Top 10 Plants to Reduce Stress, and Eliminate Toxins

 

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans spend up to 90% of their time indoors.  With today’s modern, energy efficient office buildings, the sealed air inside can contain 10 times more pollution than the air outside due to toxic emissions from building constituents, airborne mold, viruses, and other pollutants. 
 
Improved indoor air quality can directly contribute to good health, improved productivity and ability to sustain living a sustainable lifestyle. Some of the most common culprits are listed here...
 
•    Carbon Monoxide
•    Nitrogen Dioxide
•    Respirable Particles 
•    Household Chemicals
•    Pesticides
•    Formaldehyde
•    Dust Mites
•    Mold

A sustainable solution for improved indoor air quality is plants.  Plants naturally clean your air of toxins and chemicals, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.  They also increase eco awareness in your environment.   In fact, NASA research has consistently shown that living, green and flowering plants can remove several toxic chemicals from the air in building interiors.   
 
As a professional consultant, I suggest that one plant should be allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. This means that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to 25 square yards.  

My  sustainability consulting practice advises small businesses and individuals of the importance of managing indoor environment.   Following are the best plants to reduce stress, fight colds, and reduce toxins in your environment.  
 
Plants to Fight Stress

 

Safe and Poisonous Houseplants

Many homes contain houseplants or other natural materials to add beauty and interest to the décor. Not only are they attractive but many varieties of houseplants serve as indoor air cleaners as well. Lovely and functional as they may be, some houseplants may present a hazard especially if young children or pets share the household.

 

A poisonous plant is one that contains a chemical substance which produces a harmful reaction in the body of humans or animals when taken in small or moderate amounts. A harmful reaction could include allergic reactions, dermatitis or skin irritation, of internal poisoning. Allergic reactions are not always classified as poisoning and will not be treated as such here. This is because there is a wide range of plants that can cause allergic reactions, and sensitivity to a particular plant varies among individuals. Also, individuals can react in different ways after contact with a poisonous plant depending on their sensitivity level.

 

It is important that houseplant owners be aware of the potential problems that plants with toxic properties might cause. Be aware of the identity of your houseplants and learn if they pose potential threats to children and pets. If you cannot identify a houseplant, call your local Extension Center or the Home and Garden Education Center for assistance. It is also important to realize that many plants need to be consumed in considerable quantities for poisoning to occur. Often poisonous plants taste bitter or acrid and children and pets may not ingest large amounts. Young children, especially, should be taught not to put unknown plants or plant parts in their mouths.

 

If a houseplant or natural decoration is ingested by children or pets and poisoning is suspected, call your family doctor, nearest emergency room or veterinarian immediately. The number for the National Poison Center is (800) 222-1222. They can tell you if a plant is poisonous and what symptoms might be expected with a particular toxin. You will need to provide them with the identity of the plant, however.

 

The following is a list of plants considered toxic. Remember that plants may contain a variety of poisons. They may cause symptoms ranging from a mild stomach ache to serious heart and kidney problems.

 

Common Name                                         Latin Name

Amaryllis                                                    Hippeastrum spp.

Anthurium                                                 Anthurium spp.

Apricot kernels                                          Prunus armeniaca

Azaleas                                                    Rhododendron spp                            

Caladium                                                   Caladium bicolor

Calla Lily                                                   Calla palustrus

Chinese Evergreen                               Aglaonema spp.

Colchicum                                                  Colcicum autumnale       

Daffodil                                                      Narcissus spp.

Dumb Cane                                                Dieffenbachia spp.

Elephant’s Ear                                            Colocasia antiquorum

English Ivy                                                  Hedera helix

Fishtail Palm                                               Caryota spp.

Holly Berries                                               Ilex spp.

Hyacinth                                                     Hyacinthus orientalis

Jerusalem Cherry                                        Solanum pseudocapsicum

Lantana                                                      Lantana camara

Mistletoe                                                    Phoradendron villosum

Mountain laurel (holiday greens)                  Kalmia spp.

