In the bustling world of houseplants, one green companion stands out for its remarkable ability to not only adorn our homes with beauty but also to purify the very air we breathe.
This extraordinary plant possesses a unique talent – it cleans the air of mold spores and other pollutants. Airborne mold spores can be extremely dangerous to our health, causing respiratory problems, allergic reactions, and numerous infections.
While there are certain devices that can help purify the air in your home, you might want to opt for a more natural method instead of spending money on unsightly and noisy electronic devices.
In this article, we are going to talk about a popular houseplant that can improve both the air quality and aesthetics of your home. Now, let’s get started!
Meet English Ivy!
The plant with these remarkable air purifying properties is the famous English ivy. This house plant produces glossy, dark green leaves that can truly make your space look more lively!
English ivy is perfect for growing in hanging baskets due to its trailing growth habits, but you can also let them cascade from shelves or windowsills. Besides their aesthetic features, English ivy is also known for its relatively easy plant care.
Bright, indirect light, well-draining soil, and some water will keep your English ivy happy and healthy. Pruning is also required to manage shape and size.
The plant sounds perfect as it is, but the fact that they can clean indoor air makes us like them even more!
English ivy is found on the NASA list of plants that are best at naturally filtering the air in your home. These plants have a unique biological process called phytoremediation, which means that they can absorb and break down toxic compounds present in the air.
Toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and mold get trapped in the leaves, but plant’s roots and microorganism surrounding them help process and neutralize these compounds, and eventually use them as a food source.
The NASA study discovered that English ivy does an amazing job at reducing mold spores, thus improving and contributing to a healthier environment indoors.
If you are dealing with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory problems, I would suggest you add English ivy to your plant collection.
Additionally, those who live in humid areas and deal with mold on a daily basis should also buy this plant as it can stop mold from spreading within the house. Be careful where you place it though, as they are toxic to pets and humans!
You might be interested in: Bathroom Plants That Absorb Moisture (No More Steamy Mirrors!)
How To Take Care Of English Ivy
We’ve already mentioned that it is quite easy to follow English ivy’s plant care guide. Avoid placing your plant in direct sunlight because too much sun exposure can scorch the leaves.
English ivy thrives in cooler temperatures between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which makes it perfect for cultivating indoors. When it comes to watering,– let the soil dry out between waterings and make sure that the soil is well-draining.
To increase humidity in dry indoor places, you can mist the plant occasionally or create a pebble tray nearby. Prune leggy stems to trigger bushier growth and remove yellow or dead leaves to keep the plant looking neat and healthy.
Add balanced, water-based fertilizers during the growing season but make sure to dilute it to half-strength. Don’t overdo it because excess fertilization can lead to increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
I would recommend you regularly check the plant for aphids, spider mites, and mealybug infestations. If there are any bugs crawling on your plant, treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
In case you have lots of trouble with aphids, be sure to check: This Simple Ingredient Can Protect Your Plants From Aphids