It’s officially starting to reach fall in Savannah and I could not be more thrilled! Fall has always been my favorite season and I’ve been burning with excitement under this Georgia heat. As you begin to gear up for sweater weather, make sure you don’t throw indoor air quality on the back burner. With winter comes colder weather- and with colder weather comes improved insulation and closed windows. While I’m sure you’re much more comfortable without the chill, these actions put you at risk for poor indoor air quality. Many don’t realize, but your quality of the air could be one of the most dangerous things in your home. In fact, 7 million deaths are attributed annually to air pollution. There is often a high risk of pollutants in places you spend a majority of your day, such as office buildings and- you’ve got it- college dorms.
Luckily there’s a much more positive solution to these dangers. My favorite: some good ‘ole potted plants! Keep reading to learn which 5 plants you should pick up for your home or work today.
#1: Spider Plants
Spider plants are the worlds easiest plants to take care of at home. They require little attention but provide a whole list of benefits. According to a study by Kansas State University, keeping plants like this in hospital rooms actually sped up recovery times while helping the body fight off illnesses.
#2: Peace Lily
Dubbed by NASA as one of the best plants for indoor air quality, this lily sure packs a punch. Keeping one of these in your home fights off toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and carbon monoxide. I was able to score one of these beauties for myself at just $15 due to someones careless mislabeling at Home Depot! I will say these ones are a little more dependent on light, so make sure you have a good window! We lost a few lily buds by leaving it closed too often.
#3 Aloe Vera
As shown by the number of products containing aloe, this plant is a serious must-have. Not only is it an air purifier, but it is also a source for some at home remedies. Just the other evening I broke off a piece to soothe some burns on my hand!
#4 Arrowhead
Otherwise known as nepthytis, the arrowhead plant is another beauty that can easily thrive indoors. Even in times when I waited a little too long to water it or perhaps left it in the dark longer than it should, it didn’t budge. This air purifier is great for those who want a plant that can grow and stretch out, but can still easily be pruned and contained!
#5 English Ivy
I obviously have a large collection of greens- both air purifiers and plain beauties alike- but I’m always looking to add more to my collection! The next plant I have my eye on is an English Ivy. Most of my current plants are rather small and docile. I really want one that will sprout like crazy in all directions and can weave through my ladder bookshelf as if nature has taken over my own home. Keeping English Ivy in your home can reduce airborne-mold by 60% and toxins from as potent as fecal matter by 58%!
Photo courtesy of Pure Wow
What plants do you have in your home?? Let me know in the comments below!
Thanks for reading,
Victoria Wulf
I had a bright red chin cactus named Bruno that really brightened up my dorm. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing, it can also serve as a great anniversary gift for your mean green bumbling bee of a girlfriend.<3