Although you’re probably unaware of it, your home is actually full of airborne toxins, from formaldehyde seeping out of wood glues in your furniture and sealants around your window, to hidden mold and mildew that could be contributing to allergies. Fortunately, there’s a simple way to counteract these indoor pollutants – bring on the potted plants! Certain houseplants are particularly adept at removing contaminants from the air, and provide the additional benefit of reducing stress and fatigue.
Spider Plant
If you struggle with keeping plants alive, a spider plant may be just what you need. It’s one of the easiest plants to grow. It prefers bright, indirect sunlight, and is fairly forgiving if you forget about it for a few days. These plants grow flowering shoots that will in time turn into baby spider plants.
Toxins removed: Xylene and formaldehyde
Peace Lily
Another easy-to-care-for plant, you can enjoy the blooms of the peace lily for much of the summer and into the winter. They enjoy shady spots and moist soil, but be careful not to overwater. It’s also important to be aware that its leaves can be poisonous to kids and pets.
Toxins removed: Trichloroethylene, ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde
Boston Fern
A little more fussy than other plants, the Boston fern is still fairly easy to care for. Place it in a cool area with high humidity and indirect sunlight, and keep it on a regular feeding schedule (weekly during growing season, monthly in the winter). To keep a Boston fern moist, mist the leaves and check soil daily to see if it needs water.
Toxins removed: Benzene, xylene, formaldehyde
Aloe Vera
Chances are you’ve probably heard of the beneficial properties of the gel-like substance contained in aloe vera leaves. Not only is it an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, aloe vera also has wound-healing capabilities. Make sure it has adequate drainage, as it will not do well in standing water.
Toxins removed: Formaldehyde
Need Expert Home Improvements? Call Muth
Another way to ensure your home is taken care of is to keep up on gutter and roof repairs, which will help you catch minor problems before they become major ones. Part of responsible home maintenance is having your roof checked periodically by experienced, professional roofers like those at Muth & Company Roofing. Give us a call today at (614) 682-3060 to find out more about our annual care and maintenance plan.