The Best Plants for Improving Air Quality

The Best Plants for Improving Air Quality

A lot of people like to grow plants at home. The houseplants can elevate mood, enhance creativity, promote wellness and purify indoor air. The last point of this list seems to be the most important as according to the Environmental Protection Agency, organic chemicals commonly found in your home such as paints, disinfectants, cosmetics and fuels emit chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These VOCs are the leading cause of sick building syndrome, a health threat that leads to headaches, skin irritations, hypersensitivity and more.

Fortunately, there are many houseplants that will filter these chemicals and clean air naturally, as well as brighten up your living space.

So how do plants improve air quality? 

1. Plants improve air quality by combating volatile organic compounds commonly found at home.

2. Many plants can absorb volatile organic compounds through the pores of their leaves as well as process light for photosynthesis.

Below is a list of the best household plants for cleaning the toxins out of the air in your home:

1. Bamboo Palm 

It is effective at removing the formaldehyde often used in furniture, so place the palm next to chairs, couches and tables. Bamboo palm also removes 16,520 micrograms of trichloroethylene according to the scientific studies. During dryer winter months, the bamboo palm can also add some moisture to the air.

2. English Ivy

This charming vine grows in low or indirect light conditions. The leaves are poisonous, so it is important to keep them away from pets and kids. The good point is that English Ivy enjoys containers and hanging baskets. English Ivy is effective at removing benzene, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, as well as other allergens such as mold and airborne fecal matter. 

3. Ficus

Ficus is a tropical looking evergreen with twisting roots and bright green, shiny leaves. It’s effective at removing pollutants from furniture and carpets, though it can be a bit temperamental to grow. Keep the leaves clear of dust and water moderately.

4. Dracaena

The dracaena plant is a popular houseplant, grown both indoors and outdoors in subtropical climates. It reaches a height of about three feet indoors, and has a bushy tree type of look. This plant is best for ridding the air of chemicals found in lacquers, varnishes, and gasoline.  Also known as a Corn Plant, the Dracena is a dramatic, but fairly easy plant to maintain.

5. Aloe 

Aloe is a short-stemmed shrub with excellent characteristics. It’s great at removing chemicals from paints and chemical cleaning products, and the gel inside the succulent spiked leaves can be used to relieve cuts and burns. 

6. Chrysanthemum

You’re probably already familiar with these colorful flowers. They are popular in bouquets, but as a potted plant, they are excellent at filtering out chemicals found in glues, paints, detergents, and plastics. Chrysanthemums love bright light, and add a gorgeous pop of color to any room.

The experts recommend to keep one potted plant every 100 square feet, but you really can’t have too many houseplants for good air quality. 

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5 Interestings Facts About Sunflowers

Many people can describe sunflower as yellow, tall and bright, but these classic sunflower imagery doesn’t provide the complete picture about this stunning plant. Sunflowers are dynamic because they grow in various shapes, sizes and colours. 

Use the following 7 facts about sunflower to let you learn more about it and some health benefits.

1. Not all sunflowers are yellow

It is well known fact that most people believe that sunflower could be just yellow. However, a sunflower’s pigment doesn’t stop there. Sunflowers can even be red and purple.

Yellow Sunflowers 

Some examples of yellow sunflowers include American Giant, Zohar and Elegance. These sunflower types are vibrant and sure to make you smile. 

Red Sunflowers 

As all of us know, one of the popular flowers on earth are red roses. In addition to roses, many types of flowers are red, including some sunflowers. Red sunflowers come in different varieties. Some of them have similar to chamomile heads which are often born of the common yellow sunflowers. 

Purple Sunflowers 

A common purple sunflower is the Chianti Hybrid. It has bright dark red petals which some classify as purple. This sunflower plant can grow to five feet and has no pollen, making it good for cutting. 

2. Sunflowers can range in height 

Despite of popular meaning that sunflower plants are giant, they are classified into two categories: tall and dwarf. Some sunflowers don’t get taller than two feet. 

Tall sunflowers are generally yellow and durable. Most of these sunflowers reach 12 to 16 feet tall and even higher. Regarding dwarf sunflowers, they are usually grow in clusters and immerse themselves in small gardens and pots. These sunflowers are classified as dwarfs because they tend to not grow taller than 3 feet. 

