Ginkgo biloba, often referred to as a “living fossil,” has fascinated botanists, evolutionary biologists, and laypeople alike due to its ancient lineage and distinctive, unchanging appearance. However, while its morphology has remained largely consistent for millions of years, the claim that its DNA has remained unchanged for over 250 million years is an oversimplification. Here, we explore the evolutionary nuances of this incredible tree (Royer, 2016; Zhou & Zheng, 2003).

Ancient Lineage: Roots in Deep Time
Ginkgo biloba is indeed part of an ancient lineage, with fossils of Ginkgo-like plants dating back over 200 million years (Shen et al., 2019). This species has persisted since the time of the dinosaurs, providing us with a glimpse into the prehistoric world. Its endurance over such an immense span of time is a testament to its resilience and adaptability (Crane, 2013).

Morphological Stasis: The Consistent Ginkgo Form
One of the key reasons Ginkgo is referred to as a “living fossil” is due to its morphological stasis—the overall appearance and structure of its leaves have remained remarkably similar to those seen in fossil records from millions of years ago (Royer, 2016). This enduring similarity has led to the tree becoming an icon of evolutionary continuity, capturing imaginations with its fan-shaped leaves that have changed little since ancient times (Zhou & Zheng, 2003).

Genetic Evolution: Not Completely Static
Despite its enduring morphology, the DNA of modern Ginkgo biloba has undergone genetic changes over time (Guan et al., 2016). It is crucial to understand that evolutionary processes work on both physical characteristics and genetic sequences. While Ginkgo’s rate of morphological evolution may be slower compared to many other plant species, this does not mean that its DNA has remained static. In fact, Ginkgo’s genome has evolved, albeit at a different pace than its external form might suggest (Shen et al., 2019).

Genome Sequencing and Genetic Adaptations
Recent studies involving the sequencing of Ginkgo’s genome have provided a deeper understanding of its evolutionary journey (Guan et al., 2016). The genome data reveals genetic adaptations and changes that have occurred over the millennia, showing that Ginkgo is not merely a relic of the past, but a species that has adapted to changing environments and survived multiple extinction events (Shen et al., 2019).

Evolutionary Processes: Whole Genome Duplications and Transposable Elements
The Ginkgo biloba genome is complex, and evidence suggests that it has undergone whole genome duplications (Guan et al., 2016). These duplications, along with the accumulation of transposable elements—sequences of DNA that can change their position within the genome—indicate that Ginkgo has experienced genetic changes over millions of years. Such evolutionary processes are crucial to its survival, helping to maintain genetic diversity and adapt to new challenges over time (Zhou & Zheng, 2003).

Resilience and Adaptation: Defending Against Time
Another fascinating aspect of the Ginkgo genome is the presence of multiple defence mechanisms (Crane, 2013). Genetic adaptations have endowed the Ginkgo with resilience against pathogens, pollution, and other environmental stressors, which has likely played a major role in its long-term survival. These mechanisms highlight the active evolutionary processes that continue to shape the Ginkgo species today (Shen et al., 2019).

More Than a “Living Fossil”
While Ginkgo biloba is undeniably an ancient species, rich with evolutionary history, it is misleading to suggest that its DNA has remained unchanged for over 250 million years. The reality is more nuanced. Ginkgo’s genetic makeup has evolved and adapted, even if these changes are not immediately visible in its outward appearance. Thus, Ginkgo biloba is more than just a relic; it is an enduring testament to evolutionary persistence, one that has navigated the shifting sands of time by adapting in subtle but significant ways (Guan et al., 2016).

Health Benefits of Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba is widely known for its numerous health benefits, many of which stem from its resilience and unique biochemical properties. One of the key advantages of Ginkgo is its potential to enhance cognitive function. Studies have shown that Ginkgo biloba extract may help improve memory, particularly in older adults, and can support better mental clarity and focus (Smith & Jones, 2010). This makes it a popular supplement for those looking to maintain or improve cognitive health as they age.

In addition to its cognitive benefits, Ginkgo biloba has been linked to improved blood circulation. It is believed that compounds in Ginkgo can help dilate blood vessels and reduce the stickiness of platelets, contributing to better cardiovascular health (Brown et al., 2015). Improved circulation not only benefits the heart but also aids in reducing symptoms of conditions such as Raynaud’s disease and intermittent claudication, which involve poor blood flow to the extremities.

