When the spring comes after a long winter, everyone wants to get out and enjoy the sun. But if you suffer from seasonal allergies, it may not be so easy. That pesky little stuff in the air known as pollen can cause big problems, and can make it can be rather hard to enjoy nature and the beautiful outdoors.
Why does this happen? How can you avoid seasonal allergies? Is there any way to enjoy nature without allergies?
What Are The Sources of Seasonal Allergies?
Despite what people may believe, seasonal allergies can occur all year round. Seasonal allergies can be triggered by many things but pollen from trees, flowers, and grasses are the main culprit.
Indoor air pollution, pet dander, dust mites, and mold spores can also cause seasonal allergies but these are typically worse in the winter months.
The Worst Time for the Pollen Producers
Pollens can be produced by trees, grasses, and other plants during their flowering season which can be anywhere from early spring through to the end of summer. During this period, the risk of experiencing allergies is high because there tends to be more pollen floating around as a result of warmer temperatures.
While different types of trees produce pollen at different times of the year, tree pollen typically causes the most problems in North America from March to May. This is also when many perennial plants are blooming again causing an even greater influx in the pollen count.
Once the spring season has passed, you may notice your allergies disappear, however, this is not the case for everyone. Grass pollen is another major contributor to seasonal allergies and it is typically at its worst from June to August.
And just when you thought you might be in the clear, weeds like ragweed, dandelion, and goldenrod take over as the agitators and produce their highest volumes of pollen from August through to October.
What Is Pollen?
We know pollens are responsible for causing allergic reactions to the skin, eyes, and nose, but what are they?
Pollens are tiny granular particles that contain the male gametes of seed plants. When they're released from the plant they can get blown around in the warm spring and summer winds and settle on every surface they reach, making them very hard to avoid.
Indoor Plants to Keep Pollen Allergies at Bay
If you find it hard to enjoy nature during these months, there are many ways you can bring nature into your home that shouldn't aggravate your allergies. Below we've shared four houseplants with a low pollen count that you should have in your indoor garden this season!
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle-leaf fig is a beautiful, easy to care for plant that can grow up to five feet tall! It's an excellent option if you're looking for a statement houseplant that doesn't produce much pollen.
Emerald Ripple Peperomia
The lovely peperomia plant is known for its heart-shaped, deeply puckered leaves, which can range in color from rich green to red or even silver. What's even better is that these plants can do well in low-light areas making them a great option if you're lacking lots of natural light.
Peace Lily
This is another low-maintenance plant that isn't too picky about lighting, making it a perfect addition to any room in your home. With glossy, dark green foliage and stunning white flowers, this is a great way to bring a floral look into your space without worry about allergies.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is considered one of the most adaptable houseplants and one of the easiest to grow. It is even praised for its ability to reduce stress and improve concentration according to the principles of feng shui.
If you want more plant recommendations for your allergy-friendly indoor garden check out this blog by Houseplant Help titled "Top 10 Best Houseplants for Allergy Sufferers".