Feng shui birth element based on birthday can help you understand some of the influences that shape your life. They are important because they help define the chi energy you attract.
You can understand what main element governed the year in which you were born and any influences it has over you.
The 5 Feng Shui Birth Element are: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal
Understanding the Five Elements
The five elements are dependent upon each other in order to maintain the balance of chi. The order in which the five elements continuously cycle in balanced chi are as follow:
Water – Nourishes plant life
Wood – Produced from water
Fire – Feeds on wood and produces ash
Earth – Ash turns to earth and produces metal
Metal – Draws water and the cycle starts over
What Does The Elements Mean To You?
The element of the year in which you were born has an influence over you.
If you were born in a year with the following element:
Water
This is where you feel most at home. Water brings a sense of calmness to you and you love being around and in water. You are also a person with fresh new ideas and have a sense of ease .
You are naturally drawn to the north direction.
Your best colors are blue and black.
Wood
You are a health conscious person and enjoy good health and vitality.
You are a nature lover and is happy especially surrounded by trees and forests. With a wood element there is a tendency towards great prosperity and wealth.
Directions – East and Southeast
Best colors – Brown and green
Fire
The fire in you brings passion, impulsiveness and high energy. People with fire elements have everything needed to support their careers and achieve their goals
Direction is South with support from the Northeast and Southwest.
Colors are red, pink, purple.
Earth
Flourishing relationship and stable relationship are the forte of people under earth element.Home is an important haven where strength and harmony reign.
Direction: The center of the home is earth as are the Northeast and Southwest.
Colors are yellow and tan.
Metal
Brings the element of vision and clarity. Precision and efficiency follow this energy and helps to crate balance in life.
The directions for metal are West and Northwest. Metal is used to activate the water in the North.
What You Need To Know For Growing Plants Under Artificial Light
Have you ever considered growing plants under artificial lights? It is possible to grow plants to maturity entirely by artificial light. Whether or not such a cultural method is worthwhile is another story.
However, the problem is not simply one of turning on enough light to make up for the lack of natural sunlight.
Indoor Grow Light Best Sellers
Light has three “dimensions,” and is profoundly affected by its relationship to another factor of plant growth – temperature. For indoor gardening an understanding of all four factors is essential for growing plants under artificial light.
Because it is the least understood, the light-temperature relationship should be explained first. Light and heat must be in balance.
When light is decreased, the heat needs to be lowered in order to slow down plant growth to a point where the amount of light or illumination falling on the plant is adequate for the level being maintained.
Thus, as the Winter days grow shorter, we cannot make up for the lack of the sun’s warmth by moving the plant to a warmer room. Instead we should move it to a cooler spot, or make up for the lack of light by supplying artificial lighting. Before we going too far let’s answer this question.
Does A Plant Grow Better In Sunlight or Artificial Light?
Not being a scientist I cannot give a technical answer. Plants vary greatly in their requirements for light intensity.
Some tropical plants, including some houseplants (aspidistra), will survive under light as dim as 50 foot candles. The flowering reaction of other plants is even more sensitive.
As little as one-foot candle can change a plant’s reaction and throw it into flowering, or prevent this response, depending on whether it is a long or short day plant. There are yet other plants that need 7,000 or more foot candles and refuse to flower unless exposed to full sun.
Full sun provides the full spectrum of light. I would assume that if you could provide the full light spectrum – blue light, red light and everything in between. It would make no difference. However, I will say that I’ve seen some amazing picture perfect African violets grown under artifical lighting indoors.
Understanding Light And Plant Needs
Oddly enough, warm-weather plants can stand lower light intensities at higher temperature than cool-weather plants can.
Plants like cinerarias and calendulas needing relatively low temperatures will suffer more in a dark room at high temperatures than will the poinsettia, unless they get extra light.
The popular AeroGarden
One of the weaknesses of the use of artificial lighting in growing plants has been the high heat generated by incandescent bulbs. With fluorescent grow light bulbs, much of this handicap has been removed. Fluorescent tubes are capable of giving off a high output of light with less heat.
None the less, the three “dimensions” of light:
Light intensity
Light duration
Lighting spectrum
… present a problem.
