Bulbs
Flower Basics
Flower Beds & Specialty Gardens
Flower Garden
Garden Furniture
Garden Gnomes
Garden Seeds
Garden Sheds
Garden Statues
Garden Tools & Supplies
Gardening Basics
Green & Organic
Groundcovers & Vines
Growing Annuals
Growing Basil
Growing Beans
Growing Berries
Growing Blueberries
Growing Cactus
Growing Corn
Growing Cotton
Growing Edibles
Growing Flowers
Growing Garlic
Growing Grapes
Growing Grass
Growing Herbs
Growing Jasmine
Growing Mint
Growing Mushrooms
Orchids
Growing Peanuts
Growing Perennials
Growing Plants
Growing Rosemary
Growing Roses
Growing Strawberries
Growing Sunflowers
Growing Thyme
Growing Tomatoes
Growing Tulips
Growing Vegetables
Herb Basics
Herb Garden
Indoor Growing
Landscaping Basics
Landscaping Patios
Landscaping Plants
Landscaping Shrubs
Landscaping Trees
Landscaping Walks & Pathways
Lawn Basics
Lawn Maintenance
Lawn Mowers
Lawn Ornaments
Lawn Planting
Lawn Tools
Outdoor Growing
Overall Landscape Planning
Pests, Weeds & Problems
Plant Basics
Rock Garden
Rose Garden
Shrubs
Soil
Specialty Gardens
Trees
Vegetable Garden
Yard Maintenance
Low-light Air-cleaning House Plants
Low-light Air-cleaning House Plants. What do astronauts and your home have to do with each other? They both need clean air. NASA has conducted studies that show certain houseplants help to keep the air around them clean of toxins. They do this by absorbing the substances from the air and releasing oxygen. The toxins are then either used or released...
What do astronauts and your home have to do with each other? They both need clean air. NASA has conducted studies that show certain houseplants help to keep the air around them clean of toxins. They do this by absorbing the substances from the air and releasing oxygen. The toxins are then either used or released by the roots into the soil. Not all homes have a lot of windows or sunlight available, which means they need to choose air-cleaning plants that can tolerate low light.
Snake Plant
Sansevieria trifasciata, also known as snake plant, can live in low light and dry soil. It grows slowly. Its tall, stiff, upright leaves are pointed at the ends. The only condition to be careful about is avoiding over-watering, as this will cause root rot and kill your plant. Use well-draining potting soil mix to avoid having your plant's roots sitting in soggy soil. Give your snake plant fertilizer every month in the spring, summer and fall for best results. This plant will also help keep your air clean by removing toxins.
Spider Plant
The Chlorophytum comosum, or spider plant, has spider-leg-like leaves that grow out of the main base. It is a very easy-going plant that will tolerate low light and a variety of temperatures. The spider plant creates runners, off of which it grows baby plants that can be propagated by planting in soil. This plant enjoys being in a slightly small pot. Use a well-draining potting soil mix and keep the plant evenly watered, but not soggy. This plant will also help keep the air quality clean of formaldehyde in your home.
Heartleaf Philodendron
Philodendron scandens, or the heartleaf philodendron, can help the air quality in your home, and is easy to grow, and will also tolerate low light levels. Its leaves start out as bronze, but turn green and glossy. Pruning will keep your plant bushy, while leaving it to branch out results in long vines. The heartleaf philodendron is also slow growing and will not need repotting often. Treat it to a water mist every now and then to keep it thriving. Use a well-draining potting mix and fertilize in the spring, summer and fall months.
