Healthy Office Plants

Healthy Office Plants

Houseplants at home and in the office do more than just look pretty. They help clean the air that we breathe as well as make us feel less alienated in the artificial environments that pass for offices now. Modern office buildings spew out hundreds of chemicals from the new carpets, paints, upholstery, computers and plastics. A study carried out by Chichester College confirms the advantages of having house plants around because they make our environment a healthier place in which to live and work. Researchers have found that one potted plant per 100 square feet of floor space can help clean the air. The students rated the most effective plants and the ubiquitous Areca Palm came first for removing ammonia, and formaldehyde (found in many cleaning products) from the air and releasing moisture into the air. Next was the Peace Lily which removes acetone, then the Rubber Plant, then Ficus Benjamina (weeping fig) then the dracena. Number 6 is english ivy that eliminates mould causing asthma, boston ferns are highly rated for improving air quality, then the spider plant ( is there any office that doesn't have at least one of those) and lastly the moth orchid (phalaenopsis). Is it possible that the reason that these plants are in every office is because plant suppliers know that they are healthy or is it just because they are hardy? The pity is that these are such boring looking plants--can't those students find something more interesting for us to stare at for 8 hours a day? :: Chichester College Via :: Chelsea Flower Show