Hey everyone! I'm reaching out because I've noticed a big change in my allergies this year, and I'm starting to suspect that my husband's obsession with houseplants might be the culprit. We've got around 50 plants in our bedroom, which is beautiful but also feels a bit like a jungle. My allergies have been acting up lately—I'm dealing with a stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and even some coughing. Last year I didn't experience any of this. I'm wondering if the sheer number of plants could be causing my symptoms, even though he insists it's not the plants. Are there any specific allergens like mold or pollen I should be concerned about? Also, how can I test this theory without causing a rift over our beloved indoor forest? Any suggestions would be appreciated!
1 Answer
Hey there! It's true that dust was already in the room, but having more plants might affect humidity levels. If you have flowering plants, they can contribute to allergies, but most houseplants are insect-pollinated and shouldn't add much to the pollen count. However, mold in the soil could definitely be a factor. You might want to check the moisture levels in the soil more closely.
Thanks for the reply! I don’t think we have any flowering plants, but humidifiers were used during winter and stopped with the summer humidity, so maybe that's not the issue. Since I'm allergic to mold, I'm worried about that. Any ideas on how to test for mold spores?