Light intensity refers to the strength of the light, usually measured in foot candles. Photographic light meters are frequently rated in foot candles, so this term is not as esoteric as it once was.
Duration and intensity are often confused. The duration refers to the number of hours the light source sheds its radiation, but duration and intensity are not interchangeable.
You cannot make up for a short day by making the light brighter for fewer hours. There is some evidence that African violets can be grown as well with 600 foot candles for 18 hours as they can with 1,000 foot candles for 12 hours, but this is about the only case where the two qualities are not interchangeable.
Full-spectrum fluorescent light bulbs can, of course, be burned as long as is necessary. Light intensity is another problem. Because the radiation from these fluorescent tubes does not “project” well, plants must be placed within 12 inches of the lighting fixture to get enough “grow light.”
For this reason, two 40-watt fluorescent lighting tubes will only light a about 4 square foot of growing space – about 12 inches wide and four feet long. Incandescent bulbs, on the other hand, can be suspended three feet above the plants. When used in this way, one 60-watt bulb will substitute for the sunlight on an area four feet by four feet.
However, this statement should not be interpreted to mean that either fluorescent lights or incandescent bulbs can be used to substitute for natural light from the sun on a full-time basis. For many species, such lighting can be used as a supplemental light source.
If the plant is one which reaching the flowering stage during the shorter dlays of the year, such extra light can help to hold it back. If it is one that needs long days for normal blooming, the extra lighting may make the difference between flowers and no flowers.
In the case of the poinsettia, for example, the usual failure of this plant when grown in the ordinary living room can be traced to the fact that the room is used at night.
A light from lamps equal to just two or three foot candles is enough to interrupt flowering. When a family member reads their magazine, iPad or Kindle with the living-room lamp on, a poinsettia cannot be expected to flower in that room. It needs complete darkness for at least 13 to 14 hours a night before it will flower:
The chrysanthemum, also a short-day plant, is often controlled by supplying it with extra light until late in Winter. When flowers are wanted, the lights are turned off, and the plant flowers.
Thus chrysanthemums can, by shading in Summer and lighting in Winter, be made to flower at the convenience of the grower.
Comparing Types Of Artificial Light On Plant Growth
The amateur grower can use artificial light for several purposes. One of the most interesting is to force tuberous begonias into bloom during the dark days of Winter. Being a long-day plant, the tuberous begonia needs extra light.
In the open, it stops forming flower buds when the length of the day drops below 12 hours. About mid-September, over the entire United States, tuberous begonias quit flowering and form tubers instead.
At Cornell University, they found that, if lights are used on the plants just before this condition happens, starting in mid-August, the tubers do not increase in size, and the plants keep on flowering all Winter long.
Either fluorescents or incandescents can be used as grow lights for indoor plants, by turning them on at four in the afternoon and off at nine at night. This is easily done with a timer like this.
A great many houseplants such as geraniums, browallia, Heavenly Blue morning glories and other plants can be kept in bloom throughout the Winter by this same supplemental lighting. Using an artificial lighting source, foliage plants like coleus will keep short and sturdy. English ivy will stop reaching for the sky, and remain short-jointed.
I have seen artificial lights that would exceed daylight by 50%, with air-conditioning equipment to pull down temperatures brought about by the heat thrown off by the lights. Yet, such layouts are beyond the ability and the purse of most amateur gardeners.
Growing Plants Under Artificial Light In The Basement
What does fall into the realm of the possible is the growing of certain plants in a basement, entirely by artificial light. All of these are what we call “forest floor” species.
They are plants which have been conditioned to survive under the trees of a forest, where light intensities are low. This group includes plants like such as African violets, carnivorous plants, all begonias, browallia, impatiens and many others. If a species will grow and flower in the shade, it can probably be grown entirely by artificial light.
This is where the third “dimension” of light comes in. Until now, the actual spectrum emitted by the source of light was not too important.
When all the light needed by the plant comes from an artificial source, the light quality is vital. For vegetative growth and flowering, the shorter blue light waves (which are close to the invisible ultra-violet spectrum) seem to be important.
So, too, are the longer, red light waves, close to infra-red or invisible heat waves, but these are not needed in as large amounts. Fortunately, a very close approximation of natural daylight can be had by the use lighting system where daylight fluorescent tubes and light fixtures, are suspended about 10 inches to 12 inches above the plants.
