How Potted House Plants Improve the Quality of Air
Incorporating potted house plants into the house can improve the quality of air. Certain plants, like snake plants or Mother-Inlaw's Tongue reduce indoor ozone levels and eliminate VOCs that can trigger asthma and allergies.
Repot your houseplant if it appears stressed or shows signs of being too big for its pot. Select a bigger container and add a new potting mix.
Boston Fern
Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is a popular houseplant with lush green fronds which add an exotic touch to any room. These plants are known for their purifying properties in air which reduce pollution levels and increasing the humidity of homes. This makes them a great addition to bedrooms which can help to improve sleep quality and reduce allergies.
This plant needs indirect light and moderate temperature. It does not like to be exposed to direct sunlight cold, drafts or cold. It is recommended that you mist the plant often to increase the humidity, particularly in areas with lower humidity. It does not require an excessive amount of pruning or fertilization, however, the fronds may become dry and brown if the plant is overwatered or is kept in a dry area.
In the wild, this plant can be found in forests which are characterized by soil that is slightly acidic and damp in areas of shade. It is not tolerant of extreme cold or extreme heat however it is hardy between USDA plant zones 9 and 11. It also thrives in humid conditions. It is best placed close to a bathroom or kitchen.
This is among the easiest-to-care for potted ferns. It is not often required to repot, and only when the roots begin to encircle the base of the pot. Repotting should be done late in the spring. The old potting mixture can be used as fertilizer (use a weak sodium nitrate solution or Clay's Fertilizer). This plant is low maintenance because it doesn't grow quickly and isn't prone to numerous diseases or insects.
Ponytail Palm
The ponytail palm (Beaucarnea recurvata) is also known as the elephant's feet plant or bottle palm is a plant that grows in tight bundles of green leaves that look like a ponytail. It is regarded as one of the easiest house plants to maintain because its swollen trunk holds water and allows it to remain dry for weeks without watering. It is safe for pet and children.
Ponytail palms thrive in bright areas however they can tolerate moderate light levels too. They need to be kept in a draining pot with dry soil. Repot them only if the roots begin to cover the pot, and it is necessary to replace the pot however, don't overcrowd the roots.
Make best houseplants to water them thoroughly and allow the soil to completely drain between waterings. Overwatering can lead to the stem to rot, and also yellow the leaves.
Like most houseplants, the ponytail palm can be susceptible to pests, such as spider mites and mealybugs. These pests can be controlled using soaps and horticultural oils. It is also possible to develop fungal issues and stem root rots.
Areca Palm
Areca palms are easy to care for and grow provided they receive plenty of bright sunlight. They can be grown indoors and outdoors in warm temperatures, but should maintain a healthy humidity. You can tell when your plant is lacking in moisture by noticing leaves that are yellowed or brown tips.
Water your palm of an areca when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, but don't allow the compost to get waterlogged. It is best to use rainwater or distilled to water your plants as they are sensitive to fluoride.
Repot your palm every two to three year or when you feel the roots are getting crowded. This will also eliminate any salt deposits from fertilizer that have accumulated in the pot and are preventing the plant's growth.
Areca palms purify the air, supposedly, by absorbing toxic gases. According to NASA's Clean Air Study these plants are efficient in removing toluene as well as formaldehyde. These are toxins that may be released from paints and solvents, dyes, as well as from vehicle exhausts and tobacco smoke, wood and stoves that burn paraffin, and many more. Inhaling these gases could cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, irritation and even liver damage when in high doses. The areca palm is a great option to lower the amount of toxic gases in your home and office.
Dragon Tree
Dragon trees (Dracaena Marginata) are beautiful as a standalone plant or when paired with trailing and shrubby plants on a indoor plant stand. They are among the few tropical houseplants that can tolerate different levels of light and temperatures. They can withstand low humidity and dry indoor air, which could kill the majority of plants. Avoid overwatering because this could cause root decay.
Slow-growing slow-growing Dragon Plant's slender stalk is complemented by crown sword-like leaves that have red edges. This plant is perfect for filling in narrow spaces. They are easy to take care of. They thrive in average room conditions, tolerating the dry indoor air and low levels of light which can be fatal to other plants.
Repot only when the roots become congested. You can tell this by the rate of growth and color of the roots. The most obvious indication is if there has been minimal or no new growth.
It's completely normal for your Dracaena to shed dead leaves as it develops and ages. You can also tidy your plant by cutting the straggly, long stalks using sterile pruning shears. Sterilize the shears by using a rag doused in rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide before use. This plant, as well as other members of the same family contain saponins, which are moderately toxic to cats if consumed. The symptoms of poisoning could include diarrhea, vomiting, drooling, loss of appetite, weakness, and a higher heart rate.
ZZ Plant
ZZ plants are among the most popular houseplants. They are often seen in offices and homes because they are beautiful, easy to maintain, and help keep indoor air fresh. They grow slowly, reaching an average height of two to three feet which makes them a great choice in rooms where other plants might outgrow their pots. Their dark green shiny leaves reflect light and brighten up a room. They give a tropical vibe to rooms and are also a staple of Feng Shui.
They thrive in medium to bright indirect light, but they can withstand less light conditions. Since they are tolerant of low humidity, it is not necessary to mist their leaves or soil. The plant may have to be repotted if it begins to wilt. It is also essential to remove any old, yellow or brown leaves and stems to keep the plant healthy.
Overwatering the ZZ plant can lead to root rot. Water the plant as soon as the soil's surface feels dry. This is typically every couple of weeks or more. These plants don't need to be fertilized as frequently as other plants. However, they can benefit from an foliar spray of liquid plant food every now and again. If you notice any signs of pests on your plants, spraying them with a natural pesticide, such as neem oil, will help keep them healthy.
Tillandsia
The Tillandsia genus (also known as Bromeliads) is a vast and diverse group of plants that includes more than 650 species. There are a wide variety of plants to suit your home decor. They are often popular in terrariums, and can be used as accents for driftwood, wood, magnets and cork. They thrive in light, warm and indirect sunlight. After a year they will begin to bloom. This is a good sign that you have been taking care of them but also the end of their lives because they only bloom once. The plant will then begin to lose its strength, and eventually end up dying. This is normal and part of the growing process. When the flower spikes stop blooming, the mother plant will begin to produce offsets, or pups. These can be trimmed and treated in a separate manner.
Most homeowners grow tillandsia indoors because they are simple to care for. They are epiphytes which means they don't have extensive roots and instead soak up water through their leaves. This makes them extremely susceptible to overwatering or rotting. A good rule of thumb is to mist them with room temperature filtering water at least once every week, and more often when your home is extremely humid. If they look dehydrated, their leaves will curl and shrink.