Oleander                                                    Nerium oleander

Philodendron                                              Philodendron spp.

Ranunculus                                                Ranunculus spp.

Rosary Pea                                                 Abrus precatorius

Schefflera                                                   Schefflera actinophylla

Spathiphyllum                                             Spathiphyllum spp.

Yew (holiday greens)                                  Taxus spp.                       

 

Plants listed below are considered safe and not poisonous. Although eating or touching these plants is unlikely to cause illness, any plant might cause a reaction in certain sensitive individuals.

 

African Daisy                                             Dimorphotheca aurantiaca

African Violet                                             Saintpaulia ionantha

Aluminum Plant                                           Pilea spp.

Baby’s tears                                               Soleiria soleirolii

Bamboo, Golden                                        Phyllostachys aurea

Bird of Paradise                                         Strelitzia reginae

Bird’s Nest Fern                                        Asplenium nidus

Boston Fern                                               Nephrolepis exaltata

Camellia                                                     Camellia sinensis

Cast Iron Plant                                           Aspidistra elatior

Christmas cactus                                        Schlumbergera bridgesii

Coleus                                                        Coleus hybridus

Corn Plant                                                   Draceana spp.

Donkey’s Tail                                              Sedum morganianum

Dracaena                                                     Dracaena spp.

Echeveria                                                    Echeveria spp.

Figs, Weeping and Fiddleleaf**                    Ficus spp.

Geraniums                                                    Pelargonium spp.

Goldfish Plant                                              Columnea spp.

Impatiens                                                     Impatiens wallerana

Jade Plant                                                   Crassula argentea

Japanese Aralia                                            Fatsia japonica

Kalanchoe                                                   Kalanchoe spp.

Lipstick Plant                                               Aeschynanthus spp

Maidenhair Fern                                           Adiantum spp.

Nerve Plant                                                 Fittonia spp.

Orchids                            Cattleya, Epidendrum, Oncidium, Paphiopedilum spp.Norfolk Island Pine                                      Araucaria heterophylla

Palms                                Most nontoxic except fishtail palm, Caryota spp

Peperomia                                                  Peperomia spp.

Piggyback Plant **                                     Tolmiea mensziesii

Poinsettia **                                               Euphorbia pulcherrima

Prayer Plant                                                Maranta leuconeura

Purple Passion Plant                                   Gynura aurantiaca

Sensitive Plant                                             Mimosa puddica

Spider Plant                                               Chlorophytum comosum

Surinam cherry                                           Eugenia uniflora

Swedish Ivy                                               Plectranthus spp.

Wandering Jew **                                     Tradescantia spp.

Wax Plant                                                  Hoya carmosa

Zebra Plant                                                Aphelandra squarrosa

 

**Sap may be irritating.

 

Remember:

Never eat any unknown plant and teach children the same.

We all know that not everyone is born with the magical green thumb. Some people seem to just have the touch and ideas to keep a garden looking beautiful throughout all of the seasons, or maybe they just know how to take good care of indoor house plants. On the other hand, we also know those who seem to be able to just look at a plant and kill it. That’s right; those people with the dreaded black thumb who could probably kill a vase of plastic flowers.Some with the black thumb give up easily on planting, while others still have the urge to fill the corner with a [living] plant, but can’t. In any case, thankfully, there are flowers and plants available that are more on the “hardy” side. So, no matter if your thumb is black, here are ten plants that are perfect for those without a green thumb. Now, if you kill one of these plants, you’re really out of luck

 

10. Philodendron – Philodendron bipinnatifidumIt is said that the Philodendron has been used as a house plant since the time of the Victorians. As a tropical plant, it requires some sun, but this can be achieved by letting it sit outside during the day, or using artificial light within your home. It can go for days without being watered, but does prefer warm moist air. In any case this is a hard plant to ruin and is a great plant if you lack a green thumb. 

