A Snake Plant – found to emit 12 volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere (Photo: Martin Olsson)Houseplants are not only aesthetically pleasing giving a touch of color to otherwise drab offices or houses, they also combat indoor air pollution, particularly with their ability to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. These compounds are gases or vapors emitted by solids and liquids that may have adverse short- and long-term health effects on humans. But in addition to giving off oxygen and sucking out harmful VOCs, a new study has shown that some indoor plants actually release VOCs into the environment.A research team at the University of Georgia’s Department of Horticulture conducted a study to identify and measure the amounts of VOCs emitted by four species of popular indoor potted plants and to note the source of VOCs and differences in emission rates between day and night. The four plants they chose were Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii Regel), Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata Prain), Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina L.), and Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens Wendl.).

Samples of each plant were placed in glass containers with inlet ports connected to charcoal filters to supply purified air and outlet ports connected to traps where volatile emissions were measured. The results were compared to empty containers to verify the absence of contaminants. A total of 23 volatile compounds were found in Peace Lily, 16 in Areca Palm, 13 in Weeping Fig, and 12 in Snake Plant. Some of the VOCs are ingredients in pesticides applied to several species during the production phase.And it turns out the plants themselves aren’t the only ones responsible for the release of VOCs. Micro-organisms living in the soil were also to blame for releasing volatiles into the atmosphere along with the plastic pots containing the plants, which were the source of 11 of the VOCs – several of which are known to negatively affect humans.The study also found that VOC emission rates were higher during the day than at night in all of the species, and all classes of emissions were higher in the day than in the night.

This was expected as the rate of release is determined by the presence of light along with many other factors that affect synthesis.The study concluded that, although ornamental plants are known to remove certain VOCs, they also emit a variety of VOCs, some of which are known to be harmful to humans and animals. However the researchers did go on to say that the longevity of these compounds hasn’t been adequately studied, so their impact on humans is unknown.air purifier philips ac4012That plant sitting in the corner isn’t looking quite so attractive now, is it? wein ionic air purifierBut before you relegate any plants to the garbage consider this. dvd lens cleaner maplinIf the plastic pots were found to be the source of 11 VOCs, you’ve got to thankful the plants at least remove some VOCs as well as emitting them – the same can’t be said for the mass of plastic that probably surrounds you right now.

Maybe give that plant some water instead.The study, Volatile Organic Compounds Emanating from Indoor Ornamental Plants, appears in the American Society for Horticultural Science journal HortScience.I have listed some top 10 cheap house plants in the Philippines. Every plant lovers must have seen, grown or common in their locality , Sometimes it is so common that they are sometimes thrown away .  Some are commonly propagated as hedge plants and readily available in garden centers or flower arrangement stores – They can be bought for less than Php 100 pesos . 10.) Sansevieria bacularis ‘Musica’ A beautiful decorative plant for any household. With this plant standing at your window, you make every pedestrian stand still, wondering what kind of of plant this is. In the Philippines, This is commonly sold as indoor plant ideal for air purification and  can tolerate low intensity lights such as bathroom areas , office areas or living rooms. A plant company distributes these plants in malls and even during plant shows or bazaars.

I got our plant from a neighbor which threw away most of their plants, They are getting messy . They are quite useful as their stiff leaves are used for cut foliage and are being utilized for ikebana arrangement. There were several experiments conducted by a lot of scientists from all over the world on the usefulness of having plants in our home. It can be classified as easy to grow, indoor, patio area, partial shade , full sun etc… There were extensive studies conducted In the late ’80s, NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America studied houseplants as a way to purify the air in space facilities. They found several plants that filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs).Other studies have since been published in the Journal of American Society of Horticultural Science, further proving the science. Sanseviera trifasciata variety ” Laurentii” 9.) Sanseviera trifasciata variety ” Laurentii” This plant had been a long time favorite way back in the 1950’s and gained its popularity again sometime in the middle of 2000 when Sanseviera collectors from other Asian countries went to the country looking for rare and mutant forms .

The original plant was extensively hybridized and there are a lot of cultivar names such as variegated foliage with yellow or silvery-white stripes on the leaf margins. Popular plant cultivars includes  ‘Compacta’, ‘Goldiana’, ‘Hahnii’, ‘Laurentii’, ‘Silbersee’, and ‘Silver Hahnii’. ‘Hahnii’ was discovered in 1939 by William W. Smith, Jr. in the Crescent Nursery Company, New Orleans, Louisiana. The 1941 patent was assigned to Sylvan Frank Hahn, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This plant is are locally  known as mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant, Saint George sword ( called in  Brazil and other Latin American countries)  – The shape of the leaves are quite sharp and some plant enthusiasts compare this with the stiffness on one’s mother in law . This plant is one of the best for filtering out formaldehyde, which is common in cleaning products, toilet paper, tissues and personal care products. Put one in your bathroom — it’ll thrive with low light and steamy humid conditions while helping filter out air pollutants.

Because of its unique foliage and hardiness, They are extensively grown as hedge plants , landscaping and as indoor plants.   Plants are commonly sold at the weekend markets, garden centers and i have seen a lot of these types of plants that are planted in subdivisions .  They have a very beautiful flowers and it is highly fragrant. 8.) Dracena fragans ( Corn Plant) This is a fairly common house plant in the country. The leaves are used for foliage and flower arrangements, while stems with some leaves are commonly sold and peddled on streets as lucky plants! I got some stems from a neighbor pruning their tall plants. There are several species of Dracena that were naturalized in the country and  are planted in the provinces of Quezon, Batangas, Laguna, Rizal , Bulacan . They are commonly sold as cut foliage at Dangwa Flower Market in Sampaloc , Manila. They are native throughout tropical Africa, from Sudan south to Mozambique, west to Côte d’Ivoire and southwest to Angola.

Dracena fragans ” variegated – albo marginata” Recently , People tend to collect the variegated forms of these plants and they tend to cost a little bit more expensive compared to the ordinary green leaves . The plant was exhibited at the last Hortikultura Extravaganza 2015 held at the Quezon Memorial Circle. ( Plant winning second place) 7. ) Cordyline–  Ti Plants They are commonly planted in provinces in Laguna, Quezon, Batangas,Rizal and are sold in Dangwa as ornamental cut foliage and ornamental plants. People tend to soak the stems on water to make them root and their colorful purplish leaves are an added delight . In one town festival, I took some cuttings of these colorful plant , since the town folks are again throwing them after the festival. They are also considered as lucky plants and It is native to tropical southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea  , Melanesia , Indian Ocean , northern Australia and parts of Polynesia. The plant are eaten as food or as medicine, and its leaves were used to thatch the roofs of houses, and to wrap and store food.