… can be controlled so closely that graphs representing each factor show as practically straight lines.
In the open basement, it is difficult to maintain humidity high enough for good growth. On the other hand, humidity can be kept at close to 100% without much difficulty in the enclosed plant case.
What can be grown in such a case, or on an open bench with high humidity?
One of the most satisfactory subjects is the tuberous begonia: light-sensitive plant, this species thrives on the long days that are possible under artificial light. If lights are kept on 24 hours a day, or are kept on 16 hours and off eight hours, very little difference in results.
A friend in LaGrange, Illinois, has grown tuberous begonias from seed to flowering, and kept the plants flowering continuously without a break. He has eight separate enclosed cases, growing a wide range of plant materials. African violets are particularly successful and impatiens also.
Artificial Light In Plant Propagation
One of the most important uses for artificial light is in the propagation of plants; here light quality enters the picture again.
Daylight white fluorescent tubes supply the blue light end of the spectrum, while the incandescent supplies visible red light lacking in the colder light.
Normal growth of foliage and flowers is favored by the blue light end of the spectrum, while root formation is stimulated by the visible red light end.
Instead of the daylight tube, the so-called soft white fluorescent tubes is best for rooting cuttings. These need more of the red light end of the spectrum, which can be supplied by the use of this type of tube.
Results in a closed case or grow tent are sensational. I have propagated dozens of types of cuttings, with minimum loss and practically without attention. Once the cuttings are “stuck” in the pot mix of soil or flats, the lid is closed and need not be opened, except for inspection, until the rooted cuttings are removed.
A highly satisfactory use for artificial light has been in the forcing of Dutch bulbs without a sunny window. Hyacinths, tulips, and narcissi are potted as soon as received and kept in a dark location at 48 degrees until the shoots are two to three inches out of the pots.
Long, cold storage treatment is unnecessary except when bulbs are to be held back for later forcing. Once the shoots are developed to a length of three inches, the pots are placed under fluorescent tubes.
In forcing bulbs, I find that excellent pot plants can be grown with only fluorescent tubes. However, if the flowers are to be used for cutting, the addition of a 60-watt incandescent bulb to the two tubes seems to produce a plant lasting longer in water.
Artificial Light Used To Replace Or Suppliment Direct Sunlight
Metal Halide Light
Metal Halide Light is a bright light with exceptionally long life span. They require a ballast kit to operate. You’ll often find Metal Halide fixtures used for vegetative growth stage and High Pressure Sodium (HPS) fixtures for the flowering stage. Learn More Here
High-Pressure Sodium Grow Light
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) grow lights
High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) grow lights are High-Intensity Discharge (HID) lights. The light they produce is in the orange/red spectrum an ideal lighting for the flowering stage. Many cannabis plant growers claim high-pressure sodium lights are ideal for flowering marijuana plants. More Details Here
Compact Fluorescent Grow Lights
Compact Fluorescent Grow Lights (CFLs) – These energy efficient grow lights are growing in popularity for both propagation and plant growth. While not as efficient or with as much intensity as HID lights, fluorescent deliver better color and spectrum light providing more useful light per watt to the plant.
When used in numbers these lights are extremely effective. For the vegetative stage of growth use the 6500K blue light spectrum placed 6″-12″ above the plant canopy. During the flowering phase use the warm, red 3000k spectrum. More On CFL’s Here
LED Grow Lights
LED grow lights are relatively “newcomers” to the indoor artificial lighting scene. The basic advantages to them include lower heat, smaller, long lasting, less energy, very efficient.
One of the downsides is their cost can be high to get the lighting needed to grow plants well indoors. However, as LED grow lights before more mainstream expect the price to go down over the next few years. More Details Here
In Closing
Growing plants indoors under artificial light can be lots of fun. Most homeowners can get started with a simple setup of two 40-watt tubes suspended over a table 10 inches above the plants. Try starting with African violets.
Original article and pictures take plantcaretoday.com site
Using Houseplants to Reduce Toxins and Grow Fresh Air
Not only vital to our health, but something that we don’t tend to think about. It’s easy to forget about the quality of the air that we take in, just as easy as it is to forget that we are effortlessly breathing in and out, in and out, every single moment.
