By Markis Hill

This fall, dust, pollen and airborne seeds will blow in the strong Midwestern winds and invade your homes. Not to mention all the human-transmitted diseases that can be present in the air.

Lots of this yuckiness will make its way into your home whether you want it there or not. Modern technology in this post-COVID-pandemic world has come a long way in filtering out pollutants and diseases in the air. However, there are cheaper options available that do not require you to maintain an expensive piece of equipment—indoor plants.

It has been understood that plants filter pollutants such as carbon dioxide out of the air. They can also filter out other indoor contaminants like carbonyl, volatile organic components, ozone, calcium, ammonia and particulate matter. This process of purifying the air is called phytoremediation and can be very effective indoors in preventing some illnesses related to exposure to these aerosols.

When transpiration occurs indoors, water is released into the air, raising the humidity. This is preferable to the dry air that can become uncomfortable in the wintertime. Also, COVID and influenza molecule transmission between hosts is decreased when humidity is at higher levels. This cold and flu season can become less frightening by including and maintaining a host of plants in your living space.

It is well documented that positive effects on human mental well-being occur with plants nearby. Students perform better on tests when plants are in the classroom. Office workers show more positive attitudes when plants are inside the workplace. This is especially helpful in combating seasonal depression during the short winter days.

Studies have also shown that having plants near patients in a hospital improves recovery time and triggers happy emotions, similar to interacting with friendly pets. Nowadays, hospitals are more likely to include green spaces in several indoor places to improve the mood of the patients and the hardworking men and women employed there.

Proper plant care is needed to maximize the benefits received from having indoor plants. Overwatering, or too often, can make conditions favorable for diseases and lead to issues like mold in the soil. Enough water should be given to a plant so excess water drains from the bottom. Keep in mind, with cooler temperatures and shorter daylight intervals, plants overall need less frequent watering.

You could also be harboring pests without proper care for your house plants. Common household pests, such as mites, cockroaches, spiders and ants, have the potential to live inside the soil of your indoor plants and can contribute to the amount of dust you see in your home. Plants with a large surface area on the leaves can collect this dust and must be cleaned often. Regular examination of plant roots, leaves and stems will help you catch potential problems early enough to take immediate action.

Taking care of houseplants can do more than brighten up your home—it can also support your health. Plants help clean the air by filtering out pollutants, keep indoor humidity at comfortable levels and even lift your spirits. It’s a simple way to boost both your physical and mental well-being.

Markis Hill is horticulture agent at the Johnson County, K-State Extension Office.