon dioxide into oxygen, removing airborne contaminants like benzene and
formaldehyde, and even improving sleep, the proper houseplant can enrich your home and your wellbeing.
ENGLISH IVY — Some
indoor plants have the ability to effectively remove “volatile organic compounds” that linger in the air.
Rated as one of the best houseplants for removing air pollutants by a study conducted at the University of
Georgia, English ivy is best kept as a hanging plant to eliminate airborne impurities
in your home.
GERBERA DAISY — While most plants convert carbon
dioxide into oxygen during the day, gerbera daisies conduct the process at night. Because higher levels of
oxygen stabilize breathing and increase sleep duration, keeping a vase of these brightly coloured flowers by
your bedside means easier breathing and a deeper sleep through the night.
PEACE LILY — Included in a NASA study, the
peace lily was shown to work at removing such airborne pollutants as trichloroethylene (TCE), a chemical used
in inks, paints and adhesives, from the air in your home. Keeping a potted peace lily that requires little
sunlight and water helps regulate the chemical, which has been reported by the National Cancer Institute as a
potent liver carcinogen.
GOLDEN POTHOS — Golden pothos, more commonly known as devil’s ivy, was one of several plants NASA deemed as
effective in reducing air pollution in a study. Helpful at removing benzene, which is a commonly used solvent
present in gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics and rubber, the low-maintenance plant makes for an easy
decor addition.
CORNSTALK DRACAENA — The waxy green leaves of the
cornstalk dracaena not only add tropical appeal to your living space, but also help remove formaldehyde, a
chemical found in consumer products like grocery bags, wax paper, facial tissues and household cleaning
agents. Maintaining the cornstalk dracaena can help reduce the headaches and eye irritation often associated
with the chemical. •
