Indoor plants continue to be a trend worldwide after the revival they had when everyone was stuck at home or working from home through the first wave of lockdowns. Purifying the air is an important part of wellness at home and indoor plants can do that and more. They help one focus as well as improving ones general well being. Our quick guide will help you with the basics.

We get many requests for plants that are good to grow indoors and that will improve the quality of the air. There are many benefits to growing plants inside but they are often seen as a challenge. Whether you are adding something at home or to your desk in the office greening indoors and getting cleaner air in the winter especially, is much easier with our quick guide.

Houseplants decorating the home are becoming more and more popular as a new generation of homeowners learn the value of going green. As a versatile decorating tool, indoor plants offer endless scope with great effect but it is the air purifying qualities and the fact that they bring oxygen into the home that adds a new dimension to them. They soften the indoor environment and help to add colour and life to the interior, bringing the garden indoors.

Stagnant air 

Stagnant air indoors has been listed as one of the environmental risks to public health. We’ve all heard of sick building syndrome where workers get sick repeatedly and often this is linked to poor air quality. Bad air circulation as well as fumes from daily life build up and create a pool of polluted air that does not move. Plants can absorb those bad pollutants that build up and help improve the overall health of the office or at home especially in the bedrooms.
How do plants indoors clean the air?

Plants absorb some of the pollutants from the air at the same time that they take in carbon dioxide. This is then processed into oxygen through photosynthesis and released back into the room. Besides that the microorganisms that are present in the potting soil will also absorb particles from the air.

Our list of indoor eco warriors that clean the air

• Hen and Chicken as we call it also known as the Spider Plant. Easy to grow in a bright light spot and has super absorbent properties.
• Bamboo Palms are regarded as an air purifying champion in fact they are regarded as one of the top three best options. They will also grow outdoors on the patio as long as it’s a protected spot. They need high light and humidity so misting them when it’s hot is always a good idea.
• Snake plants in RSA are often still called Mother-in-law’s tongue. Grows in most conditions as long as it is kept on the dry side and the succulent leaves absorb a number of bad pollutants.
• The Peace Lily or White Sails. These tough plants look so soft and dainty you would never think that they are cleaning the air, they are so decorative.

The list continues with some of our most well loved indoor plants. Dracaena, Ficus, Aglonema Spears as well as the Cast Iron Plants are on the list to. All adding to the overall wellness of the home and work environment.
Did you know? An indoor plant in the home office provides a focus to rest computer-fatigued eyes. A small plant on the desk or a tall plant behind the screen is your best solution for keeping the mind fresh behind the desk.

What do they need?

Make sure that the plant receives sufficient light. Indoor plants are categorised as high, medium or low light plants and they need to be positioned in the correct area in the home to accommodate their requirements. In general the first one and a half meters from a clear window constitutes high light.

Ensure good air circulation, but avoid draughts and water thoroughly less often, rather than little amounts at regular intervals.

Keep them fabulous

Over-watering is the single biggest factor that causes the loss of houseplants. The soil should always be allowed to dry out between watering. TIP: Most indoor plants only need to be watered every ten days to alternate week!
Feed indoor plants with Nitrosol or Multifeed Classic once a month for best results.

Most pests on indoor plants can be eradicated with ease by applying the ready-to-use BioKill. 
The most common are scale insects identified by brown bumps on the stems, spreading to the leaves and Mealy bug which produces a white cotton-wool like substance on the plants.

Problems such as brown leaf tips, yellowing and dropping of leaves are linked to incorrect watering or incorrect light position.