Having a houseplant could make you healthier by leaving the air you breathe less harsh and higher in oxygen, scientists say. Research has found having a plant like a peace lily or ivy indoors can provide benefits by improving the air quality in the home. ‘Thirsty’ plants which demand a lot of water and sunlight could improve the atmosphere through their own growing processes. These involve releasing water vapour into the air around them, and sucking in carbon dioxide and pumping out oxygen. In turn, this could be a ‘simple and affordable’ way to help people reduce their likelihood of dry skin and breathing problems or illnesses, researchers say. Scientists from the University of Reading and the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) conducted a study on various plants and how the air around them changes. They found peace lilies – technical name spathiphyllum – and ivy were the best because they take in particularly large amounts of CO2 and water. RHS and Reading University expert Dr Tijana Blanusa said, “We know that people spend the majority of their time – 90 percent of it, typically – in the home. Plants with high transpiration rates – that is ‘thirstier’ plants that require more water to grow well – and large canopies, are able to provide good humidity benefits.” Published in Daily Times, October 22nd 2018.