DIY- Clean Indoor Air

I have had a theory for a few years now- we are all going to get more sick from the air we breath inside our homes than outside. And now there's a book out supporting this idea! I have not read the book, but I did read this blog about it.

I highly recommend reading the blog. Short, sweet and to the point. After you read it come back...

I was happy to see my favorite plant- the Peace Lily on the list of top ten plants. I have tried to grow several plants here in AZ and failed. With two exceptions: philodendron and Peace Lilies.

What's a Peace Lily....





You can i.d. it by it's white flowers (you can see one in the 1st pic) and large green, pointy on the end leaves. I've had some challenges keeping these plants alive, but have found solutions for my problems!

Problem #1- growing thousands of gnats in the soil that love to fly everywhere when you water the plant.

Solution #1- cover the top of the soil with sand. The gnats can not lay eggs in sand and so can not live on your plant.

Problem #2- tips of leaves turning brown and the whole plant eventually dying.

Solution #2- Chlorine is the culprit in this one. We have lots of chlorine in our water- even in fridge filtered water. So, fill your watering can with tap water and let it sit for 24 hours. The chlorine will evaporate and you won't kill your plant. Plus your plant will take the nasty Chlorine out of the air so you won't be breathing it anymore!

Problem #3- under and over watering.

Solution #3- when the leaves drop very noticeably it's time to water the plant. Don't do it before- it'll grow bugs or mold. And don't wait for too long after they drop or it won't recover.

I read that you should have one plant for every 10 square meters. I just decided to put one in every bedroom and two in our bigger living spaces. That's better than nothing!

Good luck if you decide to add some of these to your house!!