Episode: # 28 08/12/07
Presenter: Phil Dudman

Indoor plants are right back in the spotlight and it is not just for their good looks. Scientists across the world have found that filling our indoor spaces with beautiful plants will have a very positive effect on our general state of health and wellbeing.

So how does this work? Indoor plants are filtering the air we breathe filling the atmosphere with good clean oxygen. On top of that, they help to reduce a modern phenomenon, which is known as ‘Sick Building Syndrome’. Many items found in our homes and offices such as computers, photocopiers, even carpets, curtains and cleaning products can release some pretty harmful compounds into the air, creating a kind of indoor air pollution. What we now know is that the humble houseplant plays a vital role in removing those nasty compounds.

Any plant can do this and the interesting thing is a lot of it is due to the relationship between the plant and the micro-organisms found in the potting mix working together like a little air filtering powerhouse.

Here are some of the beauties you’ll find in your garden centre right now:

Dracaenas (Dracaena marginata cv.) are always popular and are great for filling a corner or giving life to a plain wall. So are cordylines such as the Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa cv.) with the bright and vibrant leaf colours, creating a colourful statement indoors.

Ficus are an old favourite. Phil has some with a difference from the Pohlmans range featuring gorgeous variegations in the foliage. They are super tough and they can grow up to 2 metres tall indoors making a dramatic statement.

Talking of favourites, plants like ferns such as dieffenbachias, syngoniums and even the good old devil’s ivy are still very popular. The good thing about these is they lend themselves to mixed displays and with a bit of playing you can create some stunning effects.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum, Hybrid Cultivar) never seem to go out of style and how could you not be tantalised by their timeless beauty, with their deep green glossy leaves and pure white spathes. They make a luxuriant feature in any part of the home or office.

For something a little contemporary keep an eye out for Calathea (Calathea, Hybrid Cultivar). They’re very much in demand right now for their colourful foliage and they are one of the best plants around for cleansing the indoor atmosphere.

So you see a small investment in some of these beautiful indoor plants can be a huge investment in your well-being.