Living in New York City (or practically anywhere) means dealing with air pollution as a daily reality. Here are some truly home grown solutions to limit your personal exposure to airborne toxins. These common indoor plants are easy to grow and maintain. Just by having one of these plants in your apartment you will make a great effort to purify and clean your indoor air. Turn your brown thumb into a green thumb with three simple tips:
1. Don’t Overwater.
2. You might need more light or a different plant.
3. Get a spray bottle and mist often.
Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
Light: tolerates low light, but prefers medium intensity. Direct sun will burn the leaves.
Water: evenly moist soil, but let it dry between waterings.
Care: Mist regularly and brush the leaves to keep them free of dust.
Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Light: partial light is best, but avoid direct sunlight.
Water: Water thoroughly then allow the soil to become nearly dry before watering again.
Care: Grows very well indoors. Best to prune old growth.
Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
Light: Grows best in bright indirect sunlight. Try to place in front of an east/west facing window.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist.
Care: Remove any dead leaves and mist often.
Butterfly Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Light: Indirect light to bright light is best.
Water: Keep the soil moist, but not soggy.
Care: Mist often, and you may have to prune old growth.
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Light: Indirect light.
Water: Let soil partially dry before watering
Care: Durable plant will grow well in most locations.
Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Light: Needs bright indirect light.
Water: Keep soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Care: Mist often.
Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
Light: Low to medium light.
Water: Keep soil moist but allow to dry between watering.
Care: Does not like drafts, so don’t place near heating or a/c vents.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
Light: Bright indirect sunlight.
Water: Keep soil barely moist.
Care: Mist frequently with warm water.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
Light: Indirect sunlight.
Water: Water fully, then allow to nearly dry out between waterings.
Care: Mist frequently.
Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
Light: Plant in a bright spot.
Water: Water regularly, but do not keep soil too moist.
Care: Hardy and tolerates drought. Plant in a spot with no draft.
