INTERIOR PLANTS IMPROVING AIR QUALITY

It is sprawling, and not at a particularly slow pace. Like the blob it is spreading and developing and it has reached suburbia. Growth over the past 10 years of the Metropolitan Atlanta Area has reached our county and changed the face of our streets and neighborhoods. Smyrna is now considered Smyrma-Vinings. Marietta is now considered a convenient commute to downtown Atlanta. Atlanta is traveling Atlanta Road North and the evidence can be seen everywhere. It brings with it more business, convenience, upgrades and neighborhoods. On the other side of the coin we see more traffic, pollutants and loss of trees. If you are one of the many that make the drive to downtown Atlanta, you will see the city long before you reach Fulton County. Each morning, included along with the weather conditions, we receive a smog rating. And this year, due to the extended drought and wildfires in southern Georgia, we encountered additional headaches for those with breathing problems. We all know that plants produce oxygen and remove pollutants from our air. Add some shrubbery or trees to your yard. Any additional plants will enhance the outdoor environment esthetically and improve air quality. Equally important is the air quality inside your home. NASA studies determined that indoor plants in a closed, controlled environment, through their foliage and roots, removed low level pollutants. Through photosyntheses and evapotranspiration (a natural plant process) air is filtered through the plant, cleaned, cooled and released back into the environment. But how many plants and what kind do I need? you may ask. NASA studies suggested the use of 15-18 plants (at least 6-8 diameter pots-table top size) will improve air quality in an average 1,800 square foot home. Floor plants of 3 or more (10+ diameter pots) will increase these positive effects on your inside environment. Interior plants are not as hard to maintain as you may think. Only a few minutes each week will satisfy your plant requirements. It is suggested you check and water your plants weekly, if needed. Your most important tool is your finger. It is through touching the soil that you will determine water needs. All plants do not need water weekly but should be checked and rotated to maintain their shape. Simply stick your finger into the soil to test and add water, if necessary. Most plants like to stay uniformly moist. This means when your finger goes into the soil, it is moist to the touch some soil sticks to your finger. Some plants like to dry out in between watering. Again, check the soil and let common sense be your guide. If you are under watering or over watering, the plant will let you know by yellowing or wilting. Most plants will forgive your mistakes as you develop and adjust your techniques. Interior plants do require fertilizer (Peters or Miracle Gro) from spring until winter. An easy rule to follow is to begin fertilization after Easter and suspend use at Thanksgiving. Professionals prefer to add fertilizer a little each time the plants are watered as opposed to a full dose once per month.

Interior plants rarely require repotting. In some cases, and a perfect environment, they will grow, but the process is slow. It is recommended you purchase plants the size you would like and maintain them well, rather than buy smaller plants and wait for them to grow into your space. It is also important to note that many retailers purchase large quantities of plants at a discounted rate. Many of these are sun grown. This means they have been developed quickly under the tropical sun of a Florida field. This buying power makes the plants more affordable to the public. However, you may note a term of acclimation as your plants adjust to your interior environment. This may include yellow leaves and dropping of leaves. After a few weeks this adjustment should decrease and eventually stop. When purchasing a plant it is necessary for the plant to be transported to its new home carefully. Temperature extremes and air movement are important. Transporting an interior plant in the back of a truck for example, will cause damage or death of the plant. Tropical plants are unable to survive temperature extremes, excessive wind and other environmental factors. Listed below are just a few plants frequently used by professional interiorscapers. These tried and true species are just a sample of the many plants that are available in the interiorscape market.

HIGH LIGHT PLANT ENGLISH IVY Hedera Helix This plant is usually used as a desk top or table top plant and should be placed where it will receive some direct sun or very bright indirect sun for much of the day. Take care to check this plant and water weekly if needed. It is susceptible to spider mites and should be inspected and treated if an outbreak occurs. HIGH LIGHT HOUSE PLANT FICUS Ficus lyrata This is only one variety of the Ficus family. Others include Ficus Alii, Ficus Amstel King and the familiar Ficus Benjamina. These plants require direct sun for at least part of the day and bright, indirect sun for the remainder of the day. Be sure to check this plant weekly as it has an extensive root system and does not like to dry out completely.