3. Sunflower oil has an anti-inflammatory effect

The sunflower plant offers additional benefits alongside with beauty. Sunflower oil is suggested to possess anti-inflammatory effect. It contains linoleic acid which can convert into arachidonic acid. Both are useful with prevention of water loss and repair the skin barrier. 

4. Sunflower oil can reduce cholesterol level in blood 

According to the scientist studies consumption of polyunsaturated fats can reduce cholesterol levels in blood. Sunflower oil contains high polyunsaturated fat, it is a great alternative to butter and has numerous health benefits.  This kind of fat additionally supply body with long chain fatty acids which are essential for the human body.

5. The tallest sunflower is over 30 feet

Hans-Peter Schiffer from Karst, Germany is responsible for growing the giant 30 foot sunflower plant. This fact was confirmed by Guinness World Records on August 2014.

The Positive Effects of Flowers on Your Wellbeing

The Positive Effects of Flowers on Your Wellbeing

Our environment plays a critical role when it comes to our mood. All of us could have hard days and sometimes it becomes difficult to see the light in the darkness around us. Flowers and greenery can have a positive impact on our health, reducing stress and make us to feel happier. Multiple studies prove that flowers have a healing effect on those who receive them as a gift or keep them at home. People who have flowers at home feel less anxious, depressed and they usually more satisfied in life. 

Although all flowers boost our mood and give us feelings of joy, some of them have bigger impact on our wellbeing than others. 

Roses

The queen and the most beloved flower of all times, surrounded by symbolism and mythology. Everybody loves it for unbeatable beauty, delicate petals and a bright feminine aroma. Rose is considered a symbol of balance and stability. It expresses promise, new beginnings, and hope. 

As a study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology says, office workers who have roses on their desk feel more relaxed and comfortable in their work environment. The roses can also help to eliminate stress.

Tulips 

These modest and at the same time gorgeous flowers are only available during Spring time. The fact that they only bloom in this season, gives them the connection with welcoming warmth and new beginnings. The flowers are usually large with bright colours, generally red, pink, white, yellow and others. There are about 75 species of tulips that make them so popular among flower lovers. Their simple and sweet look is truly inspiring, and they are known to be able to brighten even the darkest days. 

Today the greatest number of tulips are grown in the Netherlands, but more and more tulips plantations occur around the world.

Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas are beloved for their bold blossom and vivid color. These romantic blooms have a soothing and cheering effect. Hydrangeas are so popular flowers now especially for weddings or as a gift for the beloved people. It is a fact that seeing the flowers bloom has a therapeutic effect on people. 

 

How to care for preserved flower arrangements

If you have received preserved flowers as a gift or you are going to give it, you may be wondering how to take of them in order to keep them beautiful and in great conditions as long as possible. With proper care, preserved flowers can be kept for at least one year and up to three years. The rules of their maintenance are really easy and they do not require a lot of time. Here are some tips how to care of preserved flowers and save their perfect conditions as long as possible. 

What Do you need to do

Keep your preserved flowers in their original packaging 

When you received your flower arrangement, be sure to keep them in their original packaging. Attempting to remove the flowers from the package could destroy them so we highly recommend do not do it. The plastic or paper boxes will protect flowers against drafts, dust and other disturbances that may affect the flowers condition. Simply wipe the boxes of dust and enjoy their beauty long time. 

Сarefully remove dust from the flowers 

If your preserved flowers kept away from the box, you need carefully to brush the dust from them. It is important to do it gently in order do not to disturb the petals too much. As they can become more fragile. 

DO NOT

Put your preserved roses in direct sunlight 

Keep your preserved flowers away from the direct sunlight and windows. Sunlight will expedite the drying process and can discolor your flower petals.

Keep preserved roses in the area of high humidity

Preserved roses should be kept at low humidity and slightly below room temperature. Excessive humidity can take months off of the expected lifespan of your flowers.

Water your flowers

Exposure to water should be completely avoided as it will damage the petals and stems of preserved roses.

Following these simple rules, you will give long lifespan to preserved  flowers and could enjoy their beauty up to three years.