Category: Houseplants

According to a NASA study, certain houseplants, including the Bird of Paradise, are effective at filtering indoor pollutants. Explore the numerous aesthetic, health, and psychological benefits of Bird of Paradise and how this striking tropical addition can transform your living space.

According to the ASPCA, snake plants are toxic to both pets and humans if ingested. While this popular houseplant, scientifically known as Dracaena trifasciata, is a favorite for its air-purifying qualities and low-maintenance nature, it is not safe for consumption. The plant contains saponins, a chemical compound that is poisonous when chewed or swallowed, and can cause mild to moderate gastrointestinal distress.

The African milk tree, or *Euphorbia trigona*, is often mistaken for a cactus due to its spiny, columnar appearance. This architectural succulent offers several benefits for indoor growers, including its low-maintenance nature and potential air-purifying capabilities.

Scientific studies suggest that certain bromeliad varieties can help improve indoor air quality at night by releasing oxygen and removing pollutants. Beyond their unique nighttime air-purifying abilities, the benefits of bromeliads also include low-maintenance care, vibrant aesthetics, and resilience.

While cultivated globally as a popular ornamental houseplant, the Ming Aralia, or Polyscias fruticosa, has a complicated relationship with edibility. Though traditionally consumed in certain regions of Southeast Asia, its sap contains irritating compounds, and the plant is widely considered toxic, especially to pets.

The term "spider plant" can confusingly refer to at least two different species: the common, ornamental houseplant (*Chlorophytum comosum*) and the edible, leafy vegetable (*Cleome gynandra*). Understanding what part of the spider plant is edible requires proper identification, as only one is a food source.

According to a NASA study, crotons were identified as one of the best air-cleaning houseplants, showcasing their effectiveness in filtering indoor air pollutants. However, their usefulness extends far beyond air quality, encompassing ornamental, symbolic, and even traditional medicinal properties.

The Pachira aquatica, more commonly known as the money tree, gained international popularity in the 1980s when a Taiwanese truck driver braided its trunk and began selling it. Today, this visually appealing and low-maintenance plant is prized for more than just its unique aesthetic and connection to folklore, offering tangible benefits for your home environment and personal well-being.

Over 3,000 species are included in the lily family, but when it comes to houseplants, the common name "ribbon plant" can refer to multiple, vastly different species. This causes significant confusion over whether a ribbon plant is edible or safe for humans and pets.

Of the over 10,000 fern species worldwide, a significant number are toxic to varying degrees. Knowing which ferns are toxic is crucial for gardeners and pet owners alike, as many common houseplants and wild ferns are poisonous if ingested.