9. Christmas Cactus – EpiphyllumUnlike most cacti, the Christmas Cactus isn’t one that’ll hurt you if you try to touch it. This cactus is an extremely easy plant to take care of, and usually doesn’t require repotting. It’s important to be sure you don’t over-water it, but not watering it enough also damages the plant. To solve this, one thorough watering a week usually does the trick. This plant is extremely easy to take care of, and it’ll bloom once a year to bring some color into your living space.

 

8. Jade plant – Crassula ovataThe Jade plant is definitely one that catches eyes. With its out-of-the-ordinary leaves and pink flowers that bloom during the winter, the jade plant can make a good addition to your home. Because it only requires a little bit of sunlight and doesn’t need a lot of care, it’s the perfect plant that won’t die easily, no matter how much you neglect it.

 

7. Chinese Evergreen – AglaonemaThe Chinese Evergreen in just the last five years has been able to produce more than 20 different varieties. This plant is cold tolerant and doesn’t require a lot of attention to keep it alive. However, it is important to make sure that the plant isn’t over-watered, so making sure that the pot is well drained is a necessity. It is a slow growing plant, so repotting isn’t a big issue until about a year or so.

 

6. Croton – CodiaeumThough this plant is nothing but leaves, it surely adds a good amount of color to any bland room in your home. You will usually find these in a tropical garden, but recently they have become extremely popular indoor plants. These plants do need more light than most, but stay colorful throughout the year. Its important to water this plant enough, as drying can damage it.

5. Spider plant – Chlorophytum comosum. Originally found in South Africa, the spider plant is probably one of the most widely used houseplants. This plant is definitely different looking, as its point long leaves eventually bud into flowers, that then die and turn into smaller spider plants. The spider plant loves a lot of bright light and can stand any temperature. It doesn’t need to be watered everyday, but in the summer watering is very important.

 

4. Peace Lily – Spathiphyllum. Watering plants is an important part of keeping them alive, and since plants can’t talk, it can be ahrd to know when its time to water them, especially if you’re no gardening expert. However, the Peace Lily’s leaves will start to wilt, in order to let you know that it’s literally in dying need of water. The Peace Lily doesn’t need much light, and is marked by leaves that bloom a white tall flower

 

3. ZZ Plant – Zamioculcas ZamiifoliaThe ZZ plant is one that you can take with you wherever you live. It doesn’t require a lot of space, and it can take neglect extremely well. The ZZ plant can live without having enough water, and doesn’t require a specific type of lighting in order to grow. It is a slow growing plant, but introducing it to more light can surely speed up the process. This plant is great for those die hard black thumbs.

2. English Ivy – Hedera helix. Though English Ivy best thrives outside where it can grow up to 100ft. long, it still makes a great indoors plant. When keeping an ivy plant inside, it’s important that it is given enough sunlight during the day. Besides this, ivy is a very easy plant to take care of in your home. Since ivy grows so much, it’s important that you have enough room for it. But, you won’t regret this plant. It cleans your air for you!

1. African Violet – SaintpauliaPutting an African Violet in your home is a great way to add a touch of color. These plants don’t need direct sunlight, and are extremely hardy. They don’t need to be watered more than once a week, and its best that the plant is able to dry out before being watered again. You will find this plant offered in many different colors, including lavender, purple, mauve, and a two-color flower.

 

 

