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INTERIOR PLANTS
IMPROVING AIR QUALITY
It is sprawling, and not at a particularly slow pace. Like the blob it is spreading anddeveloping 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 andneighborhoods. Smyrna is now considered Smyrma-Vinings. Marietta is nowconsidered 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 moretraffic, 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 qualityinside your home.
NASA studies determined that indoor plants in a closed, controlled environment, throughtheir 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 suggestedthe 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+ diameterpots) 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 eachweek 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 butshould 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 yourfinger. Some plants like to dry out in between watering. Again, check the soil and letcommon 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 orMiracle 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.
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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 youwould 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 powermakes 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 yellowleaves 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 otherenvironmental factors.
Listed below are just a few plants frequently used by professional interiorscapers. Thesetried 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.
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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 dr between waterin .
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 ofthe 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 weekl and watered as needed.
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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.
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.
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LOW LIGHT PLANT
SNAKE PLANT Sansevieria trifasciataIf 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
hi h-st le 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 lightand 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.
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Dont be afraid to add a few plants just because you may think you are not good withplants. 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 HarperProgram 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: [email protected] 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
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