|  | Conditions Treatments | Allergies

Plants to Help Indoor Air Pollution

Poor air quality triggers illnesses such as asthma, the leading reason for school absenteeism. NASA has been researching ways to improve air quality in space stations, information that is transferable to homes. NASA suggests placing 15 to 18 hearty houseplants (table-size) in a house averaging 1,800 square feet. Some of NASA's top-performing plants for air quality improvement are also easy to grow.

  1. Chlorophytum comosum: Spider Plant

    • One of the easiest air-friendly plants to grow and keep healthy is the spider plant, which is also called the airplane plant. It reproduces readily from shoots it sends out from the mother plant. Each one of the little shooting plants grows easily into another full plant when placed in its own pot and will, in turn, easily produce more plants as it matures. Place your spider plant (and most of your other houseplants) outside when it rains; they thrive with the extra nutrients from rain. However, bring them in as soon as the rain stops--a dramatic change in sun exposure can harm the plants.

    Sansevieria trifasciata: Snake Plant

    • If you're concerned about not being able to spend enough time caring for indoor plants, the hardy snake plant, also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," will ease your worries. You can neglect it for months in a spot without much light and it will survive. This plant also multiplies well with just a little intermittent watering . Propagate it through division: just remove it gently from its pot, lay it flat and carefully divide it with a sharp knife.

    Philodendron selloum: Lacy Tree Philodendron

    • The old stand-by houseplant, popular from the plushest office to the average home, is the philodendron. Water it once a week and it will be happy. Give it a monthly "shower" in the bathtub (if no rain falls) or a good spraying down to keep its leaves dust-free and clean. If the plant becomes too tall, simply snip about 5 inches off the top, place the cutting in water in a window and, when it is rooted, plant it in a small pot.

    Philodendron domesticum: Elephant Ear Philodendron

    • Another air-cleaning houseplant in the philodendron family is the elephant ear. Its lush, huge leaves give a home the touch of a tropical paradise while improving its air quality. Just be sure to wipe its leaves clean every month so it remains healthy and pretty.

Allergies - Related Articles