Houseplants and Their Benefits

This English Ivy houseplant makes a lovely gift or a cheerful desk plant. Comes in a 4 1/4" pot, 13 1/2" tall, 9" diameter.

Botanical Name: Hedera helix

Light: Bright, indirect. Indoors a north or east window or filtered light from a south or west window is satisfactory. Ivies respond well to artificial light conditions.

Water: Let the soil slightly dry out between watering. Reduce water in winter.

Temperature: Cool is best, an unheated room in winter is ideal.

Hardiness: Ivy can be grown outdoors in USDA Zones 6 and above in the ground or USDA Zone 9 in pots year round.

Notes: Do not let the soil dry out completely. Rinse foliage regularly to help prevent insect infestations. Avoid temperatures in excess of 75 ° Fahrenheit, especially if the air is dry.

Purchase at: FreshTopiary.

You can reduce mold with a Peace Lily. Studies have shown that peace lilies can reduce levels of microscopic mold spores in the air by 60 percent. The flowers sop up the mold organisms through their leaves, then shuttle the spores to the roots for food. This is boon for bathrooms since it prevents spore buildup on shower curtains and tiles. The result: less sneezing, not to mention less scrubbing for you. The plant also absorbs atmospheric vapors like acetone and alcohol. Research confirms that routine exposure to these chemicals (commonly found in grooming products) can lead to dry eye syndrome, dizziness and muscle weakness, especially in a confined space like a bathroom.

The peace lily is a tropical plant that has dark green leaves that can grow up to more than one foot in length. It has white flowers and lives for at least a few years when properly cared for.

Peace Lilies produce white blooms April through October. They require full sunlight and should be placed away from drafts. When watering, drench the soil and allow it to become moderately dry between waterings. Feed every two weeks during the summer months only. Spraying the leaves with water makes the peace lily grow and bloom better.

To purchase beautiful live plants, go to FreshTopiary.

Smooth dry skin with a Boston Fern. Indoor ventilation saps moisture from the air, leaving many people suffering with parched, itchy skin. Boston ferns to the rescue! These houseplants act as humidifiers: They restore moisture to the air by releasing water vapor in exchange for atmospheric pollutants, which the plants convert to fuel.

The Boston fern houseplant bears apple-green, sword like fronds that arch gracefully down around its pot. It also yields numerous slender, furry runners that produce new plants at their tips. There are many varieties of Boston fern, most with frilly or lacy fronds. The Boston Fern is the ideal hanging basket plant. It requires a little extra care in that it likes good, rich potting soil and should be misted frequently with warm water. Boston ferns grow well in bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and feed weekly.

To purchase beautiful live boston fern plants, go to FreshTopiary.