Recent years have seen a trend towards more energy efficient and well-insulated homes and buildings. Good for decreasing energy waste. Bad for trapping toxic gases and fumes in the interiors of the places where we spend the bulk of our time.
Ever heard of Sick Building Syndrome? Common complaints include allergies, asthma, eye/nose/throat irritation, fatigue, headaches, nervous-system disorders, respiratory and sinus congestion.
The culprit? Hundreds of volatile organic chemicals, as well as dangerous bacterias and molds, that become trapped in modern buildings and impact the quality of the air that we breathe.
Indoor air pollution is increasingly becoming a health threat. Incredibly toxic and dangerous chemicals off-gas from everyday items in our households- furniture, carpets, appliances, cleaning supplies, even our clothing. The Environmental Protection Agency has declared that indoor air pollution is among the 5 greatest health threats at present.
Many of us work so hard to reduce the amount of chemicals that enter our home by using more natural products, but it just isn’t possible to avoid them entirely. Over the past couple of years, I have been both surprised and delighted to learn that there is a solution, so simple and organic that we’ll wonder why we didn’t think of it before!
Not only are houseplants a beautiful, natural addition to any home, but they serve a double function.
Houseplants are able to purify and revitalize the air, by removing chemical vapors and outputting clean air full of life-sustaining oxygen.
“In its simplest form, the earth can be viewed as a living organism. Rainforests act as the earth’s lungs, producing oxygen and removing carbon dioxide- the opposite process to human and animal lungs. Wetlands function as the earth’s kidneys. Aquatic plants filter nutrients and environmental toxins from the water as it flows back into streams, rivers and oceans in much the same way as kidneys filter impurities from our blood.”1
Now, as much as I adore studying nutrition, health and organic gardening, I will confess when it comes to understanding science, I am not the brightest beaker in the lab. I leave the grand experiments and in-depth explanations to fellow contributing author, Katie.
That said, my basic understanding of how plants are able to do this is that they absorb the airborne toxins through their leaves, and then deliver them down to the microbes living in the rhizosphere (the area of soil near plant roots which is filled with biological activity). Once the toxins are in the rhizosphere, the microbes that resides there are able to break down the toxin. Astoundingly, this does not harm or poison the plant in any way.
What Toxins Are in the Air and Where Do They Come From?
Most of the chemicals in our homes are the emissions from modern building materials, and also the materials that are used to make most of the furnishings and appliances that we use.
It probably won’t surprise you to know that these materials are no longer natural and organic, but are almost entirely synthetic, held together with various glues and resins, then sprayed, painted or coated with further chemicals. Once in your home, these items “off-gas”, which means that they release chemical fumes from the manufacturing process straight into the air.
Here are a few of the most common chemical emissions and their most common sources:
• Acetone: Cosmetics, nail polish remover, office correction fluid, pre-printed paper forms.
One simple way to avoid as many of these chemicals as possible is to allow a chance for any new furnishings or building materials to sit outside or in a well-ventilated area before bringing them into their final resting place in your home. The first days and weeks are the time when the greatest deluge of chemicals are released, although lower levels do continue to be released over time.
Naturally, the more that we can begin to purchase products that are made in non-toxic and sustainable ways, using organic and non-volatile materials and substances, the better. Whether it’s mattresses and bedding, carpet and flooring, draperies, clothing, cosmetics and beauty supplies or even children’s toys, there are continually new and improved options out on the market. Pricier, yes, but worthwhile.
Not all plants are created equal. Although all plants offer some level of detoxification, and at the very least reduce carbon dioxide and provide fresh oxygen, there are some that have been shown to be superior over others in this area.
Taken from the book, How to Grow Fresh Air, here is a list of houseplants that have been rated from 1 to 10 according to their ability to remove chemical vapors, their ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation, as well as their transpiration rate (a better transpiration rate aids the plant in working more quickly and effectively).
• Areca Palm: 8.5
Strong in all areas, but with a very high transpiration rate. Considered one of the most “eco-friendly” houseplants.
• Lady Palm: 8.5
Particularly easy to care for and insect resistant, and common to find in garden nurseries.
