February in Kansas City tends to be somewhat cold and dull. The holidays are past and we’re just sitting and waiting for spring to arrive. I’m always ready to start working in the yard and garden this time of year, but of course, it is much too cold, and the threat of snow and icy weather isn’t passed.
So, my late winter (or early, early spring) solution is to purchase new houseplants to brighten my indoor space and satisfy my urge to garden until it is at least March in Overland Park. The added benefit of houseplants is that they contribute to a clean green home by improving indoor air quality.
NASA studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities back in the 1980s, and found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Since the indoor air quality in our homes and buildings is typically far more polluted than outdoor air, it is a good idea to take steps to clean the air in your home.
In addition to using eco-friendly house cleaning projects, having houseplants is an excellent way to clean your air in an environmentally-friendly way that also makes your house feel warm and inviting.
The following plants can help reduce common indoor air pollutants from chemical cleaners, car exhaust, furniture and carpet, such as formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, toluene and xylene.
Aloe (Aloe vera)
Easy to grow and loves the sun. Perfect for a window.
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Resilient and hard to kill, for those of us without a green thumb.
Gerber daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
Likes lots of light.
Snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
Likes low light and humid conditions, making it great for bathrooms.
Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
Fast-growing and easy to care for. This vine looks beautiful in a hanging basket.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
Likes direct sunlight to bloom.
Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
Weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)
Caring for a ficus can be tricky – I’ve killed more than one! Once you get the watering and light conditions right, they will last a long time.
Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
Azaleas do best in cool areas around 60 to 65 degrees, and they’re a good option for improving indoor air in your basement if you have a bright spot.
English ivy (Hedera helix)
Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis ‘Warneckii’)
Grows inside easily, even without direct sunlight.
Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema Crispum ‘Deborah’)
Easy-to-care-for, even with low light.
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
Small palm, likes shady indoor spaces.
Heart leaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium)
This climbing vine is toxic when eaten, but easy-to-grow.
Peace lily (Spathiphyllum)
Shade and weekly watering produce blooms.
Remember, one of the best ways to improve your indoor air quality is to use natural, non-toxic cleaning products to clean your house. Green Clean Maid Services uses only environmentally-friendly cleaning products that won’t pollute your home. Contact Camille to set-up your professional house cleaning appointment at 913-207-8677. And don’t worry Leawood, Overland Park and Olathe, spring eventually comes to Kansas City!