Work your Green Thumb to Improve Air Quality

Chemicals released by carpets, foam insulation, paint and other sources are present in the air we breathe. As our homes become better insulated, those indoor air pollutants can linger longer in the spaces we inhabit. Here’s the good news: You don’t need to invest in an air purifier or other costly solution. What you need is something green and leafy. 

Indoor plants are one of the most cost-effective ways to brighten a space, create a relaxing, restful environment, and purify the air. In fact, in the 1980s, NASA studied house plants as a way to naturally and cost-effectively purify the air in space. The results of that study, and others since, show there are plenty of household plants that soak up the air pollutants and release fresh, clean oxygen. 

Here are five plants to get you started:

Aloe Vera

When it comes to breathing easier, aloe helps to clear formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Beyond that, this easy-to-grow plant is perfect for a sunny kitchen window where the gel found inside it’s leaves can be used to soothe mild burns. Notice brown spots on your plant’s leaves? The amount of harmful chemicals in the air may be excessive. 

English Ivy

NASA listed this beauty as its top pick. In the study, English Ivy was the most efficient in absorbing pollutants. From formaldehyde to soaking up carcinogens from second-hand smoke, this low-maintenance plant should be part of your décor. 

Peace Lily

Although you’ll want to keep this plant out of the reach of children and pets, the Peace Lily offers beauty and high marks as an air filter. In fact, this plant topped NASA’s list for removing the three most common volatile organic compounds (VOCs): formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene, among other air pollutants.

Rubber Tree

If your thumb is more brown than green, pick up a rubber tree. This low-maintenance plant thrives even in poor lighting. Don’t let its easy care fool you; the rubber tree is also a powerful toxin eliminator. 

Snake Plant

The snake plant is a night owl. It’s efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen at night while most plants are doing so during the day. This plant thrives with little light and water and will absorb the toxins released by your carpets and wood furniture.

by Anjie Cho

Three Steps to Successful Plant Care

Happy Earth Day! In honor of this wonderful holiday, I have written a lot of posts about indoor plants.

Plants should be incorporated into your décor not only for their aesthetics but, as discussed previously, their ability to purify the air and how they contribute wood element into your spaces. The wood element creates kindness, flexibility and healing in your life.

Of course, having plants means you’ve got to care for them. Even low maintenance plants, like rubber trees, require some level of care. Here are 3 tips for keeping those greens... well, green.

Know thy plants

The first and most important step to successful houseplant care is to know what each plant requires. Every plant needs sunlight, water and food to thrive. They don’t, however, all require the same amounts. Take time to understand the needs for each plant you’re purchasing.

Know thy home & thyself

Let’s step back for a moment. Before making your plant selection, decide where they’re going to live in your home. Perhaps you want to place that nocturnal snake plant in your bedroom. It thrives in low light, so don’t place it on the dresser next to the window that gets strong midday sun.

Similarly, some of us have greener thumbs than others. If plant care isn’t really high on your list of daily tasks, look for low maintenance plants. If you’re willing to invest more time, of course, be open to plants that might require a bit more TLC like an African violet or orchid.

Know thy tools

You can turn almost anything into a planter. However, make sure you’re providing good drainage before you place your plant in it. That cute teacup may look fabulous with a small plant, but without one or more holes in the bottom, you risk root rot caused by poor drainage. Have several different-sized containers, as well. As your plant grows, you’ll want to transplant it into something larger to accommodate its expanding root system. 

When you purchase your plants or transplant them, pick up a new bag of potting soil. You want fresh, loose, sterile soil – don’t recycle old soil or use soil from your yard. Some plants, like cacti, require a soil mix formulated specifically for their needs. Again, research your plants’ needs and buy accordingly.

After you’ve researched your plant’s specific preferences, make sure you’re providing the proper amount of water, light and fertilizer. You’ll also want to inspect your plants for pests and disease and treat them accordingly if needed.

by Anjie Cho

Question of the Month: Year of the Goat charms?

It seems I have quite a handful of Year of the Goat friends which would be normal being that normally we have friends our age, but several of them are 12 years younger than me :) All are wondering about the significance of carrying a horse charm?

Sacha J, New York, NY

Hi Sacha, thanks for your question. It makes perfect sense that you would be friends with many others that are born in the year of the Goat, because goat people tend to hang out with each other! Kind of like a herd!

As far as the significance of the Horse charm in this year of the Goat... the horse is the best friend of the goat. If you look at the Chinese zodiac there are trines (we call them three harmonies) and most ideal relationships (or best friends). The Horse and the Goat have the most ideal relationship and are therefore best friends. 

In the BTB Feng Shui tradition, in any given year, it is auspicious to carry around the best friend of the current year animal. The idea is that the year god is in the hot seat each year. If the year god would want to harm you, it will see you carrying around its best friend (this year the Horse) and will be so enamored by its bestie that it doesn't do you any harm. So it is a protective auspicious charm you should carry on you at all times.

They are available on the Holistic Spaces Store website:

http://www.holisticspaces.com/fengshui/2015-feng-shui-charm-keychain

Note: I have many questions in my “question of the month” queue, so I will be answering a few questions per month until I’m caught up! 

Thanks for reading our “Question of the Month”.  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers.  Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions! 

by Anjie Cho