Ornamental plants, but not only that

Whilst tropical houseplants are highly prized for their decorative appeal, certain remarkable properties enable them to combine practicality with pleasure in our daily lives – for both us and our pets! Here is a non-exhaustive list of species with interesting characteristics, all of which share at least one thing in common: their remarkable ability to adapt to cultivation…

Callisia repens (header photo) provides food for tortoises, budgerigars and chameleons, offering an excellent source of calcium and other minerals. This plant also acts as an indicator of air purity: its leaves stand upright if the air contains certain substances, such as tobacco smoke.

Neoregelias, with their water reserves at the centre of the rosette, provide shelter for amphibians.

Tradescantia pallida is one of the most effective plants for absorbing volatile organic compounds that pollute the air in our homes, originating from cleaning products, paints, adhesives, perfumes and so on. It is a good alternative to ventilation, which is not always possible. Ficus pumila and Scindapsus aureus are also very effective at removing pollutants.

Chlorophytum absorbs carbon monoxide and formaldehyde, a carcinogenic substance found in particular in cigarette smoke. A single plant can purify an area of 9m².

Sagina subulata can make an excellent alternative to a lawn: it doesn’t need mowing as it stays short, retains water better than ordinary grass, and produces pretty white flowers in spring.