Page 15 - Dainfern Precinct Living 4 2021

When choosing indoor plants, it’s a
Indoor plants can
improve air quality
If there are any plumbing or roof
leaks, don’t leave them thinking that As you probably know, the reason
you’ll get around to fixing them one
day – attend to them as soon as you
notice them. The sealant around
sinks and baths should likewise be
removed and replaced as soon as
you see there is degradation or any
gaps in the seals.
HOW TO REMOVE MOULD
The professionals advise that
whoever will be removing the
mould should wear rubber gloves, a
breathing mask and possibly even
transparent goggles to protect them
from any airborne mould spores.
If the item covered in mould is
moveable, it should be taken outside
and cleaned in the open air.
Natural mould removal products
include white vinegar, baking soda,
lemon juice, and hydrogen peroxide.
White vinegar works best when it’s
undiluted. Use a spray bottle and
let it soak into the mould. Leave
for about an hour before wiping the
surface. If there is still evidence of
mould after that, use a solution of
baking soda dissolved in water and
scrub the area with a brush. After
the mould is removed, try to ensure
that the area is always kept dry and
the room is well ventilated.
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good idea to choose plants that are
fairly low maintenance. You also
need to determine whether they
will have to survive in moderate or
low light conditions, or whether you
have a good spot where they can
get some sunlight during the day.
Most nurseries have a wide variety
of indoor plants to choose from.
Here are three of my favourites.
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata
Laurentii). Native to southern Africa,
the Snake Plant is known to be hardy,
provided you don’t overwater it. It’s
best to plant it in a terracotta pot so
that the soil can dry out and breathe
after watering. Try to rather water it
from the saucer at the bottom of the
pot, instead of at the top. It prefers to
grow in bright, indirect light conditions.
Keep out of cold drafts in winter.
Spekboom (Portulacaria Afra).
The Spekboom can grow outdoors
and indoors. This miracle plant has
the reputation of removing loads
of carbon from the air. It’s easy
to propagate and it’s said to have
medicinal qualities. As it is drought-
tolerant, it does not need a lot of
water. It prefers to grow in bright,
INDOOR PLANTS indirect light.
why indoor plants are often found Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum Wallisii).
in large office complexes actually The Peace Lily will grow in low to
has little to do with the aesthetics medium light conditions in well-
of the interior décor. It’s because drained soil. It produces white
indoor plants are used to improve ‘flowers’ which are actually bracts
the air quality in corporate that grow behind the tubular flowers.
environments. Being drought-tolerant, these plants
do not like to be over-watered.
SOME FINAL TIPS FOR
IMPROVING THE AIR IN YOUR
HOME OFFICE
Yes, I know you’re working from home, so your rules rule – but how
about not smoking indoors? Also, do move dirty dishes to the kitchen
and dispose of half-eaten food in your outdoor bin or on the compost
heap (for fruit and vegetables), if you have one. Empty your waste
bins at least once a week, wipe the dust off your furniture – on the
dusty Highveld, that should maybe be every second day – and clean
your floors/carpets once a week.
With researchers proclaiming that
indoor air pollution is more harmful
than what’s outdoors, looking after
the air that you breathe in your
home office may be more important
than you think. Exposure to
pollutants and improper ventilation
may even have a long-term effect
on your health.
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DPL