10 Easy to Grow Houseplants That Keep You Healthy

Many, if not most of the materials used to build our homes and offices are loaded with chemicals that are known to cause a variety of health problems in people, including cancer. There is even a name for the symptoms produced by these toxin-loaded structures – Sick Building Syndrome.

NASA, along with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) recently released the results of a two year study of plants’ ability to remove some of these toxins from our air. The study concluded that several commonly grown houseplants can substantially reduce the amount of several pollutants and drastically improve the air quality in our homes.

The NASA study suggests a minimum of 15-20 plants in 6 inch diameter pots for an 1800 square foot area. Healthy, vigorous plants will, of course, do a better job of purifying the air. Luckily you don’t need a degree in horticulture to keep thriving plants in your home. Some of the houseplants that proved most effective at filtering toxins are among the easiest to grow.

Ten of these easy-care plants are listed below. Why not introduce a few of them into your home and give natural cleaning a try?

1. Snake Plant, Also Called Mother In Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria Trifasciata)

   This is the ideal plant for brown-thumbers or for those with a low-light area that could benefit from the beauty of a live plant. Snake plant requires just a little water now and then during the summer months and can survive quite nicely with no water at all during the winter months. Her stiff, upright leaves come in shades of dark to light green with yellow accents and make a bold statement in any room.

2. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema SP.)

   Like the Snake Plant, Chinese Evergreen grows well in low-light conditions and needs only moderate watering with well-drained soil. Cuttings can live happily in water for extremely long periods and will continue to grow as well as if they were planted in soil.

3. Dumb Cane, Also Called Leopard Lily (Dieffenbachia SP.)

   This plant is considered poisonous if ingested, so it is not recommended for homes where children or pets may be tempted to chew on the beautiful leaves. Dumb Cane puts up a single stem with broad leaves radiating outward. The leaves may be spotted or variegated, and make a bold statement in any room. Dumb Cane prefers its soil to be kept moist but not soggy, and will do best with medium light (such as from an east-facing window).

4. Spider Plant, Also Called Airplane Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

   Here’s another candidate for the east-facing window. Spider Plant is an endless source of joy, and is one of the plants NASA found was most effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. Periodically the plant will produce little clumps of “baby spiders” that can be rooted in new pots to produce an never-ending family. Spider Plants will survive almost any conditions you give them, but it does best in bright filtered light with regular watering and well-drained soil.

5. Dracaena (Dracaena Marginata)

   There are a wide variety of Dracaenas available, including red-edged dracaena, cornstalk dracaena, and Janet Craig dracaena. Some have broad leaves and some have narrow leaves; some are variegated in color, some prefer low light, some prefer medium light. Their water requirements are as varied as their sizes and shapes. There are so many varieties, in fact, that you are sure to find a Dracaena that is pleasing to your eye and that fits nicely into your home.

6. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum SP.)

   Here’s another plant that is especially effective at removing formaldehyde. Pothos vines carry lovely green heart-shaped leaves with gold or cream-colored accents. It doesn’t mind being neglected and is seldom bothered by pests. If you prefer a bushier look, just pinch off the tips from time to time. Place Pothos in an east-facing window. She does like to be watered regularly, but as with all plants, be careful not to over water.

7. English Ivy (Hedera SP.)

   English Ivy is another plant that is poisonous, but oh so beautiful! Keep it healthy by providing bright filtered light (perhaps a south or west facing window with sheer curtains), a little humidity, and regular watering with good drainage. The vines can be trained and are often used in topiaries. English Ivy can be quite attractive to spider mites, so check often for pests.

8. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum ‘Mauna Loa’)

   No doubt the reason you often see Peace Lily in public buildings is because she grows so well under artificial light. No need to worry about where to place this one – if you don’t have natural light available, you can simply place your Peace Lily under a fluorescent light and watch her thrive. Keep the soil slightly moist (if you forget to water, Peace Lily will remind you by drooping but will perk up again as soon as you’ve provided moisture).

9. Schefflera (Brassaia Actinaplylla)

   Like Dracaena, there are so many varieties of Schefflera that you will almost certainly find one that appeals to you and suits your home. She prefers medium light, but will produce a fuller and bushier foliage if you can provide bright filtered light through a south or west facing window. Schefflera grows best if you allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings, and protect her from drafts and temperature extremes.

10. Heart Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron SP.)

    Another plant that is poisonous if ingested, Philodendrons are also ranked high in NASA’s test of air-cleaning plants. They require little light or water, and seldom have pest problems. The leaves will tend to be smaller if the plant is kept in low-light conditions, but this does not mean that Philodendron should be exposed to full sunlight. Too much light will burn the leaves. They do love moisture, however, but be sure to keep them well-drained as well as well-watered. The Heart Leaf Philodendron, in particular, prefers humidity so it will do best in your bathroom or above the kitchen sink.