The relatively humid, low-light environment of your bathrooms might seem like the last place you want to put a houseplant, but it actually mimics the tropical environment most indoor houseplants prefer.
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Common household toxins in your bathroom
Air toxins are an unfortunate reality for many households. Our cleaning products, cosmetics, machines, building materials and even our own exhales all contain chemicals that affect the air quality in our bathrooms. Luckily, there are quite a few common houseplants that can help filter some of these chemicals out of our bathrooms for us.
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Benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene are all chemicals commonly found in households and especially bathrooms. Sealants, varnishes, cleaning products, cosmetics, soaps and even toilet paper can all emit these harmful gases. According to the NASA Clean Air Study, there are certain plants that are more effective than others at filtering out these chemicals. Choose one of these varieties to make the perfect houseplant for your bathroom.
1. Peace Lilies
For a plant with such a peaceful name, Peace Lilies are tough on chemicals. These attractive tropical perennials are one of the best plants for bathrooms because they filter out potentially harmful chemicals like benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene, many of which are found in common household cleaning products and cosmetics. The most attractive feature of these houseplants, however, is their low maintenance. Most get along fine with a weekly watering and minimal, indirect sunlight, making them perfect for bathrooms with frosted windows or no windows at all. Peace Lilies are toxic to cats and dogs, so make sure all parts of the plant stay out of their reach.
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2. Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Mother-in-Law's Tongue, also known as Snake Plant, is a common houseplant famous for its minimal needs. These hardy plants only require watering every few months in the winter and thrive in low light settings like your bathroom. They are toxic to pets, but their air filtering qualities make them an excellent choice for bathrooms. Mother-in-law's tongue filters benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, toluene and nitrous oxides from the air, which makes them more effective than most air fresheners.
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3. English Ivy
For a classic, low-maintenance plant with superb filtering qualities, you can't beat English Ivy. This vine brings a bit of English country charm to your bathroom and makes a beautiful potted plant, provided you keep it away from shower rods and other tempting surfaces that English Ivy likes to climb. The plant should also be kept away from pets, as it is toxic.
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4. Broadleaf Lady Palm
This small tree thrives in humid, low-light environments like your bathroom, but it can grow up to four meters tall if left untrimmed. This makes it ideal for slightly larger bathrooms and households with pets, as this tree is non-toxic. Your new Broadleaf Lady Palm filters formaldehyde, xylene, toluene and ammonia from your bathroom and requires minimal fertilizer.
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5. Hardy Garden Mum
Mums make popular gifts year-round, but what you might not know about these attractive flowering perennials is that they also filter formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, toluene, ammonia and trichloroethylene from the air. Don't toss them once they stop flowering — put them in a bathroom with a little sunlight and let them purify your air. Keep them out of the reach of pets, as they are toxic.
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6. Red-Edged Dracaena
Red-Edged Dracaena, also known as Song of India, is a popular houseplant with superb filtering qualities. The plant requires a humid environment, so put it in a bathroom with a regularly used shower to keep the pretty red-tinged leaves in good shape. You'll have something to admire while you're taking care of business, and benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and toluene levels in your bathroom will drop. As with many tropical plants, these can be toxic to pets.
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Now you can breathe easier knowing that your plants are doing their best to keep your home pure.
Original article and pictures take www.sheknows.com site
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