Darin Engh, from Engh Gardens, reveals his top 5 picks for plants which will improve your health.
Miss Syngonium – Arrowhead Vine
Syngoniums are attractive plants whose ease of growth and maintenance and resistance to insect infestation make them a popular choice for home or office. The arrowhead vine features green-white or green-silver variegated leaves. Its special characteristic is that its young leaves are long and arrow-shaped. With age, however, the leaves evolve into three- to five-lobed stars. Sygoniums love humidity and happy with frequent misting. Feed regularly, except winter, with a complete fertilizer solution. Keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.
Removal of Chemical Vapors * * * * 4 out of 10
Ease of Growth and maintenance * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10
Resistance to Insects * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
Miss Spathiphyllum – Peace Lily
An outstanding foliage plant that also produces beautiful white spathes, the peace lily should always be included when seeking a variety of indoor plants. It possesses all the qualities to make it one of the best indoor plants. It sends up stiff, erect stalks that produce white spathes. These spathes unfold to reveal the plant’s true flower. This plant, with its lush tropical foliage, is one of only a few plants that will reliably bloom indoors. The peace lily excels in the removal of alcohols, acetone, trichloroethylene, benzene and formaldehyde. Its ability to remove indoor air pollutants and its excellence performance in all categories make it a most valuable houseplant. Feed regularly from spring to fall, but less in winter. Keep the soil evenly moist during the growing season and slightly drier during the winter.
Removal of Chemical Vapors * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
Ease of Growth and maintenance * * * * * * * 7 out of 10
Resistance to Insects * * * * * * * 7 out of 10
Miss Fern – Boston Fern
Ferns are probably one of the oldest groups of plants. Many have been found as fossils dating back to prehistoric times. They were first treasured indoors for their lush foliage in the Victorian age, and are equally popular today. The Boston fern’s stiff fronds arch out, drooping downward as they age. It is grown strictly for its foliage. As an indoor plant, the Boston fern requires a certain amount of attention. It must have frequent misting and watering or the leaves will quickly turn brown and begin to drop. Of the plants tested, it is the best for removing air pollutants, especially formaldehyde, and for adding humidity to the indoor environment. Provide tepid water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Never let the root ball dry completely. Ferns love to be misted.
Removal of Chemical Vapors * * * * * * * * * 9 out of 10
Ease of Growth and maintenance * * * * 4 out of 10
Resistance to Insects * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
Miss Kentia – Kentia Palm
Kentia palms form tall, graceful clumps of arching pinnate fronds. Kentia palms need bright, indirect light. Water often enough to keep the soil from drying out.
Removal of Chemical Vapors * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
Ease of Growth and maintenance * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
Resistance to Insects * * * * * * * * 8 out of 10
b>Miss Cyclamen
Cyclamen has been a popular seasonal flowering plant since about 1900. It is valued for its blooms that rise up on stems from a bed of heart-shaped, dark green or marbled leaves. Cyclamen prefer a cool location with good air circulation. The flowering season lasts from September to April. Its flowers, which resemble shooting stars, are available in white, pink, red, salmon, or violet. Cyclamen need careful watering. Keep the soil moist from fall until spring.
Removal of Chemical Vapors * * * 3 out of 10
Ease of Growth and maintenance * * * * * 5 out of 10
Resistance to Insects * * * * * * 6 out of 10
For more information, you can contact Darin at Engh Gardens in Sandy or online at www.enghgardens.com.
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