House Plants That Can Improve Your Health

House Plants. Some of us have tons throughout our homes and porches and others are happy with the no maintenance fake variety. If you have an indoor houseplant green thumb, you may not know that you are creating a healthy environment for your self and family! NASA (yes NASA surprisingly), recently conducted a study that found some houseplants filter out dangerous compounds that are commonly found in most homes – the kind of compounds that are often associated with respiratory illnesses, cancer, and other conditions. Because they are enclosed spaces, our homes are vulnerable to gaseous toxins that build up over time. Here are some surprising household toxins that you probably did not know existed in your home:

Benzene – caused by paints, detergents, and furniture wax,
Formaldehyde – caused by disinfectants or preservatives in consumer products
Toluene and Xylene – caused by a variety of household and consumer products
Ammonia – caused by commonly used aerosols and sprays

Here are 10 NASA-approved houseplants that are effective in removing air pollutants:

English Ivy – a trailing ivy plant that requires partial shade and light weekly watering

Florist’s Chrysanthemum – A lovely floral that needs direct light and frequent change of water
Peace Lily – Produces small, white flowers. Needs weekly watering. But consider carefully before buying, because this plant can be poisonous to house pets
Variegated Snake Plant – Has tall, broad, green and white leaves. Requires partial shade and weekly watering
Red-edged Dracaena – Almost cactus-like in appearance, this plant needs direct sunlight and weekly watering
Cornstalk Dracaena – Produces cornstalk-type leaves. Wants partial shade and weekly watering
Broadleaf Lady Palm – Fern-like plant that likes partial shade and weekly watering
Flamingo Lily – Also known as anthurium, this plant produces shiny red flowers and requires partial shade and weekly watering
Devil’s Ivy – produces luxurious ivy leaves, likes partial shade, and needs only monthly watering
Lilyturf – Produces purple flowers. Requires partial shade and weekly watering.

So, you may want rethink adding house plants into your home. They require little care and can make your home healthy and toxin free!