NASA CLEAN AIR STUDY
THERE ARE PLANTS THAT ARE BOTH BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL
According to Wikipedia, *"The NASA Clean Air Study was a project led by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in association with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) in 1989, to research ways to clean the air in sealed environments such as space stations. Its results suggested that, in addition to absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen through photosynthesis, certain common indoor plants may also provide a natural way of removing volatile organic pollutants (benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene were tested)."
*Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASA_Clean_Air_Study
If you have pets, please read the list of plants that are TOXIC to your fur friends:
https://www.aspcapro.org/animal-health/toxicology-poison-control
NASA CLEAN AIR STUDY LIST OF PLANTS tested during the initial 1989 study include:
- VARIEGATED SNAKE PLANT or MOTHER-IN-LAWS TONGUE
The Variegated Snake Plant or Mother-in-Law's Tongue is one of the many plants that NASA Clean Air Study found to naturally remove household toxins in the air.
The plant you see in the photo below was purchased at either Lowe's or Home Depot. When purchased, the plant was about one foot tall. This plant grows tall quickly. Since this plant requires very little water, so you do not need to water it daily. The pretty pot was purchased at Home Depot.
- English Ivy. If pets ingest this plant, it causes vomiting and Diarrhea.
- Peace Lily. This plant is toxic to pets.
- Chinese Evergreens (see the photos below). The plant with the pinkish leaves adds some color to the room.
Home Depot's website describes Silver Bay Chinese Evergreen: "This incredibly stunning and popular houseplant is easy to grow and renowned for performing well in dim light. Featuring heavy pink colored leaves with green leaf edging, it makes an ideal houseplant for homes and offices with little to no natural light. Also known as 1 of NASA's clean air plants, the Chinese Evergreen removes benzene and formaldehyde (used in paper products, detergents and pesticides) from the air inside the home. When placed on a desk, coffee table or kitchen counter, adds visual interest and creates a welcoming environment in any indoor setting."
- Bamboo Palm. Photo credit: Home Depot
We had two Bamboo Palms that attracted small ants. The first plant had ants that paraded in lines from the floor up the stems. We treated the plant again and again, but the ants won that battle. So we took the plant outdoors and replaced it with another Bamboo Palm: new soil, new plant. The same scenario again with ants parading up the stems from the floor. Ants are attracted to the sap secretion in Bamboo Plants. The ants were so invasive that the plant, pot and the soil were inundated with ants. No third rodeo...next...
- Red-Edged Dracaena, Marginata. See the photo below. Photo credit: Florida Nursery Mart.
This plant is both uplifting and functional. "Thank you, Mother Nature. I love it."
- Cornstalk Dracaena, Mass Cane/Corn Cane - photo below. Photo credit: Home Depot.
This plant is easy to grow. However, according to the ASPCA, this plant is toxic to cats and dogs.
https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/cornstalk-plant
- Weeping Fig aka Ficus or Ficus Benjamina.
According to Wikipedia, "The plant is a major source of indoor allergens, ranking as the third-most common cause of indoor allergies after dust and pets." Wikipedia also states, "The consumption of parts of plants leads to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Exceptions are the edible fruits."
Having read, "...the third-most common cause of indoor allergies after dust and pets", I will pass on this one.
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_benjamina.
- Barberton Daisy, Gerbera Daisy
- Florist's Chrysanthemum, Pot Mum. Chrysanthemums are toxic to pets.
- Janet Craig
- Warneckel
BIOPHILIC HOME INTERIOR
"Uh...what?"
I recently took a Biophilic staging class online. Very interesting. The new design trend is to bring the outdoors indoors since most of our time is spent indoors. Google biophilic home design to read about the concept.
Biophilic home design aspires to blend the home or space with the natural world. Connectivity to the natural world using natural materials, direct nature and space are believed to create harmony and peace in the home or building. It is argued that this blend of 'ingredients' benefits health, the environment and more.
Some of the concepts are like the Jetsons. However, adding live plants to the interior of our homes not only adds a sense of nature's natural beauty, but may also clean the air. That sounds like a win-win scenario.
--------------------------------------------------------
Pet Friendly 55+ Communities in Delray
Pet Friendly 55+ Communities in Boynton Beach FL
Pet Friendly Gated Community
pet friendly 55+ gated community
dog friendly 55+ gated community
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------