Ornamental benefits

The obvious reason for adopting a houseplant is for the ornamental benefits. The shrubby species such as D. fragrans, D. godseffiana, D. braunii and D. deremensis make perfect choices. Most of these species are toxic to pets but not to humans. Other than that, these houseplants will surely brighten up your room and create a relaxing atmosphere. Other than that, most people use dracaena mostly for the health benefits they offer.

Air purification

Plant leaves absorb and destroy various organic chemicals through a process known as metabolic breakdown. A group of German scientists were able to prove this by demonstrating the absorption and metabolic destruction of formaldehyde. The plant converts the organic chemicals to sugars, organic acid and amino acids.

• Formaldehyde

Formaldehyde is a chemical used in construction sites. It is in the form of urea-formaldehyde foam insulation. It is also common in wood fitted furniture such as kitchen cupboards, bedroom wardrobes and counters. Most household cleaning products also produce this chemical. Corn Plant can help reduce the concentration of formaldehyde from your house thereby reducing the irritation of the mucous membranes of the nose, eyes, throat and the respiratory system.

• Benzene

This is a chemical found mostly in tobacco smoke. It is also used as a solvent and is found in various products like rubber, paints, oils, inks, household cleaning products, gasoline and plastics. Chronic exposure to this chemical leads to headaches, drowsiness, loss of appetite, psychological disturbance, nervousness and blood system diseases such as marrow disease and anemia. Corn plant houseplants are considered among the best for removing benzene.

• Trichloroethylene

This is a common industrial solvent found in paints, varnishes, adhesives and printing inks. It can cause dizziness, headaches and confusion. The chemical can also cause kidney and liver problems in the case of prolonged exposure. There are a variety of drasina plants you can use to remove trichloroethylene.

• Carbon dioxide

This is produced from various sources of combustion including heating boilers and gas stoves. Low level exposure can cause headaches and dizziness. Acute exposure can cause death. Again, there are various rick houseplants that will effectively remove carbon monoxide.

Humidity control

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.

It is a slowing-growing plant that usually grows up to six feet high and three feet wide indoors.

It will thrive in low light; however, When given ample light, the corn plant may produce sprays of fragrant white flowers that bloom at night.

This plant grows straight up which makes it a great choice for decorators to use for filling empty corners.

Plus, placing this type of plant in an ornamental cache pot makes it even more attractive. 

It thrives indoors in low light. You can often find them in hotel lobbies, office buildings and shopping malls. It not only adds visual interest, but it has health benefits.

Natural Air Cleaning Plant

This is a excellent way to green up your home because the dracaena fragrans purifies the air by getting rid of toxins and adding oxygen to the air we breathe.

Many of the items that we use every day such as carpeting and rug pads, insulation, laminated counters, veneer furniture, cleaning supplies, and air fresheners contain volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) which are synthetic materials that "off-gas" toxins.

These toxins can cause a condition known as "Sick Building Syndrome" which can pollute the air enough to irritate your respiratory tract and cause headaches, sinus congestion, and fatigue.  

You cannot avoid VOCs because they are found in such a wide variety of the products in our indoor environment; however, you can take steps to make your air healthier by having this plant in your home. Place two or three mature specimen plants in a 100 sq ft room to filter toxins from the air where you spend time.