How to grow fresh air | Kamal Meattle

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to improve indoor air quality using three specific houseplants, as presented by researcher Kamal Meattle. By strategically placing these plants in your home or office, you can create a healthier environment with cleaner air. This guide will provide you with clear steps and practical advice to implement these changes effectively.

Step 1: Choose the Right Plants

Select the following three houseplants known for their air-purifying properties:

• Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): Effective at humidifying and filtering toxins.
• Mother-in-Law's Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata): Known for converting CO2 into oxygen, especially at night.
• Money Plant (Pothos or Epipremnum aureum): Great for removing formaldehyde and other pollutants.

Practical Tip

Ensure that the plants you choose are healthy and suitable for your indoor space. Consider factors like light availability and the size of the plants.

Step 2: Determine Optimal Placement

Strategically position the plants in your living or working spaces for maximum effectiveness. Here’s how to do it:

1. Areca Palm:

   • Place in areas where you spend a lot of time, like living rooms or offices.
   • Ideal for corners or near windows to receive indirect sunlight.

2. Mother-in-Law's Tongue:

   • Position it in bedrooms or areas where you want clean air at night.
   • It can thrive in low-light conditions, making it versatile for different spaces.

3. Money Plant:

   • Hang or place it in areas where air circulation is good, like near doors or windows.
   • It can also be used as a decorative element due to its trailing vines.

Common Pitfall to Avoid

Avoid placing these plants in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can harm them.

Step 3: Care and Maintenance

Regular care will keep your plants healthy and effective at purifying the air.

• Watering:

  • Water the Areca Palm regularly to keep the soil moist.
  • Allow the Mother-in-Law's Tongue to dry out between waterings.
  • For the Money Plant, ensure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilizing:

  • Use a balanced houseplant fertilizer every couple of months during the growing season.

• Cleaning:

  • Wipe the leaves of the plants with a damp cloth to remove dust and enhance photosynthesis.

Practical Tip

Set a reminder for plant care to ensure they receive attention regularly.

Step 4: Monitor Indoor Air Quality

To understand the impact of your plants, consider using an air quality monitor. This device can help you track levels of pollutants such as CO2, formaldehyde, and humidity.

• Regularly check the readings to see improvements over time.
• Adjust plant placement or care routines based on air quality data.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively use Areca Palm, Mother-in-Law's Tongue, and Money Plant to enhance the air quality in your home or office. Remember to choose the right plants, place them strategically, maintain their health, and monitor your indoor air quality for the best results. Start today to create a fresher and healthier living environment!