Houseplants to clean the air Common myths about houseplants ------------------------------ Plants in our homes create humidity and growth of unwanted airborne organisms. Clean air in houses requires a good ventilation system or air filters. Houseplants can only remove so many pollutants then they become saturated and a new plant is needed. Plants clean the air through pores in the leaves. All of the above statements are partially incorrect or totally wrong. For example, some houseplants actually decrease airborne molds and other life forms. In many areas the polluted outside air makes venting impractical and filters are less efficient than houseplants at keeping house air healthy. This is especially true of newer houses built with materials that reduce out gassing. The cleaning action of plants occurs mostly around the roots and not the leaves. Tests indicate that plants become more efficient cleaners as they get older. Potting a house plant --------------------- How a plant is potted can enhance air cleaning up to 20 times. The trick is to involve the roots and improve air circulation. Newer pots designed for bottom watering are better than the old design with a drain hole. Also, pots with a small pipe inserted for watering and ventilation can be used. Another technique is to place a plant near a lamp to enhance the air circulation. The idea is to use the heat from the lamp to slowly pull air up through the root zone. Plant lists ----------- The following is a collection of plants which have been recognized for cleaning household air. In the past, research has concentrated on toxic gases so that was used as a selection criteria. Recent research has revealed airborne molds and other life forms can be controlled so hopefully the list will be expanded at some future date. scindapsus aglaonema spathiphyllum dracaena hedera cordatum syngonium corn plants azalea poinsetta dumb cane dieffenbachia marginata pot mum philodendron schefflera ligustrum Plants absorbing formaldehyde (from paint, fiberglass, carpets, particle board, furniture, foam) Azelea tulip orchid chrysanthemum dieffenbachia photinia spider plant bamboo plant peace lily snake plant dracaena marginoda bamboo palm Plants absorbing benzene (from tobacco smoke, plastics, inks, oils) English ivy marginata Janet Craig peace lily chrysanthemum gerbera daisy bamboo palm snake plant dracaena Plants absorbing trichloroethylene (from paints, varnishes, lacquers) gerbera daisy chrysanthemum peace lily warneckii marginata bamboo palm draceana Other sources: -------------- Book: How to Grow Fresh Air (50 Houseplants that Purify your home or office) Dr. B. C. Wolverton http://www.wolvertonenvironmental.com PLANTS FOR CLEAN AIR COUNCIL(PCAC) 12200 Sunrise valley drive, Suite 150, Reston, VA 22091 http://www.plants4cleanair.org Two videos are out on air cleaning plants. One by Ed Hume and the other is an interview with Dr Wolverton. California Interior Plantscape http://www.cipaweb.org Phytoremediation database http://www.clu-in.org/products/phytobib/biba-b.html Greenery - Cleaning Canadian officies http://www.greenery.ab.ca/home.html phytoremediation research http://www.aspp.org/pubaff/phytorem.htm ---- jeff owens, [EMAIL PROTECTED], http://www.xprt.net/~jko underground house, solar power, self-reliance, edible landscape eco lifestyle discussion: subscribe ecopath -> [EMAIL PROTECTED]