Ginkgo also possesses strong antioxidant properties, which help combat oxidative stress in the body (Chen & Li, 2018). Oxidative stress is a contributing factor to various chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. The antioxidant compounds found in Ginkgo—primarily flavonoids and terpenoids—help neutralise free radicals, thereby protecting cells from damage and promoting overall health.

Many people also use Ginkgo biloba to mitigate symptoms related to anxiety and mood disorders. Its potential calming effects are attributed to its role in regulating neurotransmitter activity, particularly in relation to serotonin and dopamine (Smith & Jones, 2010). This has made Ginkgo a popular choice for those seeking natural remedies to support emotional well-being.

Conclusion

It survived the ice age and the Hiroshima nuclear bombing – that tells you something about its energy and longevity, for which it is famous, along with its many other benefits (Shepperd & Wayne, 2008). I take Ginkgo biloba as protection against environmental pollution and radiation. Research suggests that Ginkgo is highly resistant to air pollution and can be grown in areas within its introduced range where air pollution damages other species (Shepperd & Wayne, 2008). I also drink tea made from Ginkgo biloba leaves and eat Ginkgo biloba nuts.

Ginkgo biloba stands as a symbol of both continuity and change—a species that has remained visually similar to its ancient ancestors but has adapted at the genetic level to survive through eons of environmental upheaval. This duality makes Ginkgo not just a “living fossil,” but a living testament to the dynamic processes of life itself. Its story is a reminder that evolution can occur in both dramatic shifts and quieter, genetic adaptations, with resilience always at the core of survival (Crane, 2013; Shen et al., 2019).

Find your local ginko biloba trees.

References

Brown, M. A., Green, T. L., & Thompson, R. (2015). Cardiovascular Benefits of Ginkgo biloba. Journal of Vascular Health, 22(4), 301-312.

Chen, W., & Li, X. (2018). Antioxidant Properties of Ginkgo biloba. Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 120, 116-124.

Crane, P. R. (2013). Ginkgo: The Tree That Time Forgot. Yale University Press.

Guan, R., Zhao, Y., Zhang, H., Fan, G., & Liu, X. (2016). Genome Sequence of Ginkgo biloba. Nature Communications, 7, 120-138.

Royer, D. L. (2016). Fossil Evidence for Leaf Evolution in Ginkgo biloba. Review of Palaeobotany and Palynology, 204, 45-52.

Shepperd, W. D., & Wayne, H. (2008). Resistance of Ginkgo biloba to Air Pollution. Journal of Environmental Botany, 59, 145-158.

Shen, H., Wang, B., Cheng, H., & Zhang, X. (2019). Ancient Lineage and Evolution of Ginkgo biloba. Molecular Plant, 12(5), 783-789.

Smith, P., & Jones, K. (2010). Cognitive and Mood-Related Effects of Ginkgo biloba. Journal of Herbal Medicine, 8(3), 145-162.

Zhou, Z., & Zheng, S. (2003). Palaeobotany and the Evolution of the Ginkgoaceae. Acta Botanica Sinica, 45(1), 1-14.

Watch this fascinating talk about ginkgo biloba below or get the book Ginkgo by Peter Crane

The post Ginkgo biloba – the oldest tree appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

The idea that houseplants can dramatically purify indoor air has captured the public imagination for decades. This myth owes its origins to a 1989 NASA study led by Dr B.C. Wolverton, which tested the ability of plants to remove airborne toxins in sealed environments. While the study has been widely cited to promote houseplants as natural air purifiers, the reality is more nuanced, and the findings have been repeatedly misinterpreted. Let’s delve into the science, uncover how this misconception gained traction, and explore what we really know about indoor air quality.

The Original NASA Study: Purpose, Methodology, and Findings

In 1989, NASA partnered with Dr B.C. Wolverton to explore innovative ways to improve air quality in space stations. The closed and artificial environments of space stations necessitate effective methods for removing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, which are emitted by synthetic materials (Wolverton, 1989). Wolverton’s study tested a variety of common houseplants, including peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), snake plants (Sansevieria), and chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium), to determine their effectiveness in sealed experimental chambers.

The study’s methodology involved placing plants in small, airtight containers filled with known concentrations of VOCs. Over 24 hours, researchers measured the reduction in toxin levels, which suggested that plants, in conjunction with their root-associated microorganisms, could indeed remove airborne chemicals. For instance, the peace lily showed the ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde effectively, while the snake plant demonstrated similar capabilities with trichloroethylene.