• Bamboo Palm: 8.4
Extremely high ratings for removal of chemicals and transpiration rates. Beautiful and tropical looking.
• Rubber Plant: 8.0
Easy to maintain, and very effective at removing all chemicals, but formaldehyde in particular.
• Dracaena “Janet Craig”: 7.8
Can tolerate neglect (my kind of plant!) and dimly lit environments. Can grow quite large, but there is a “compacta” smaller variety.
• English Ivy: 7.8
A vigorous climber, but could be grown as a topiary. Adapt well to most environments, but do not do well in very warm temperatures.
• Dwarf Date Palm: 7.8
A unique looking palm, particulary effectively at removing xylene among other pollutants. Does well in low light levels.
• Ficus Alii: 7.7
There are 3 types- standard tree, bush, and braids (entwined trunks). All are easy to grow and resistant to insects.
• Boston Fern: 7.5
A great smaller plant to put on a pedestal, mantel or desk. It does need frequent watering, but is excellent at removing vapors.
• Peace Lily: 7.5
A good, all-around plant. It is one of the few that will reliably bloom indoors, with tall white flowers.
I am greatly indebted to the book How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 House Plants that Purify Your Home or Office for its explanations, charts and diagrams that helped me to understand this concept, and for its extensive list of houseplants, along with photos and information on their origin, care and use. I would highly recommend this as an invaluable resource for every home.
1. How to Grow Fresh Air, Dr. B.C. Wolverton, pg. 15.
Do you have many houseplants in your home? Were you aware of their ability to purify air, or do you have them for aesthetic purposes only?
Original article and pictures take theartofsimple.net site
Why invest in expensive electrical air purifiers when you could purchase a few types of houseplants to clean and filter the air naturally and inexpensively?
Source
Much of the research on these beneficial houseplants has been done by NASA scientists researching ways to create suitable space station habitats. All indoors plants (flowering or not) are able to purify indoor air to some degree through their normal photosynthesis processes. But some were found to be more beneficial than others in removing harmful household toxins, even removing 90% of chemicals in the air in only twenty-four hours!
The three main household toxins of concern are:
benzene
formaldahyde
trichloroethylene
These carcinogenic chemicals are used in the manufacturing of synthetic substances and materials and are off-gased from new materials for some time (up to several years, depending on the material of product in question). Benzene can also be emitted from gas ranges during use, making some types of houseplants below great for use in the kitchen.
This means these types of houseplants may just decrease your risk of cancers, asthma, allergies, auto-immune disorders and other diseases.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Plants
Below you'll find the common name and botanical name of each plant, its benefit to you and your home and a few ideas of the type of care it needs.
Along with a corresponding photo and the following tips, you can decide which plant is best for your home.
Choose one 10- to 12-inch potted plant per 100 square foot of your home for the most effective air purification.
Cross-reference several care guides to check for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Because common names can very, be sure to cross-reference the botanical name of any plant you get to ensure it will do the job you need it to do.
Consider where you might place your plants and the amount of sun they will receive to ensure your plant will thrive in that area.
Make note of the water needed and write it on a calendar so that you can keep the watering schedules balanced.
Periodically dust the leaves of each plant with a damp cloth to ensure proper absorption of air particles and toxins.
Keep their soil replenished with rich compost or compost tea. Avoid non-organic or synthetic fertilizers.
Whenever possible, capture rainwater for your plants. All types of houseplants thrive best with natural sources of water.
IMPORTANT: Please note that these houseplants are good for purifying air, but that doesn't mean they are safe for pets or kids who like to put things in their mouth. Check out this list for more details, read the descriptions of each plant, and do some research on any plant you bring into your home.
Nineteen Houseplants That Clean Indoor Air
The following list of beneficial types of houseplants should get you started in finding the right plants for your home.
Common Name: Aloe Vera
Botanical Name: Aloe barbadensis
Source
Benefits: Not only can it be used for burns on the skin, it is also known to remove formaldahyde from the air.
Notes: Needs well-drained soil with slight drying between waterings, full sun is best with protection from high heats. Although largely known for its healing properties, it is considered to be an irritant to some.
Common Name: Areca Palm
Botanical Name: Chrysalidocarpus lutescens
Source
Benefits: General air purifier, especially as it grows larger. It's known for being one of the better performers in purifying the air.
