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Everything you need to know about the use and benefits of arachnids
As one of the most popular houseplants, arachnids are loved by many. However, not everyone knows all the benefits that these plants provide! In addition to being a joy to look at and nurture, they can also improve the environment and human health. Keep reading to learn more about some of the best benefits of arachnids.
About arachnids
Known for their thin, arched leaves and adorable little “spiderettes”, spider plants are some of the most popular houseplants available. Although individual varieties vary in appearance, all arachnids are members of the species Chlorophytum comosum.
These plants are native to large parts of Africa and grow in tropical forests. But you can now find them all over the world as houseplants.
To keep these plants happy, you want to provide a warm environment, with a temperature between 65-85ºF. They are tolerant of different humidity levels but prefer moderate to high humidity.
Although they like very bright light, they prefer indirect rather than direct sunlight.
To help your plant thrive, plant it in a well-draining soil mixture and water when the tops of the soil are dry.
The benefits of arachnids
Not only are spiders wonderful, but they also offer many benefits. They can improve your health, improve the look of your home and more.
1) Remove air pollutants
The 1989 NASA Clean Air Study is often cited as evidence that potted plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air. In fact, this study shows that houseplants, including arachnids, can remove formaldehyde, benzene, and trichlorethylene from the air. However, this is not the only study available!
A 1984 study examined how plants could help remove formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant, from the air. They chose golden pothos, nephthytis and a spider plant as their test plants. The results showed that arachnids were the most effective at removing formaldehyde.
Recent studies support the ability of spider plants to remove formaldehyde from the air. It is important to note that soil microorganisms associated with arachnids play a significant role in air filtration.
While spider plants do remove air pollutants, most studies perform experiments in small, closed chambers. This means that the effect of a plant in a room would be minimal.
2) Tolerant of lead
While some plants may not grow in soils contaminated with heavy metals such as lead, spider plants can. A study showed that spider plants could grow well in soils that contained up to 500 mg of lead per kg of dry soil.
Another study showed that spider plants can be useful plants for lead phytoremediation. They remove lead from the soil and also have the benefits of high biomass and low cost.
3) Useful in Feng Shui
With hectic lives and stressful days, it is good to design our homes with balance in mind. This is where the practice of feng shui comes in.
Spider plants have a solid connection to the soil element. Placing a spider plant in your bedroom or living room can therefore help you ground yourself. They can also be valuable additions near study or desk, as they can help you get in touch with learning.
Since dead and dying plants can give bad energy to your home, be sure to take good care of your spider plant. If you discover a problem, try to fix it ASAP.
4) Easy to propagate
One of the best things about arachnids is how easy they are to propagate. If you have ever seen a healthy spider plant, you may know that it can produce hundreds of plants.
These plants, also known as offsets or spiders, grow on the tips of the plant’s leaves. They are formed after the plant produces flowers.
If you leave offshoots on the mother plant long enough, they will form roots. At this point, all you need to do is remove the plants and place them in the soil. As simple as that!
You can share these new spider plants with friends or place them throughout your home.
5) Okay for most allergies
Both fragrant plants and those with certain types of pollen can lead to runny nose and headaches. Fortunately, spider plants do not disturb most people.
While the plants produce flowers, they are small and do not have much of a scent. With that said, some people are sensitive to the pollen that the flowers produce. Therefore, it is a good idea to test any sensitivities before adding any of these plants to your home or office.
6) Low maintenance
If you travel often or do not have much green thumb, the spider plant may be the perfect plant for you! They do not require much care and usually do not have many problems with pests and diseases and only need to be replanted every 18 months or so. Light pruning of your spider plant will also keep them in a somewhat uniform shape if that’s your thing.
Spider plants can tolerate a variety of temperatures and can even survive short periods as low as 40º! Although they prefer moderate to high humidity, they can also tolerate short dry periods. In general, average household humidity is acceptable.
They can also handle change quite well, so you do not have to worry about moving them from one room to another.
In addition, they can tolerate occasional overeating or underwatering. With that said, it is best to water spiders when the soil is a little dry and you want to fertilize sometimes in the spring and summer.
Finally, spider plants can adapt to a variety of light conditions. Although they prefer strong, indirect light, they can also survive in darker areas.
7) Improve the look of your home
Although it’s probably obvious, spiders are wonderful! Whether you want to spruce up a bright office or add a natural touch to your bedroom, these plants will do the trick.
Because spider plants have a weeping form, they work well in hanging baskets and in pots on top of plant stands. Smaller plants also look beautiful in pots on desks or tables.
You can also choose between different types of arachnids. The common variegated spider plant has white and green leaves, while the curly Bonnie variety has long curly leaves.
8) Can reduce stress
If you think you feel relaxed when you spend time around plants, do not imagine it. Looking at plants as spider plants can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
A study examined the effect that indoor plants and a window view had on the participants. The results showed that the participants experienced less nervousness and anxiety when they looked at nature through a window or looked at indoor plants.
Plants may also be able to buffer us from the stress of interacting with technology. A study from 2015 divided the participants into two groups: one transplanted plants and the other completed a computer task.
According to the information, the group that interacted with plants had lower diastolic blood pressure. They also reported that they felt more comfortable and relaxed. So if you want to relax during work, it can help to add a spider web to your office.
9) Can improve focus and productivity
If you are struggling to stay focused on the job and notice that your productivity is declining during the day, a spider plant can help. Adding plants to your workplace can increasingly lead to positive results.
One study examined the effects of placing plants in a windowless room. Participants who performed tasks near plants had a reaction time that was 12% faster than for participants in a plant-free area.
Not only can plants help improve your reaction time, but they can also improve your ability to focus. A study from 2011 showed that plants can help prevent the fatigue that comes with working, which makes it easier for you to stay focused throughout the day.
10) Cheap and easy to find
While it can be exciting to find and buy a rare houseplant, it can also be difficult! And it does not even take into account how you feel if you kill a plant of 100 $ +.
Spider plants are cheap and easy to find both in garden centers and online. And because they are so easy to propagate, you may be able to get one of these plants from your friends.
These properties make them great plants for beginners as well as those on a tight budget.
11) Non-toxic to dogs and cats
Although adults know not to eat potted plants, we can not say the same about dogs and cats. The last thing you want is for your beloved pet to munch on a poisonous potted plant.
Fortunately, the ASPCA reports that arachnids are non-toxic to both dogs and cats. Although you should not let your pets eat down on these plants, you do not have to worry about them taking a small bite.
Ends
Now that you know the many benefits of spider plants, it’s time to take advantage of them! Add one of these easy-care plants to your home and enjoy all they have to offer.
