It’s important to keep indoor humidity at an optimum level (45 to 65 percent). Dry air in the winter is one the main causes of sinus infections and sore throats. You can use a mechanical humidifier to add moisture to the air, but these devices require constant cleaning to prevent the growth of microorganisms.
An easier way to add humidity to a room, is to put a few areca palms in it. These palms release copious amounts of water into the air, and remove chemical toxins too. They are consistently rated among the best houseplants for removing all indoor toxins tested. According to B. C. Wolverton, author of How To Grow Fresh Air, a six foot (1.8 m) areca palm transpires approximately 1 quart (1 litre) of water every 24 hours. So if you put three in your bedroom, the palms will be release three quarts of water per day — not bad!
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http://www.scidev.net/en/news/india-s-tropical-agriculture-can-support-biodivers.html
And areca palms can be sustainably farmed for betel nut without harming biodiversity it seems.
Very interesting. I’ve forwarded this to a friend of mine.
Very interesting article.
I would have never thought that their was a natural way to add humidity to a room.
Thanks for the idea.
Does anyone know if Areca palms are suited to northern climates (indoors)? I’m not sure if a palm tree would like the low amount of sun it would get during Boston’s winters, in addition to my 60-degree-F apartment.
Kevin, I live near toronto, and I have one of these in my living room. Temperature isnt really a problem, but light is. You’ll want to have the plant near some source of artificial light, preferably CFL lights if you decide to get one.
Dave