Planting Air Filters

Photo by: varun mukthi

I have a hard time calling a plant eco-friendly, it being the epitome of "eco." But in terms of helping generate good air quality, some plants seem to be more efficient than others.

NASA teamed up with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America to study how well certain indoor plants help filter the air and have begun integrating plants aboard space flights. The Areca Palm, Mother-in-law Tongue, and Golden Pothos proved to be the most successful at absorbing air contaminants through their leaves.

Indoor air can be equally and sometimes more polluted than outdoor air. In addition to opening windows and avoiding toxic cleaners when possible, enlist some lively potted plants to assist in your air quality control.

While potted plants don't usually break the bank, it can't hurt to find a good deal. A few insider guidelines will put plants on the window sill for pennies:

• End of Season:
  Check your local nursery at the end of summer for clearance plants. If you're gardening outside, you can still plant most specimens and save a bundle while doing so.
• Trim Cuttings:
  Propagate an entire colony from one plant by trimming part of it to start a new plant. Black thumbers can get a step-by-step photo guide here.
• Haggle with the Nursery:
  Locally owned nurseries are often willing to bargain with shoppers to move a big supply of plants at the end of the season. Offer to take a flat off their hands for a reasonable amount and they're likely to comply.
• Buy Seeds:
  For an indoor potted plant, start with a seed and enjoy watching it grow. Kids will delight in seeing it spurt upward and you'll save big on starting small.

Next: Buy Used and Save the Difference