Haskins Garden Centres are helping shoppers start the new year afresh, by offering a range of healthy houseplants which naturally remove pollutants from the air.
The home, school and office can be full of airborne pollutants, with carpets, mattresses, paint, household products, pets, and even people harbouring toxins – especially in the winter months, when windows are closed to the cold air outside and central heating is ramped up indoors. Introducing a green, leafy clean-air houseplant to the home or workplace is a great way to create fresh air indoors. The clean air plants available from Haskins, include:
Calathea mix – £8.99
One of the most easy to grow tropical flowers and commonly called the prayer plant or zebra plant, Calatheas are ideal for removing toxins from the air caused by cleaning products and synthetic materials.
Areca palm – from £4.99
This beautiful and graceful palm loves bright, direct sunlight and is consistently rated among the best houseplants for removing all indoor air toxins. It also acts as an excellent air humidifier for dry, air-conditioned offices.
Spathiphyllum ‘Sweet Chico’ – £11.99
Otherwise known as the peace lily, this elegant plant is one of the few air purifiers which flowers. This year-round bloomer rids the air of the volatile organic compound (VOC) benzene, a carcinogen found in paints, furniture wax, and polishes. It also sucks up acetone, which is emitted by electronics, adhesives, and certain cleaners.
Aloe Vera – £14.99
This easy-to-grow, sun-loving succulent helps to clear formaldehyde and benzene, which can be a by-product of chemical-based cleaners, paints and more. Beyond its air-clearing abilities, the gel inside an aloe plant can help heal cuts and burns.
Nephrolepis exaltata – £11.99
First popularised during the Victorian era, the Nephrolepis exaltata or Boston fern is considered one of the most efficient air purifiers and works especially well in removing formaldehyde, which is found in some glues and furniture.
Cacti – from £4.99
Cacti are great for eliminating bacteria, tackling pollution and reducing radiation. In addition, cacti absorb carbon dioxide at night to release oxygen. Putting cacti in the bedroom is helpful for sleeping and supplementing oxygen.