Notes: Moderately drought tolerant and prefers partial sun and well-drained soil.
Common Name: Baby Rubber Plant
Botanical Name: Peperomia obtusifolia or Ficus robusta
Source
Benefits: These houseplants clean the air by emitting high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde or other toxins.
Notes: Likes filtered light, infrequent watering and rich soil. I've found conflicting information as to whether or not this plant contains any poisonous parts.
Common Name: Bamboo Palm or Reed Palm
Botanical Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
Source: Bamboo Palm Tree
Benefits: According to NASA, it removes formaldahyde and is also said to act as a natural humidifier.
Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and prefers to remain moist but not too much and doesn't like sitting in water.
Common Name: Boston Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis exaltata Bostoniensis
Source
Benefits: Said to act as a natural air humidifier, removes formaldahyde and is a general air purifier. Said to be among the best in air purifying houseplants.
Notes: Likes bright light and damp soil but can be tolerant of drought or partial light.
Common Name: Chinese Evergreen
Botanical Name: Aglaonema sp.
Source
Benefits: Emits high oxygen content, and purifies indoor air by removing chemicals, such as formaldahyde, benzene or other toxins.
Notes: Does well with full shade and good draining; variegated plants need more sunlight. The sap of this plant is considered poisonous and is an irritant.
Common Name: Corn Cane or Mass Cane
Botanical Name: Dracaena massangeana or dracaena fragrans Massangeana
Source
Benefits: Known for removing formaldahyde and known generally as one of the houseplants that clean the air.
Notes: Does great with low light and low water.
Common Name: Dwarf/Pygmy Date Palm
Botanical Name: Phoenix roebelenii
Source: Pygmy Date Palm Tree
Benefits: Said to remove formaldehyde and xylene (a chemical found in plastics and solvents) from the air.
Notes: Loves lots of sun, moist soil and warm water.
Common Name: English Ivy
Botanical Name: Hedera helix
Source
Benefits: It's known for removing the chemical benzene, a known carcinogen found in cigarette smoke, detergents, pesticides, and the off-gasing of other synthetic materials, is said to be fantastic for asthma and allergies and also removes formaldehyde.
Notes: Can be invasive, making it great for a potted plant.
Common Name: Ficus alii
Botanical Name: Ficus maeleilandii alii
Source
Benefits: Said to be a great overall air purifier.
Notes: These types of houseplants love indirect sunlight; be careful not to overwater. Those with allergies to latex may react to this plant!
Common Name: Gerbera Daisy
Botanical Name: Gerbera sp. or Gerbera jamesonii
Source
Benefits: NASA says this plant is fantastic at removing benzene, a known cancer-causing chemical. It also absorbs carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen overnight, which is said to improve your sleep!
Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants great for removing formaldhyde. Also known for removing carbon monoxide and increasing general indoor air quality.
Notes: Needs less water in colder temps and partial sun.
Common Name: Janet Craig
Botanical Name: Draecana deremensis
Source
Benefits: Lady Palm is said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.
Notes: Prefers indirect sunlight, and watering without fertilizers.
Common Name: Kimberly Queen Fern
Botanical Name: Nephrolepis obliterata
Source
Benefits: These types of houseplants clean formaldehyde, toluene, and xylene out of your home.
Notes: Prefers bright but indirect sunlight, with dry soil between waterings (but not dry for too long).
Common Name: Lady Palm (plus 10+ varieties)
Botanical Name: Rhapis Excelsa
Source
Benefits: These types of houseplants are said to be a good overall air purifier, removing most air pollutants.
Notes: Prefers partial sun all day and shade in the winter, with more frequent water in hotter months, but never allow to sit in water or be overwatered.
Common Name: Marginata or Dragon tree
Botanical Name: Dracaena marginata
Source
Benefits: Known for purifying the air of the carcinogen, benzene, commonly found in the off-gasing of synthetic materials, ciagerette smoke and other household chemicals. Also known for removing formaldahyde, xylene (found in varnishes, paints and paint thinners) and trichloroethylene (found in solvents) from the air.
