Issue: 12/2007

Greenery brightens the home

Keeping some beautiful green plants can brighten up the home, and perhaps surprisingly, also improve the indoor air quality.

Dust traps

Some plants with coarse, moist leaves can trap particles from the air. Examples include aphelandra and chrysanthemums.

Asthma relief

Species such as Chinese juniper, azaleas, bostoniensis and bird's-nest fern can also reduce dust and ease asthma sufferers.

Oxygen producers

Broad-leafed plants like potatoes and basil produce a considerable amount of oxygen during the day, and basil is also a popular seasoning in many Asian cuisines.

Keep plants clean

A little application of natural fertilizer can help plants grow, and gently wiping the leaves regularly keeps them healthy and promotes the air-recycling process. Spraying leaves with a mist of water and tinge of raw garlic and leaving raw onions in the pot can discourage mites.

Plants and children

Some plant species may not be a good idea if you have children, since little ones tend to put things in their mouths. Eucalyptus for instance can cause dizziness if ingested and other varieties can have different deleterious effects on children.