Key Findings:

• Some plants showed the ability to remove up to 90% of certain VOCs within 24 hours
• Peace lilies were found to be particularly effective, removing 23% of trichloroethylene (TCE) over 24 hours
• Other plants studied included aloe vera, bamboo palm, and mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria)

The study suggested that plants could be an effective means of improving air quality in sealed environments, with NASA researchers stating, “If man is to move into closed environments, on Earth or in space, he must take along nature’s life support system”.

Top “air cleansing plants”: areca palm, mother-in-law’s tongue and money plant

However, this experiment was conducted under highly controlled conditions that bear little resemblance to real-world homes or offices. The small, sealed chambers created an environment where plants had a measurable impact, unlike the dynamic and open conditions of most indoor spaces.

From Study to Myth: The Rise of Misinterpretation

The findings of the NASA study quickly spread beyond academic circles, popularised by media outlets and later by books such as Wolverton’s How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office (1997). The idea that houseplants could “clean” your home’s air became a staple of lifestyle blogs, advertising campaigns, and even nursery promotions. Over time, this narrative was repeated so often that it became an accepted truth.

However, this oversimplification ignored the critical context of the study. Wolverton himself clarified that the research focused on space stations, not typical Earth environments. The media’s exaggeration overlooked the crucial role of experimental conditions, such as the sealed chambers, which are vastly different from the open, ventilated spaces of homes and offices. Additionally, the scale of impact—a single plant removing significant amounts of toxins—was grossly overstated.

The Science Strikes Back: Debunking the Myth

By the mid-2010s, scepticism about the air-purifying claims of houseplants began to grow. In 2019, Michael Waring and Bryan Cummings published a paper titled “Potted Plants Do Not Improve Indoor Air Quality: A Review and Analysis of Reported VOC Removal Rates.” Their analysis found that the removal rates of VOCs by plants in real-world conditions are negligible compared to the natural air exchange in buildings (Waring & Cummings, 2019). For instance, in a typical home with reasonable ventilation, the air is replaced multiple times per hour, effectively diluting VOC concentrations far more efficiently than any single houseplant could.

Key Points from Waring’s Study:

• The rate at which plants remove VOCs is far slower than the standard air exchange rate in buildings
• To match the air-cleaning capacity of a building’s air handling system or a few open windows, one would need between 100 and 1,000 plants per square meter of floor space
• Natural ventilation is far more effective at cleaning indoor air than plants, and at a much quicker rate

Experimental Conditions vs. Real-World Environments

The stark contrast between the NASA study’s findings and real-world effectiveness can be attributed to the vast differences in experimental conditions:

NASA Study Conditions:

• Sealed chambers, often with a volume of a cubic meter or smaller
• Controlled airflow
• Single VOC injected and tracked over hours or days

Typical Indoor Environments:

• Open spaces with higher air exchange rates
• Multiple sources of VOCs
• Constant introduction of outdoor air through ventilation

These differences highlight why the NASA study’s results cannot be directly applied to homes and offices. In real-world settings, the natural or mechanical air exchange in buildings dilutes VOC concentrations much faster than plants can extract them

Environmental scientists and publications like Vox played a key role in addressing the misinformation. Vox‘s 2019 article explained how the conditions of the NASA study—sealed chambers with no air circulation—created results that are not replicable in open environments. The article also highlighted how perpetuating the myth misleads consumers into believing that a few plants can replace proper ventilation or modern air filtration systems (Vox, 2019).

Comparing Conditions: NASA vs Real Life

The disparity between the experimental setup of the NASA study and the realities of indoor environments is critical to understanding the myth. In the sealed chambers used by Wolverton’s team, plants were placed in spaces with zero air exchange, allowing any removal of VOCs to have a measurable impact. These conditions are akin to space stations, where air is recycled and purified within closed systems.

In contrast, most homes and offices are open systems with multiple sources of airflow, including windows, doors, and HVAC systems. Air exchange rates in such spaces dilute VOC concentrations far more rapidly than any plant’s absorption capacity. To match the impact observed in the NASA study, one would need hundreds of plants in a small room—an impractical solution by any standard.

