Houseplants do more than bring natural beauty to your home; some even help around the house. As natural air purifiers, plants take in carbon dioxide and emit oxygen. They also can absorb airborne chemicals that are common in most homes. Add two or three air-cleaning plants to your living areas to help keep your home atmosphere healthier. When positioning each plant, consider necessary light requirements and follow plant-care instructions for a happy houseplant.
Maidenhair Fern, Madagascar Dragon Tree and Golden Pothos
(plants, pictured left to right)
Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum)
Light Requirements: Place in low indirect light.
Water Needs: Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist; do not allow soil to dry completely. Avoid overwatering, which can cause yellowing of fronds and root rot.
Soil Requirements: Plant in soil that is rich in organic matter.
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena Marginata 'Magenta')
Light Requirements: Place the Madagascar dragon tree in bright indirect light.
Water Needs: Water moderately when the top 1/2 to 1 inch of soil is dry.
Soil Requirements: Plant in a container with loamy potting soil. Loamy soil contains relatively equal amounts of sand, silt and clay. It holds moisture but drains well.
Golden Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
Water Needs: Moderate watering is necessary when the soil surface feels dry.
Soil Requirements: Plant in well-drained potting soil. (This plant may require re-potting when the roots begin pushing the plant out of the container.)
Flamingo Flower (Anthurium)
Light Requirements: Place away from direct sun and drafts. Plants placed by a window with good light may produce the best blooms.
Water Needs: Water regularly, and provide a source of humidity. For best results, keep containers on trays of moist gravel, or spray leaves daily. This plant’s humidity needs make it a great choice for a bathroom.
Soil Requirements: Plant in a coarse, porous mix of leaf mold (composted leaves) and sandy soil.
Queensland Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) and Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus)
(plants, pictured left to right)
Queensland Umbrella Tree (Schefflera)
Light Requirements: Place the Queensland umbrella tree in full, bright indirect sun; plants can tolerate light afternoon shade.
Water Needs: Water regularly, allowing potting mix to dry between waterings.
Soil Requirements: Plant in standard potting mix.
Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus)
Light Requirements: Allow for ample indirect sun.
Water Needs: Maintain moist soil. Especially in summer, water as soon as soil feels dry.
Soil Requirements: Plant in well-drained potting soil in a container that drains easily to avoid root rot.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas)
Light Requirements: Place in bright indirect light or morning sun with afternoon shade.
Water Needs: Water regularly, allowing soil to dry between applications.
Soil Requirements: Plant in a soil mixture that drains easily. Avoid moisture-retention soils.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Light Requirements: Place in good light but not full sun.
Water Needs: Water frequently and thoroughly. Keep soil evenly moist to the touch, but do not let the plant sit in water.
Soil Requirements: Plant in loose, fibrous potting mix.
Tools, products, materials, techniques, building codes and local regulations change; therefore, Lowe's assumes no liability for omissions, errors or the outcome of any project. The reader must always exercise reasonable caution, follow current codes and regulations that may apply, and is urged to consult with a licensed professional if in doubt about any procedures. Please read our terms of use.