Plants bring practical benefits They clean air inside house.
An important, practical benefit of houseplants is that they clean the air. Gas stoves, new carpets and drapes and photocopiers are just some of the appliances, furnishings and materials that breath toxins into our homes. Research has shown that plants, along with associated soil microorganisms, can scrub more than 75 percent of such pollutants as benzene and formaldehyde from the air. So if winter brings you respiratory and sinus complaints, itchy eyes, skin rashes or drowsiness, the prescription for your maladies may be houseplants. Nowadays, you might even be able to purchase houseplants at your local drugstore where you buy your other medicines.