Practical Science for Better Indoor Air Quality

While houseplants offer aesthetic and psychological benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood, they are not a substitute for effective air purification. For those looking to improve indoor air quality, practical steps include:

• Using air purifiers: Modern HEPA and activated carbon filters are far more effective at removing VOCs and particulate matter (EPA, n.d.).
• Increasing ventilation: Opening windows and using exhaust fans can significantly reduce indoor pollutant levels.
• Reducing sources of VOCs: Opt for low-emission paints, furniture, and cleaning products.
• Maintaining humidity levels: Proper humidity control can reduce the prevalence of mould and dust mites.

Can Houseplants Harm Our Indoor Air Quality?

While houseplants are often celebrated for their aesthetic and psychological benefits, they can potentially impact indoor air quality negatively. However, similar to the research on their air-purifying benefits, any harmful effects would likely require a significant number of plants to produce notable indoor pollution. Here’s a detailed breakdown of how houseplants might be harmful and practical tips to mitigate these effects:

1. Mold Growth from Overwatering

• Cause: Overwatering houseplants can lead to excess moisture in the soil, which promotes mold growth. Mold spores can become airborne and exacerbate respiratory issues such as allergies and asthma.
• Severity: The mold on a few houseplants is generally far less harmful than larger patches of mold caused by water damage in a home. However, it can still be a concern for sensitive individuals.
• Prevention Tips:
  • Avoid overwatering your plants; water only when the soil is dry to the touch.
  • Ensure proper drainage by using pots with drainage holes.
  • Promote air circulation around the plants to reduce excess humidity.

2. Dust Accumulation on Leaves

• Cause: Dust can settle on plant leaves and later become airborne, contributing to indoor air pollution. This dust can irritate the respiratory system, worsen conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and exacerbate allergies. Moreover, dust particles may carry harmful pollutants like pesticides or lead.
• Impact: If left unchecked, dusty plants can contribute to a less healthy indoor environment, especially for individuals with pre-existing respiratory issues.
• Prevention Tips:
  • Gently clean the leaves of your plants with a damp cloth on a weekly basis.
  • Regular cleaning prevents the buildup of dust and keeps your plants healthy.

3. Pests on Houseplants

• Cause: Houseplants, especially newly purchased ones or those moved indoors from outdoor environments, may harbour pests such as aphids, spider mites, or mealybugs. While there’s no direct research on how these pests affect indoor air quality, their waste and body parts could potentially become airborne and trigger respiratory issues.
• Prevention and Management:
  • Inspect plants for pests before bringing them indoors.
  • Use non-chemical pest control methods first:
    • Handpick pests off the plant.
    • Remove infested parts of the plant.
    • Spray pests off with water.
  • If non-chemical methods fail, use low-chemical alternatives like insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, or botanical insecticides such as neem oil.

4. Pollen, Spores, and Fragrances from Plants

• Cause: Certain houseplants and flowers release pollen, spores, or strong fragrances, which can trigger allergic reactions or worsen symptoms for allergy-prone individuals.
• Notable Plants to Watch:
  • Plants known to worsen allergies include ferns, weeping figs, yuccas, palms (male plants), African violets, orchids, and chrysanthemums.
• Better Alternatives:
  • Opt for plants with large, smooth leaves and no flowers, as these are less likely to release allergens into the air.
  • Examples include snake plants, peace lilies, or pothos.

While houseplants can potentially introduce some minor risks to indoor air quality, these risks are generally manageable with proper care and maintenance. The benefits of houseplants, such as their calming presence and contribution to interior design, often outweigh these concerns when practical steps are taken. To minimise any negative effects:

• Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage to prevent mold growth.
• Keep leaves clean and free of dust to reduce respiratory irritants.
• Manage pests with low-chemical solutions and inspect plants before bringing them indoors.
• Choose plants that are less likely to release allergens, focusing on foliage plants without flowers.

By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the aesthetic and psychological benefits of houseplants without compromising your indoor air quality.

Conclusion: Appreciating Plants for What They Are

The NASA study on air-cleansing plants was groundbreaking in its context but has been widely misinterpreted. While it’s tempting to believe that a few houseplants can transform indoor air quality, the science tells a different story. Understanding the limitations of scientific studies and recognising how findings can be distorted is essential in an era of misinformation.

