People use Dracaena for the health benefits they offer. Dracaena, which name comes from ancient greek, meaning female dragon, is a genus of about 120 species of trees and succulent shrubs.
Caring for it is quite easy. It can withstand a certain amount of neglect. A brightly lit spot without direct sunshine is suggested. A small amount of morning or evening sun is not a problem. Avoid having a plant sitting near cold drafts. A fast draining potting soil mix is best to use. Over-watering can kill it.
NASA has spent a lot of time researching air quality in sealed environments. Dracaena marginata is among the top 10 plants for removing indoor pollutants, according to the agency.
"Because indoor air pollution extensively affects developing countries, using plants as a mitigation method could serve as a cost-effective tool in the developing world where expensive pollution mitigation technology may not be economically feasible"Heather L. Papinchak, Department of Economics, Environmental Resources Management, The Pennsylvania State University
A World Health Organization air quality model confirms that 92% of the world's population lives in places where air quality levels exceed WHO limits. Some 3 million deaths a year are linked to exposure to outdoor air pollution. Indoor air pollution can be just as deadly. In 2012, an estimated 6.5 million deaths (11.6% of all global deaths) were associated with indoor and outdoor air pollution together.
A study conducted in the University of Agriculture in Norway concluded that houseplants can actually reduce fatigue, sore throats, coughs and a range of other illnesses related to cold. They achieve this by increasing the levels of humidity in a room and reducing dust. In addition to that, the interior plant will regulate humidity in the house by releasing moisture.
Pollutants removed: Benzene, Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, Carbon dioxide
Know More Links
Effectiveness of Houseplants in Reducing the Indoor Air Pollutant
Houseplants that clean the air
92% of the world’s population exposed to unsafe levels of air pollution