MEDIUM LIGHT PLANT SPLIT LEAF PHILODENDRON Philodendron scandens Most Philodendron varieties can take moderate light. This indicates good, indirect light for most of the day. It is a hearty and durable plant. One treat you can enjoy is cutting a leaf now and again for a contemporary flower vase. Although this plant requires a little space, it is worth the sacrifice. It should be checked weekly and likes to dry between watering. MEDIUM LIGHT PLANT SPIDER PLANT Chlorophytum comosum This familiar plant can often be seen hanging in front of a bright kitchen window. It is happy with bright, indirect light. There are two well-known varieties, the variegated (shown left) and the solid green. The spiders seen shooting out of the foliage can be removed, placed in soil and soon you will have another plant to share with a friend. This plant likes to dry out in between watering. HIGH LIGHT PLANT ARECA PALM Chrysalidocarpus lutescens This elegant palm is frequently used to frame a dining room or entranceway. The Areca requires direct sun for part of the day and bright conditions throughout the daylight hours. As with any palm, preventative spraying for spider mites will help it maintain a deep green color and help eliminate brown tips. This plant should be checked weekly and watered as needed.

MEDIUM TO LOW LIGHT PLANT DRAGON TREE Dracanea marginata The Marginata is a member of the Dracanea family which includes the Corn Plant, Janet Craig and a host of tried and true interior plants. It requires some indirect light or interior lighting for most of the day to perform well. Try not to over water this plant. Removing some of the lower foliage can give this plant a contemporary look.

LOW LIGHT PLANT JANET CRAIG Dracanea deremensis This plant is great for low light. Of course, all plants need some light, but regular lighting without windows will maintain this plant. Check it weekly and water only if needed. Too much water will cause the tips of the leaves to brown. If this occurs, the leaves may be trimmed to a natural shape.

LOW LIGHT PLANT CAST IRON PLANT Aspidistra elaior Previously recognized as something from your grandmothers house, the Aspidistra is making a come-back. It is almost a no worry choice, and with minimal care and water, it will perform well in your home. It has also become popular in Georgia landscapes where it is evergreen and can create a wonderful border for your shade perennials.

LOW LIGHT PLANT SNAKE PLANT Sansevieria trifasciata If you want plants that can stay in minimal light and require minimal attention, this is the plant for you. Its upright growing habit affords you the ability to use it in narrow spaces and extremely low light conditions. It requires little water and could go several weeks between drinks. Again, this is an old favorite making a come back. In the appropriate container it provides a very high-style look. MEDIUM TO LOW LIGHT PLANT KENTIA PALM Howea forsterana This elegant palm is a great addition to any dcor. It is one of he few palms that does not require direct sunlight. The Kentia can maintain its beauty under interior light levels. Just be sure to leave the shades up during the day or provide artificial light for 8 hours. As for plant maintenance, check it once per week and keep it on the dry side. LOW LIGHT PLANT PEACE LILY Spathyphillum The Peace Lily is known for its deep green, broad foliage and white, lily like flowers. It is primarily a foliage plant, but does bloom occasionally. This plant can take low light conditions with no natural light and minimal interior light. This one is forgiving and will droop should you forget to water it. A good drink and usually it will return to its previous upright position.

Dont be afraid to add a few plants just because you may think you are not good with plants. They actually enjoy some neglect as opposed to over-tending. Not only will the air inside your home be better, but you will find they enhance your dcor and improve your mood.

Emily Harper Program Assistant Cobb Extension Information Source & Photo Credits: horticulture.tamu.edu

Cobb County Cooperative Extension Service 678 South Cobb Drive, Suite 200 Marietta, GA 30060-3105 Phone: 770-528-4070 Fax: 770 528-4086 Email: uge1067@uga.edu Website: www.cobbextension.com

The contents and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of nor are they endorsed by the University of Georgia or the University System of Georgia