 Despite the hustle and bustle and wrapping and parties, psychologists say the holidays and the weeks following them can be a very depressing time of year, even for the healthiest among us.Keep the blues at bay this winter by surrounding yourself with healthy, attractive houseplants. No kidding, indoor plants can chase the blues away. They filter the air we breathe, making our interior environments more healthy, and actually caring for plants can improve a person’s mood and productivity.So, go out and get a few interesting houseplants or revitalize those specimens you banished to poorly lit corners. Here’s how I get a dose of green medicine while keeping my houseplants healthy and lush.Less Is Better Proper watering is the key to a plant’s wintertime survival. Decreased light levels make plants less thirsty for water than during the brighter seasons of the year, so I am careful not to be too generous when watering. Overwatering is the No. 1 reason most houseplants die.Rather than watering on a weekly schedule, I check my plants’ needs. I use two ways to see if my plants need water. First, I check the soil color. Moist soil looks like dark chocolate, while dry soil appears the color of milk chocolate. (Chocolate provides its own mood-enhancing qualities, but I water my plants before I tend other indulgences.) Study your plants’ soil before and after you water to see color differences so you can recognize when your plants are dry.If I am unsure about the soil condition, I test the soil with a pencil to determine if it is dry. This works like a cake tester.If soil sticks to the pencil when it is inserted several inches into the pot, then the soil is moist enough, and I do not water. If the pencil comes out clean, then it’s time to give the plant a drink.When watering your plants, be sure to wet the entire soil mass, not just the top inch. Add water until it comes through the drainage hole in the bottom of the pot. Discard water that remains beneath the pot one hour after watering.

 

Keep Them Clean Another way I keep my plants vibrant is to give them a shower. This is an easy way to dust off their foliage and flush their soil of built-up minerals. It’s also a good time to inspect the foliage for insects.Be sure to look under the leaves and along the leaf petioles and stems for scale, mealy bugs and spider mites.None of these pests likes water. I use my removable showerhead and hose to spray all the foliage from underneath. Good water pressure will literally blast some insects away.If you find insects, you can spray the plant with either a mild solution of dish detergent and water (1 teaspoon per gallon of water) or an insecticidal soap purchased from a garden center. I like to take a sponge or rag with either solution and wipe off the scale or mealy bugs, then rinse the plant in the shower. The plants seem to appreciate a warm-water cleansing and they look better with clean, bright foliage.

 

No Food, Either In winter, fertilizer can be too much of a good thing for houseplants. While light levels are low and plants aren’t as thirsty, refrain from feeding your plants.I start providing liquid fertilizer again in March when light levels start to increase and the plants begin to actively grow.Even then, I add fertilizer only every other watering.

 

Location, Location Finally, I enjoy my houseplants as houseplants. I don’t move them outdoors for the summer. If you are experiencing success with your plants indoors, why mess with a good thing?

Houseplants are our often-overlooked helpers in ridding the air of pollutants and toxins, counteracting outgassing and contributing to balanced internal humidity.

Find out which houseplants are our most effective allies in keeping your household air clean and pure.

It is suggested that one plant should be allowed for approximately 10 square yards of floor space, assuming average ceiling heights of 8 to 9 feet. This means that you need two or three plants to contribute to good air quality in the average domestic living room of about 20 to 25 square yards.

Research has shown that these 10 plants are the most effective all-around in counteracting offgassed chemicals and contributing to balanced internal humidity.

Although many plants like light, they do not all have to be placed near windows. Many indoor plants originated in the dense shade of tropical forests and have a high rate of photosynthesis. These are ideal for the home and can be placed in darker corners. When positioning plants, try to strike a balance between light and ventilation because the effect of plants on indoor air pollution appears to be reduced if they are set in a draft.

Read more: http://www.care2.com/greenliving/top-ten-houseplants-for-cleaner-air.html#ixzz1E8V9W4syWrite your post here.

International research has revealed office plants can help a business through hard times by boosting staff morale and improving business performance.

Research from the US, the Netherlands and the UK has found that the presence of office plants can have a positive effect on the work environment, helping to reduce stress and sickness absence, increase productivity and improve well being and air quality.

Research from University of Technology in Sydney also confirmed the role of plants in improving indoor air quality, cooling and noise reduction effects and their contribution to increasing employee productivity.

Ray Borg, Ambius regional director, Asia Pacific said that living plants are “vital in getting the best from employees”, particularly those using a computer.

Creating greener spaces indoors means healthier and more productive workplaces and improved customer environments, improving well being for all.