Notes: It requires little attention, tolerates dry soil and irregular watering and prefers no direct sunlight. It is, however, susceptible to fluoride toxicity (so fluoridated water sources may need to be avoided).
Common Name: Moth Orchid
Botanical Name: Phalaenopsis
Source
Benefits: Said to remove VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and formaldahyde commonly off-gased from paints, solvents and other synthetic materials.
Notes: Thrives in high humidity, lots of light (but not hot, mid-day sun) and thorough waterings with, unlike many types of houseplants, almost complete drying out between.
Common Name: Mums
Botanical Name: Chrysanthemum sp. or Chrysanthemum morifolium
Source
Benefits: Very effective at removing benzene, a carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) associated with most chemicals, plastics, cigarettes and off-gasing. Also removes trichloroethylene (found in solvets and cleaners), formaldehyde and ammonia.
Notes: Likes partial sun, and lots of water. Although they're among the houseplants that clean the air, they only flower once and are generally annual plants, especially when planted outdoors.
Common Name: Peace Lily
Botanical Name: Spathiphyllum sp.
Source
Benefits: Known for removing benzene, a common household chemical and known carcinogen. It's also said to remove mold spores in the air, making it great for bathrooms, kitchens and laundry rooms; purifying the air of trichloroethylene, a chemical found in cleaners and solvents; and removing alcohols, acetone, and formaldehyde.
Notes: Easy to care for, it prefers lots of water, less often and bright, indirect light.
Common Name: Philodendron
Botanical Name: P. cordatum, P.scandens or P. selloum
Source
Benefits: Also noted by NASA among the best tyoes of houseplants for removing formaldahyde, especially higher concentrations.
Notes: Philodendrons are considered poisonous, so keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Common Name: Snake Plant
Botanical Name: Sansevieria trifasciata
Source
Benefits: Found by NASA to absorb toxins, such as nitrogen oxides and formaldahyde.
Notes: It tolerates low light levels and irregular watering (and needs only a few waterings throughout winter).
Common Name: Schefflera, or Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name: Brassaia actinophylla
Source
Benefits: Said to remove benzene (a carcinogenic substance) from the air.
Notes:Can be toxic to pets and children. Prfers bright but indirect sun and lots of water and humidity.
Common Name: Spider Plant
Botanical Name: Chlorophytum comosum
Source
Benefits: NASA places this plant among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities.
Notes: Likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing.
Common Name: Warneckii or Dracanaena warneckei
Botanical Name: Dracaena deremeusis or Dracanea deremensis warneckei
Source
Benefits: Known for removing trichloroethylene, a chemical found in many solvents, dry cleaning solutions and refrigerants. Also said to remove benzene, a carcinogene.
Notes: Moderate sun and water needs, but, like most types of houseplants, dislikes sitting in water. Avoid fluoridated water sources.
Common Name: Weeping Fig or Ficus Tree
Botanical Name: Ficus benjamina
Source
Benefits: Known to remove common airborn toxins and increase oxygen levels.
Notes: Prefers bright light and sun, but is also shade-tolerant. Moderate water needs for these types of houseplants.
Reader Questions
I live in an apartment on the 2nd floor. The people below me smoke. It comes through the air vents (I think) in the bedroom and bedroom bathroom. The bathroom gets absolutely no light. The bedroom has a large window facing southeast but also gets late afternoon sun. What kind of plants might survive in the dark shower/toilet area? What plants for very indirect lighting in the sink and dressing area? What plants for the bedroom? (For the moment I have open baking soda containers in each area.) Thank you so very much. - Susan S.
Hi Susan! I'm so sorry to hear about this. What a yucky situation. All plants need at least some light, but from my own personal experience the plant that has been the best for us has been Philodendron (a pic of which can be found above). We've had it in some really low light situations and it still lived (although didn't thrive until it gone a little more light). What you might find necessary though is to take your plants and outdoors for a few hours or place it in a full sun window, doing either 1-2x a week.
If that doesn't work it may well be worth it in this scenario to invest in an air purifier (or even a grow light for hydroponic plants that you can use a coupe hours a day, perhaps on a timer). I'd also highly recommend looking into local laws as I do believe that the apartment management may be liable by law to better seal the vents or air exchange between apartments for this reason. I hope this helps! Good luck!
