Father George Rutler is a Catholic pastor from New York. He recommends taking care of indoor plants during the pandemic.
In caring for plants, he recommends “everything in moderation”. Moderation in water, light, and food. It also starts with the right kind of soil, which is available in any gardening store. He recommends watering once or twice a week for most indoor plants. And in the winter a few times a month is enough. A light misting once or twice a day is also beneficial.
Rutler also says that different plants require different amounts of sunlight, and if they don’t get what they need, they will not produce new growth. He also recommends giving plants the proper type of fertilizer. Also the proper temperature, a minimum of 55 degrees F is needed for plants to survive.
He also claims that most people’s homes have toxins and here is a list:
1. Formaldehyde
2. Benzene
3. Trichloroethylene
4. Carbon Monoxide
5. Nitrogen Oxide
6. Pesticides
7. Biological Airborne Pollutants
8. Phenols or disinfectants
9. Radon
Father George Rutler gives these reasons for how toxins get into homes:
1. Cleaning: Laundry detergent and bleach
2. Safety items that contain flame retardant chemicals.
3. Fabrics, carpet, upholstery, and clothing.
There are some houseplants that clean the air and remove toxins:
1. Peace Lily: This is one of the most common houseplants. They are very easy to care for, not needing a lot of sunlight and not a lot of watering. It is great at removing acetone from the air.
2. English Ivy: This is known to reduce allergens in the air. It removes mold, xylene, Formaldehyde, and Benzene. It needs well drained soil and direct sunlight for a few hours a day.
3. Snake Plant: Also known as Mother-In-Law’s Tongue, this plant is impossible to kill. It removes nitrogen oxide, Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Xylene.
4. Bamboo Plant: This plant is great at removing Formaldehyde as well as Benzene and Trichloroethylene. It grows best with indirect sunlight and warmer rooms.
5. Spider Plant: This needs bright direct sunlight and is great at removing Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Xylene.
6. Boston Fern: These plants love high humidity and indirect sunlight and need to be misted daily. They remove Xylene and Formaldehyde.
7. Garden Mum: They need direct sunlight and regular watering. They remove Trichloroethylene, Ammonia, Benzene, Formaldehyde, and Toluene. They are also toxic to pets.
8. Dragon Tree: This plant likes indirect sunlight and not too much or too little water. They remove the toxins Benzene, Formaldehyde, Xylene, and Trichloroethylene.
9. Golden Pothos: Also known as Devil’s Ivy, it is great at removing Formaldehyde. It also removes Trichloroethylene, Benzene, and Xylene. It loves to be near a window and watered often. It is also toxic to pets.
10. Barberton Daisy: These plants love water, warmth, and lots of sunlight. They remove Benzene, Trichloroethylene, and Formaldehyde.
11. Weeping Fig: These plants like indirect sunlight and to be watered often. It is best to let soil completely dry in between waterings. They remove Xylene, Formaldehyde, and Toluene. They are also poisonous to pets.