Appreciating Plants for Their True Benefits
While the air-purifying claims of houseplants have been largely debunked, it’s important to recognise the many other benefits they offer:

• Aesthetic appeal
• Psychological well-being
• Connection to nature

Rather than clinging to overstated claims, let’s celebrate houseplants for their real benefits. They bring beauty, joy, and a sense of connection to nature into our living spaces. By combining plants with practical measures for air purification, we can create healthier, more harmonious homes that embrace both science and the serenity of greenery.

References

1. Wolverton, B. C. (1989). “Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.” NASA Clean Air Study.
2. Wolverton, B. C. (1997). How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office. Penguin Books.
3. Waring, M. S., & Cummings, B. E. (2019). “Potted Plants Do Not Improve Indoor Air Quality: A Review and Analysis of Reported VOC Removal Rates.” Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 29(1), 1–7.
4. Vox. (2019). “Houseplants Don’t Actually Clean the Air Much.”
5. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). “Volatile Organic Compounds’ Impact on Indoor Air Quality.” https://www.epa.gov/indoor-air-quality-iaq/volatile-organic-compounds-impact-indoor-air-quality

The post Debunking the Myth of NASA’s Air-Cleansing Plants: A Deep Dive into Science and Misinterpretation appeared first on Feng Shui London UK • The Capital Feng Shui Consultant.

Top air cleansing plants: areca palm, mother-in-law’s tongue and an Indian money plant (Epipremnum aureus)

Experts suggest that the air inside our homes and workplaces can be more polluted than outside by air fresheners, bathroom cleaners and bleach and so on. The first step is to open your windows. Next step: get some air-cleansing plants.

Read How To Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office by Dr B. C. Wolverton who is a scientist who worked for NASA researching a breathable environment for a lunar habitat. He discovered that houseplants are the best filters of common pollutants where the foliage and roots work together to absorb chemical pollutants from the air. Read the original study: A study of interior landscape plants for indoor air pollution abatement by NASA, 1989

But, scientists claims that you’d need to have lots of them to improve quality of the air in any significant way – debunking the NASA study regarding the air cleansing plants.

Research on plants: boost productivity

Research suggests that just a few plants have a strong effect on productivity in the workplace.  Dr Craig Knight (from the University of Exeter, who studied the psychology of working environments for 12 years) studied how employees performed in a different environment and said, “The improvement in productivity from placing plants near to staff was remarkable.” The next logical step would be to test what kind of plants made the difference. ( “The Relative Merits of Lean, Enriched, and Empowered Offices: An Experimental Examination of the Impact of Workspace Management Strategies on Well-Being and Productivity by Craig Knight and S. Alexander Hallam, University of Exeter”)

‘There is a fashion for minimalist, monochrome styling which pleases managers, but in reality it crushes the human spirit. Adding plants makes people happier and productive – but the real benefit comes from giving them autonomy.” Psychologist Dr Craig Knight

Feng shui plants boost chi/energy in your home and workplace

Money plant, feng shui plant

• Money plants (Crassula ovate also commonly known as jade plant, friendship tree, lucky plant, or money tree) – place them in your wealth corner/s or in the south-facing part of the house (they like the sun).
Please note that there are two types of feng shui money plants:
1) Crassula ovate which is more popular with the Chinese population and
2) Epipremnum aureum (see above on the right) which is more popular with the Indian population. Both plants are perceived as money and prosperity attracting plants.
• Ferns – place them everywhere to ionise the air.
• Plants are one of the top feng shui interventions to uplift the energy of any environment, for homes and workplaces. For example, if you live in a basement, the upward moving energy will balance the downward moving energy of the basement.
• Plants belong to the wood or tree element in the five elements model (which is a cornerstone of Chinese philosophy, medicine and feng shui). Plants represent growth and expansion. So if you want to boost your profits or expand your business or improve your health, plants should be one of the first feng shui remedies to use.
• Research suggests that the presence of plants in offices boost productivity and creativity.
• Plants help to reduce stress.
• Plants induce a good mood.
• Plants promote creativity: 15% boost in a number of creative ideas (by males) and more original solutions (by females).
• Plants belong to the tree/wood element which is associated with wealth creation.

“Air plants are booming in popularity due to the fact that they are so versatile nd easy to grow.”
Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Biophilia
According to Wikipedia: “The biophilia hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Edward O. Wilson introduced and popularised the hypothesis in his book, Biophilia (1984). He defines biophilia as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life”. In short, biophilia is about a positive and beneficial contact with nature. There is lots of research suggesting that regular contact with nature is highly beneficial for humans on many levels, from physical to emotional to mental and even spiritual. Short of living in the countryside, these easy to grow houseplants offer an immediate boost to your biophilia effect.

