High Elevation Gardening Web Log "Blog"

NASA has come to the rescue and discovered what everyone else knew for a long time. House plants are good for us, not only physically but emotionally as well. The best thing that NASA did was to identify the house plants that are good for our bodies as well as our souls. In addition to finding out that house plants actually help improve the quality of air in the inside a house, they also improve our mood. Dr. Bill Wolverton, a NASA scientist, in a 10 year study identified the benefits of house plants. First, they release oxygen for us to breathe and then absorb our exhaled carbon dioxide. Many absorb the toxins in the air. They are particularly good at absorbing those linked to Sick Building Syndrome by filtering dust and dirt from the environment. They have been shown to reduce headaches, sore and dry throats, dry or itchy skin, and fatigue. Psychologically, they reduce stress by absorbing noise. They have actually cut recovery time from surgery.

From the NASA study 9 plants were rated as the best for their environmental benefits. They include:

-- The Acreca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens) releases lots of moisture into the air and removes chemical toxins. Beautiful, shade tolerant, it survives neglect. I often forget about mine in the guest bedroom.

-- The Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa) is one of best plants for improving indoor air quality. Slow growing and is easy to maintain, it's resistant to insects and again likes shade.

-- The Miniature Date Palm (Phoenix roebelinii) is one of the best plants for removing indoor air pollution, specifically xylene. A slow grower, it can get very tall (6 feet) and needs good light.

-- The Philodendron is particularly effective in removing formaldehyde molecules as well as other toxins. Tolerant of shade and easy to care for, I have had the same plant since 1965, and given many of its children to friends.

-- The Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) excels in the removal of alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. It needs water because of high a transpiration rate, but tolerates shade. It has graceful white flowers.

-- The Dracaena fragrans 'Janet Craig' is one of the best plants for removing trichloreoethylene. A beautifully dark green plant, it tolerates neglect and shade.

-- The Boston fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) is the best at removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the environment. It requires water and misting, but mine does well with just the moisture hanging in the bathroom.

-- The Ficus 'Alii' is a new variety of ficus that helps purify the air. A sun lover, it grows easily and is resistant to insects although as with other ficus it drops leaves.

-- The Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica) is especially good at removing formaldehyde and other chemical toxins. It is bred for toughness and will tolerate dim light and cool temperatures.

Some other helpful plants are ivy, spider plants, chrysanthemums, gerbera daisies, snake plants, bamboo palms, and dragon tree. An 1800 square foot home should have 10-15 plants in order to filter the air and replace the oxygen. If this has whet your appetite, you can find more information at www.plantsforpeople.org. The site has more information about research and case studies from the workplace. Happy winter gardening.

Loni Shapiro is a Coconino County Cooperative Extension Master Gardener. For more information about the Master Gardener Program, call 774-1868, Ext. 17 or visit our Web site: highelevationgardening.arizona.edu.