5 Indoor Plants You Need to Know About

The news that air pollution in London is ruining our health seems to keep appearing in the papers, but did you also know that the air inside our homes can be worse than the air outside?

It’s not a comforting thought, but there’s no need to panic and move from your flat in Clapham to rural Iceland. There is a simpler solution - indoor plants!

For those of us living in tiny, garden-less Central London flats, there are many plants that can not only be successfully grown indoors, but can actually clean the air inside your home.

Housekeep's Top 5:

1. Chrysanthemum

Symbolizes fidelity, optimism, joy and long life: If placed by a sunny window the Chrysanthemum will not only brighten your home, but will help to clean the air by reducing the levels of a chemical called benzene, which is found in paint, glue and some cleaning products.

2. Spider Plant

Is known to be the sign of true love (perfect for newlyweds!): Allegedly impossible to kill, the spider plant not only thrives indoors with nothing more than a bit of sun from a window, but also helps to keep carbon monoxide and xylene levels at bay

3. Peace Lily

Thought to promote, peace, harmony and purity: The perfect indoor plant - Looks pretty, easy to grow indoors and helps to remove all sorts of toxins from the air, such as acetone, ammonia and benzene.

4. Aloe Vera

Known as the healing plant, miracle plant due to it's medicinal purposes: Helps to remove formaldahyde, a chemical found in things like wooden furnishings and paint, from the air. In case the sun actually comes out, the sap inside aloe plants can also be used to treat sunburn.

5. Dracaena

Derived from the romanized form of the Ancient Greek Drakaina, meaning "she-dragon": Not a good option for those of you with dogs and cats (they are toxic to pets) but if you are pet free and want to reduce levels of air pollutants such as trichloroethylene, a solvent found in paints, glues and varnishes, from your home - this is the plant for you!

If you don't look to be leaving London anytime soon, why not invest in one of these beautiful indoor plants, that will not only brighten your home - but will help you breathe easier.

Oh, and if you do decide to invest in some greenery to clear the air in your home - let us know here at Housekeep HQ and we'll make a note on your account for your housekeeper to water them!

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