Get to know 7 Indoor Plants for the Smart Home

We love our technology, wireless gadgets, blazing fast wi-fi and the likes. The convenience it brings to us in our daily lives is immeasurable. But along with the perks also comes the not so talked about effects these conveniences can have in our daily lives.

Exposure to EMF’s or Electromagnetic Fields does have an effect on our cells. Others have reported a variety of symptoms that comes with being exposed to electromagnetic fields.

Some symptoms that have been reported include dermatological symptoms, ranging from redness, tingling and burning sensations and vegetative symptoms such as difficulty in concentration, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, heart palpitations and digestive disturbances. (Source: https://www.who.int/teams/environment-climate-change-and-health/radiation-and-health/non-ionizing/el-hsensitivity)

Plants are life givers! And some indoor plants have the ability to absorb EMF’s and other toxic gases more efficiently than others. They can boost your mood, lower your stress levels and look really pretty while they are doing it!

Number one in our list of 7 Indoor Plants for the Smart home is the Cactus.

The cactus can survive the harsh heat of the desert and drought and can adapt to environmental stress. These plants, which also possess a unique beauty can absorb radiation bouncing around your room. It is a low maintenance plant and does not require daily watering.

It is best placed near your laptop, cellphones, modems or smart TV’s. Most cacti species have thorns, finding a better placement for them in your home or workplace can help prevent injury to your children or pets.

Also known by its many names: spider ivy, ribbon plant and hens and chickens, they are non toxic to humans and animals. They reduce indoor pollution effectively and help absorb others forms of radiation in your space.

They are also easy to place as they can be hung or placed in pots.Another fuss free plant to help beautify and protect your home from EMF’s, the spider plant, a native to tropical and southern Africa has a reputation for being nearly impossible to kill (they are fast growers!).

It is a sought after beauty ingredient, found in shampoos and conditioners, balms and lotions, cosmetics and toiletries, its medicinal purposes are also highly valued and is also found in supplements and beverages.

Apart from its wide use, the aloe vera is also an adaptable houseplant slowly gaining its reputation as a plant with anti radiation properties. Position your plants around the space containing your electronic devices. It is a forgiving plant and requires little watering. They can be moderately toxic to humans and pets when ingested.

Characterized by their sword-like appearance, stiff and upright leaves, the snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) can absorb a wide range of toxic air pollutants ranging from benzene, TCE, formaldehyde, carbon dioxide, xylene, and toluene, and some forms of radiation. Albeit it is too slow for practical indoor use.

Despite this, the snake plant remains a valuable indoor air filtering plant that possesses anti radiation properties, and you should place several inside your home for it to work its magic.

The climber, Hedera.

Touted as one of the Top Ten Air Purifying Plants in a study conducted by NASA, this plant with its waxy foliage, is an attractive addition to your home. They have the ability to absorb toxins and radiation better than other plants. Place one near your electronic devices, monitors or TV’s, hang one in your kitchen where your microwave oven is located.

The ivy plant is also easy to care for, only needing watering when the top soil feels dry to the touch. When planted outdoors, the ivy can be invasive and easily take over the areas where it has been planted. The plant can be toxic to humans and pets and may irritate the skin.

If you prefer a flowering plant to keep you company indoors, look no further. There are species of sunflowers that can grow and thrive indoors without taking up too much space. Sunflowers can adapt, absorb and thrive in EMF exposure areas, based on studies conducted by the Research Journal of Agricultural Science.

They can help purify the air quality in indoor settings. They have also helped clean up modern environmental disasters. Valued for its beautiful blooms, medicinal use, seeds and oil, the sunflower plant would make a wonderful addition to any home or garden.

Place them close to your wireless devices, they prefer sunny spots and should be watered regularly. (Source: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Influence-of-low-frequency-electromagnetic-on-seeds-Dicu-P%C3%AEr%C5%9Fan/65615bfba881e2c7dd512a27f4280256a4d70748)

This striking ornamental plant is making its way into lists of must have indoor plants for your office or home.

Apart from its attractive appearance, the rubber plant, a native to South and Southeast Asia, can remove a significant amount of VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) present in our daily lives, reducing our exposure to indoor air pollution and improving the quality of air we breathe in, it is also said to actively absorb forms of radiation present in our homes and surroundings.

It is tolerant of drier conditions, but thrives in humid and bright areas in your space. Water when top soil is dry to the touch. It is toxic to humans and pets when ingested and can irritate the skin. Place your plant near electrical outlets or modems.

Plants are necessary and beneficial to us in our daily lives. More studies are needed for us to better understand the newer technologies emerging and how to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

Limiting ourselves from daily exposure from our devices, switching off the Wi-Fi and our other wireless gadgets when not in use will certainly reduce our exposure to EMF’s.