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Indoor Plants that Can Help Remove Harmful Chemicals in Your Home

By
Real Estate Agent with HomeSmart Realty West, Carlsbad, CA 01335928

The Environmental Protection Agency says chemicals from building materials, furniture and even air fresheners can make indoor air toxic, however, houseplants can help!

PEACE LILY

This plant removes toxins in your home including acetone, benzene, alcohols and ammonia.  Not only does it clean the air, it flowers as well!  Make sure to wash the leaves regularly to keep pests off.  Water when the soil is dry to the touch.

RHAPIS PALM

Clears the air of chemicals, including ammonia and is highly resistant to insects.  Cut any brown parts off leaves.

RUBBER PLANT

Helps get rid of formaldehyde and is very hardy.  This plant tolerates cool temperature and low light but needs to be watered well.

NASA performed a study of plants and how they help remove chemicals in our air and the below were there findings:

TOP 10 plants most effective in removing:
Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from the air

It is recommended that you place two 10" to 12" potted plants in every 100 square feet of living area to help purify the air around you and eradicate the toxins that we breathe in our homes.

A great book to read is "How to Grow Fresh Air" by B.C. Wolverton PhD

Posted by

Visit my website at www.debbierumsey.com to access the San Diego MLS and sign up for email alerts on new properties.

Show All Comments Sort:
Courtney Cooper
Cooper Jacobs - Seattle, WA
206-850-8841

This is a good idea - I always forget that the plants do this for us - maybe I would be batter at not killing them if I kept your post in mind more often:)

Oct 15, 2009 04:20 AM
Skye Hawk
At Your Service! Virtual Assistant Specialists - Fountain Hills, AZ
NAR Cert. REPA "Rockstar REVA"

Debbie- Great post I like Courtney tend to kill them easily silk seem to look so much prettier since they stay green and ALIVE. Maybe I will give it another whirl with these helpful plants.

Oct 15, 2009 04:26 AM
Debbie Rumsey
HomeSmart Realty West, Carlsbad, CA - Encinitas, CA
Realtor, Green, SFR

Courtney-They really do benefit our air so give it another try!  You can do it!!

Skye- I have the opposite problem...I can't have silk because they tend to get forgotten and dusty.  I certainly don't have a green thumb but if I remember to water them once or twice a week they seem to do okay.

Oct 15, 2009 07:20 AM
Jim Frimmer
HomeSmart Realty West - San Diego, CA
Realtor & CDPE, Mission Valley specialist

Not only do they help with indoor air quality, if one doesn't kill them and keeps them green and growing, simply having them around creates a relaxing environment. I reblogged you, too.

Oct 18, 2009 12:39 PM
Dan & Rachael Polakovic with The Team
Realty Executives Elite Ltd Brokerage - London, ON
London Ontario Real Estate Professionals

This is FANTASTIC! Thanks so much!

Oct 20, 2009 02:24 AM
Debbie Rumsey
HomeSmart Realty West, Carlsbad, CA - Encinitas, CA
Realtor, Green, SFR

Jim - thank you for the reblog!  You are right....it's remembering the water and light that gets us.

Dan and Rachael - Thank you for the kind words, I am glad you enjoyed it!

Oct 20, 2009 02:48 AM