Grow Fresh Air, Urban Jungle Influence
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Connected 24/7, constant noise and stress, we’re now craving for quietness and rest. Home is often our first destination. But did you know that indoor air quality problems have increased? What if I told you that plants make your home healthier and stress-free!
The Urban Jungle Trend
With the fast-paced and digitalised lifestyle, we don’t take time to go out of the urban landscape and wander in nature. Yet, we still want to be surrounded by it whether your conscientiously or unconsciously feel it.Since 2014, we noticed that houseplants became a rising trend, which would continue for the next coming years. Certainly, you’ve noticed the burst of cactus, succulents in terrariums, and tiny pots lining on windowsill. Out of this trend, a group of 2 friends, sharing a common passion for houseplants, decided to start a blog named Urban Jungle Bloggers. This blog is based community of passionate indoor growers where they share their green living space and tips.
Feeling inspired? Not yet? Too much work I hear you say. Well maybe it can be simple if you pick the right plants.
Create Your Breathing Room
Numerous studies suggest houseplants help with from lowering your heart rate and blood pressure, to lowering your sickness, increasing concentration and excellent air purifiers. So, what stops you from creating a small oasis? If space one of your excuse, then you need to read this article: Organic Gardening With Limited Space – Grow Your Own On 25m².If your excuse is that every plant you touch dies in your hand, then let me introduce you to the easiest and most common specimens to grow like peace lilies, spider plants and ivies. You don’t believe me? Let me give you a list of houseplants that the NASA uses to remove formaldehyde, benzene and other pollutants from the indoor environment.
Peace Lilly
One of the easiest plant to grow, it will give you a lot of flower during the summer. Put the Peace Lily in a shady spot and keep the soil moist without over watering. It can withstand temperature variations from 4 to 37°C, but does best in 18 to 29°C range. Bear in mind that this flower (like all flowers) contribute to some pollen and floral sent in the air.Pollutant removed: ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Red-Edged Dracaena
Eye-catching, this plant will give a tropical vibe to your room. Dracaena needs bright area/ indirect sunlight at 18-24°C temperature room. It can survive in low light though it will result in thin, lightly colored leaves. This plant love humid environment so we suggest spraying the leaves 2 to 3 times a week and water the soil every 7-9 days. So, keep the soil evenly moist but not soaked. Pet owners might want to select a different plant because Dracaena are toxic to cats and dogs.Pollutant removed: trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, benzene and xylene.
Variegated Snake Plant
One of the hardest houseplants to kill, believe me. This snake plant can be neglected for weeks and yet they still look fresh. Variegated Snake plant prefers drier conditions and some sun, so it need to be watered occasionally, especially during winter. It’s better to let this plant dry out between watering. Keep the plant in temperatures between 4 to 29°C.Pollutant removed: benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and xylene.
Florist’s Chrysanthemum
If you want some colour in your room, Florist’s Chrysanthemum is the right choice. The plant is sensitive to cold and light changes, so growing it indoor is the easiest but it requires a little attention. Regular watering is crucial, but only keep the soil slightly moist but not wet. Place the plant in an area with filtered bright light like a window. Avoid direct sunlight! The general temperature should be range from 15 to 26°C. A beautiful plant but it can be quite difficult to get it to re-bloom, so we would suggest the use of organic fertilizer. Bear in mind that this plant is mildly toxic and an irritant to cats and dogs.Pollutant removed: ammonia, xylene, benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Broadleaf Lady Palm
This plant is perfect if you’re a cleaning freak and/or pet lover. This indoor plant is ideal as a respiratory system by counter acting against major household cleaners and animal waste. It’s the perfect beginner plant. This plant can survive in low light but bright light does it justice. It needs a regular watering in a temperature ranging from -6 to 37°C.Pollutant removed: ammonia, carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and xylene.
So, if your house is looking a little bare, what are you waiting to green up your interior with air-enhancing and mood-lifting houseplants? Are you an Urban Jungle Blogger or a fanatic grower? Send us your photos by clicking here. You might be featured in our blog!
You can find more information about the various air pollutant by reading the WHO Guidelines for indoor air quality.
READ MORE
Urban Bloggers. Plant Trends 2017. https://www.urbanjunglebloggers.com/category/plant-trends/
National Institute of Environmental Health Science. Planting Healthier Indoor Air. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3230460/
European Commission Scientific Committee on Health and Environmental Risks. Indoor Air Quality. http://ec.europa.eu/health/scientific_committees/opinions_layman/en/indoor-air-pollution/index.htm
NASA Report. Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement. https://ntrs.nasa.gov/archive/nasa/casi.ntrs.nasa.gov/19930073077.pdf