Indoor plants have always been a special attraction in the homes of many. They provide radiance, life, and calmness that keep one recharged and collected.
Houseplants are more than just a style in the house. They are proven to filter the air that passes through your home.
One of the sought-after houseplants was the English Ivy. This indoor plant gained significant attention due to an experiment. However, that was a science experiment.
It says that someone claimed this houseplant can remove 94% of the fecal particles and 78% of mold from the air in just 12 hours. Is there some truth to this claim?
Whether it’s true or not, let us know further about the English Ivy and the experiment that claimed its potential as an air purifier.
Where Did the Claim Begin?
The claim that the English Ivy, as a houseplant, effectively removes 94% fecal matter and 78% mold from the air was quoted by many media outlets and indoor plant enthusiasts.
The houseplant was originally experimented with by placing it in a sealed test chamber filled with mold spores and airborne fecal matter particles. After 12 hours, the researchers found that it significantly reduced those pollutants.
Such experimental results led to the attention of many people who think that the English Ivy has more potential than just removing those two mentioned pollutants. Others believed that the houseplant can be effective in dealing with molds and other contaminants that are present in many homes.
It is noteworthy that the claim may have some truth and fallacy in it. Let’s find out.
What Does the Research Say?
English Ivy, along with other houseplants, is studied to determine how they interact with the indoor pollutants. Houseplants are tested in a small yet controlled environment.
The findings confirmed that the English Ivy plant can reduce the airborne mold and absorb the airborne fecal matter particles.
Another finding from the experiment found that the leaves and roots of English Ivy have special roles in absorbing other pollutants that are found in the air.
Despite the promising findings, the results do not provide conclusive significant when it is applied to real-life rooms.
The findings only suggest that the English Ivy is proven effective in reducing mold and particles from the air under a controlled environment. But takes time to clean the air that passes through your home.
What Can English Ivy Do at Home?
Don’t feel bad if you believe that English Ivy can still purify the air that passes through your home.
Keep your English Ivy at home, as they can still be your ally.
There are still health-focused reasons why you should keep them at home.
- English Ivy reduces the spread of mold on small areas of your home. It is an effective houseplant that can resolve mold-prone areas.
- The houseplant supports mental and emotional well-being. This is because anything that is greenery helps in increasing your focus, lowering your tension, and relieving you from stress.
- Houseplants, such as English Ivy, set a healthy environment in your home. It leaves an impression that your room is well-ventilated, air-purified, and keeps the humidity normal.
What Should I Know About Taking Care of English Ivy?
English Ivy, just like the rest of the houseplants, requires certain care to keep it thriving. They are just your friends who require a certain level of attention, support, and concern.
If your friend says that they’re low maintenance, that does not mean they don’t need your comforting presence and attention. That’s how English Ivy works, too.
The English Ivy plant requires keeping itself sufficiently moist, potted in a cooler condition, and placed where there is indirect sunlight exposure.
Avoid the houseplant from being exposed to overwatering, direct sunlight exposure, and letting it stay in an area with very hot temperatures. It slowly kills the leaves, which eventually contributes to the death of the plant itself.
Be warned that taking care of English Ivy requires precaution upon handling the leaves. The leaves of English Ivy can cause skin irritation and toxic tendencies to your children and pets.
What the English Ivy Cannot Do?
You are aware that the attention given by this plant is due to the misleading news claims about its effectiveness on fecal matter particles and mold removal.
The English Ivy is a houseplant that does not deodorize odors. It does not remove large pollutants and purify the air like other scientifically proven houseplants.
Always remember that English Ivy does little to remove the toxins in and out of your home. Self-cleaning is still the better way to keep these pollutants out of your room or home.
Why Others Love the English Ivy?
Health-focused aside, English Ivy is one of the most awesome houseplants to keep at your home.
They have beautiful leaves, versatile growth, and are a symbol of human and nature living.
The vines of the plant also give a unique impression to your room or house. Letting the vine climb or trail along your shelves.
Since they are a low-maintenance plant, they are easier to take care of and do not require daily checking.
Should Adding English Ivy as a Houseplant be Worth it?
Adding an English Ivy as a potted houseplant requires your intention first. Although it is worth considering, should adding it make your home even beautiful and healthier?
Despite knowing the truth about its effectiveness against certain pollutants, is the English Ivy plant still worthy of investment and care in the long run?
If the plant does not align with your aesthetic and healthier home vision, it probably might not be the right houseplant for you to buy.
However, it is worth buying and keeping. English Ivy can be your perfect ally for a healthier and more attractive home or room.