Here is some more reader feedback that may help you too:
I did some extensive research and problem-solving on that topic a few years ago. Smokers tend to be in denial that it’s even possible for smoke to go through a wall. The wall, however, is so receptive to the smoke that it’s near impossible to plug every avenue of entry. I have often wanted to get the word out about this. Many people suffer with this problem...sometimes the smoke is getting into their children’s bedrooms, it’s very sad. People go so far as to move to escape it (only to run into it again). The trick then is not to make enemies of your neighbors, nor to fight a losing battle with the wall.
The trick is to create a slight draft that sucks the smoke into a small air filter. Air flows much like water does and takes the path of least resistance. A small draft into the air filter will prevent it from wandering through the other available cracks and holes in the wall...much more effective that trying to find and plug up every possible opportunity the smoke can have. My shared wall was a kitchen wall and had lots of opportunities for the smoke to get in what with the plumbing and all that. I had an outlet under my sink and I placed a small air filter in that cabinet, turned it on, and never smelled any smoke again until it was time to change the filter about 2 months later. It’s important to put the air filter on the shared wall or as close to it as possible so the smoke enters the filter before it has a chance to waft around under your nose.
The air filter I used is this one. The appliance is small and only $15. A small price to pay for breathable air.
Looking for more ways to purify the air?
Sometimes we need a little boost in the air. Maybe the flu is going around, or you've recently painted and you want to purify the air.
Essential oils have been shown to remove odors from the air, as well as protect against environmental threats. Popular oils for air quality commonly include lemon, lime, pine, citronella, melaleuca, cilantro, and other oils.
Essential oils can be easily diffused to make them airborne. You can also add it to homemade cleaning products, washing machines, or create a room spray with distilled water.
Top Twelve Best Indoor Plants For Purifying The Air Peace Lily
As the autumn season approaches, the days become shorter and the nights become crisper. Most of us begin to think of moving indoors and spending less time in the fresh air.
If your home is old enough to be leaky and drafty, you may not need to worry about the many pollutants that can become trapped indoors with us. But, if you live in a newer, energy efficient home with windows and doors tightly sealed, or you work in a building where circulation is poor and the air is stale, these pollutants have less opportunity to move to the outside.
What NASA says about houseplants
Over the years our space program has led the way to an important discovery about the role of houseplants indoors. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been researching methods to cleanse the atmosphere in future space stations to keep them fit for human habitation. In doing this research, NASA has found that many common houseplants and blooming potted plants help fight pollution that occurs indoors.
The science of plants
Snake Plant
Plant scientists already knew this! Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as part of the photosynthetic process.
Now researchers have found many houseplants can absorb benzene, formaldehyde and many other air pollutants that are created as gases when we install man-made materials such as carpets, laminates, paints, wallpapers and fabrics in our homes.
While saving energy and money is important to all of us, we must remember that it is crucial to our indoor environment to have clean, fresh air in our homes. So, houseplants take on a larger role in our homes (and all interior environments for that matter) than merely providing beauty in the décor. They contribute to balancing internal humidity and cleansing the air we breathe.
The top twelve air purifiers
‘Janet Craig’
Here is a list of houseplants that have been found to play an important role in removing air borne pollutants:
English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Pothos (Epipiremnum)
Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
Selloum (Philodendron selloum)
Dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans ‘Massangeana’)
Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’)
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Helpful tips to know
Studies by NASA have generated the recommendation that you use one 6-8” houseplant per every 100 square feet of living space. Think about it. This is probably more than you currently have in your home and it is time to add some.
Houseplants need dusting just like any other “accessory” in your home. When you allow dust to accumulate on the leaves of your plants, they cannot do the work they are meant to do in helping to purify the air. So, be sure to regularly clean the leaves of dust and debris from your plants.
Photo credit: Susan Muehl
Enjoy your home in every way possible. Use houseplants to add beauty and nature to your space. At the same time reap the benefits of what nature allows them to do for the air. Houseplants such as these top twelve are what can be called “natural clean air machines”. You, your home and all your interior environments deserve to be healthy spaces – start now to clean up your air!
Happy Fall!!!
***A special thank you to Townside Gardens Nursery in Roanoke, VA for providing the plant photos! ***