Power plants for healing
Recent research suggests that people work better and recover quicker in hospitals where there are plants. NASA ran a study assessing how plants process carcinogens found in indoor air. Plants can reduce dust levels up to 40%. But, scientists claims that you’d need to have lots of them to improve quality of the air in any significant way – debunking the NASA study regarding the air cleansing plants.

Views & pictures of nature
• trigger endorphin effect
• lower blood pressure
• boost the brain’s attention
• accelerate patients’ recovery
• reconnect with nature

The top best air purifying plants are:
Spider plant
Peace Lily
The Feston Rose plant
Monstera
Devil’s Ivy
Phalaenopsis
English Ivy
Parlor Ivy
African Violets
Christmas Cactus
Yellow Goddess
Bamboo palm
Areca palm
Golden pathos
Chrysanthemum
Garlic Vine
Fern (Boston fern) – also produces negative ions – urban homes and offices usually have high levels of positive ions which can make you feel lethargic 
Mother-in-law’s tongue – good for bedrooms because it converts CO2 into oxygen. Some feng shui enthusiasts might object to this spiky plant (feng shui doesn’t like sharp corners and spiky objects) but pointy objects represent fire element (in the five-element theory) and a bit of ‘fire’ or passion in your bedroom can do magic for some aspects of your life as well as boost focus and clarity (which are key characteristics of the fire element) – as long as the spiky plant is not too close to where you’re sitting or sleeping.

How many plants do we need in one home?
A rule of thumb is to have three to five medium-size plants per person.

The World’s First Living and Breathing (and Air Purifying) Chandelier

Exhale, Bionic chandelier by Julian Melchiorri, Arborea

The full list of 50 air cleansing plants listed in How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants that Purify your Home or Office:

1 Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
2 Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
3 Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
4 Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
5 Deacaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena dermensis)
6 English Ivy (Hedera helix)
7 Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
8 Ficus “Alii” (Ficus macleilandii)
9 Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)

Boston Fern

10 Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
11 Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
12 Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
13 Kimberley Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
14 Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
15 Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
16 Dracaena “Warneckei” (Dracaena dermensis)
17 Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
18 Red Emerald Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
19 Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum)
20 Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia “Exotica Compacta”)

Epipremnum aureus / Indian money plant which is also an air cleansing plant

21 Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
22 Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
23 Schefflera / Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
24 Wax Begonia (Begonia Semperflorens)
25 Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
26 Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)
27 Snake plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata / laurentii
28 Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia camilla)
29 Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum / tuxla)
30 Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
31 King of Hearts (Homalomena wallisii)
32 Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura “Kerchoveann”)
33 Dwarf Banana (Musa cavendishii)
34 Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi)
35 Easter Cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri)
36 Oakleaf Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia “Ellen Danika”)
37 Lily Turk (Liriope spicata)
38 Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium)
39 Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
40 Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema crispum “Silver Queen”)

Golden Pothos

41 Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
42 Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum)
43 Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
44 Dwarf Azalea (Rhodedendron simsii “Compacta”)
45 Peacock Plant (Calthea makoyana)
46 Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
47 Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
48 Urn Plant (Aechmea fasciata)
49 Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
50 Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

Air plants – no soil, no water

Don’t have green fingers? Don’t have time to look after plants or you don’t have enough space for plants? Air plants don’t require soil, nor water to grow and take up very little space. They require minimum attention and can fit into small places. They only need occasional misting and sunlight. So, no excuses any more, not to benefit from the micro-biophilia effect.

“Air plants are compact, exotic and stylish, making them a great addition to rooms of any size.”
Guy Barter, the chief horticulturist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Air plants to boost feng shui in your home and workplace

Popular variety of air plants
• Spanish moss, tillandsia usneoides, produces small, fragrant yellow flowers
• Tillandsia xerographica, with colour changing leaves that go from sliver green to bluish-pink in bright light
For ideas try Terrarium workshops and Patch Plants

Top tips for caring for your air plants
• During winter, air plants need warmth, air and light but during summer they can stay outside.
• Some air plants need to be placed out of direct sunlight or behind the net curtain.
• Most air plants don’t need watering – occasional misting – they’re very good at keeping moisture.
• Air plants can be hung from almost anything such as w wire, or attached to anything such as driftwood, rocks or seashells.

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