Improving the Home and Health with Indoor Plants

Improving the Home and Health with Indoor Plants

Indoor plants are not just decorative elements; they are powerful tools for improving both the aesthetic appeal of your home and your overall health. From enhancing mood to purifying the air, the benefits of indoor plants are numerous. It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to create a green oasis in your living room or are just seeking specific indoor plants for bathrooms, these natural additions can transform your living space into a green oasis.

In this blog, we will explore the ‘why’ in ‘why you should have indoor plants’, and recommend specific varieties that thrive indoors and are easy to care for.

1. Reducing Stress

Some studies have shown that being around plants can significantly improve your mood and reduce stress levels. This is because the presence of greenery in your living space can create a sense of calm and relaxation. So, with the plants being able to lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety, and promote a general sense of well-being – what isn’t there to love?

Photo by Ivan Lopatin on Unsplash

2. Improving Air Quality

Indoor plants are natural air purifiers, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making the air in your home fresher and healthier to breathe. Some plants go a step further by removing toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It’s important to remember that some plants have been identified as better at this than others, so if fresh air is high on your priority list, look to the spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant.

3. Boosting Humidity

Plants release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, which can be very helpful if you live somewhere dry or if your home gets dry in the winter months.

It might only seem like a small nuisance to get dry skin in your own home, but having increased humidity from your plants can help alleviate respiratory problems, reduce the incidence of pesky dry skin, and improve overall comfort.

4. Enhancing Concentration and Productivity

Indoor plants have been shown to enhance concentration, memory, and productivity, making them an excellent addition to home offices and study areas if you have difficulty concentrating.

5. Providing Therapeutic Benefits

Caring for plants can be a therapeutic activity that promotes mindfulness and reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety. The act of nurturing plants and watching them grow can be incredibly rewarding and soothing. It is so soothing, in fact, that gardening therapy, or horticultural therapy, is used in various settings to improve mental health and well-being.

Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

6. Aesthetic Appeal

Last but not least, one of the most obvious benefits of indoor plants is their ability to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home. They can add color, texture, and a sense of life to any room, complementing your decor, filling empty corners, and creating focal points.

So, with such a wide variety of plants to choose from, you can easily find ones that match your style and preferences.

Recommended Indoor Plants

Now that we’ve given you the reasons to start looking for indoor plants, it’s time to start shopping! Here are some indoor plants that are not only beautiful but also easy to care for:

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Spider plants are known for their air-purifying qualities and resilience. They can survive in indirect light and only need watering once the soil has dried out. With their lovely arching leaves and small white flowers, they are a visually appealing addition to any room.

2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

If you find that most plants die in your home, don’t worry, snake plants are virtually indestructible. They can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for beginners.

Photo by Helin Loik-Tomson on Istockphoto

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace lilies, with their white blooms, are not only beautiful but also effective at removing toxins from the air. They only need low to medium light and to be watered once a week, making them another great choice for beginners.

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is a versatile plant that can grow in a variety of light conditions, from low light to bright, indirect light. It is highly drought-tolerant and only needs watering when the soil is dry – so if you’re forgetful then this plant is for you. From an aesthetic standpoint though, pothos can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, with beautiful trailing vines that add a touch of magic to whatever room they’re in.

Photo by Lacey Williams on Unsplash

5. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis miller)

Aloe vera is not only easy to care for but also has medicinal properties. The gel inside its leaves can soothe burns and skin irritations, making it a practical and decorative addition to your home.

6. ZZ Plant or Zanibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is known for its ability to thrive in low light and with minimal water. This, for a plant that also removes toxins from the air, makes it a healthy choice for indoor spaces.

Photo by vadim kaipov on Unsplash

Home is Where the Heart Is

Now that we have told you the why and what, we are sure you’re already adding seedlings to your cart. And why wouldn’t you? With so many easy-to-care-for plants available, it’s simple to add a touch of greenery to your living space. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, the right indoor plants can transform your home into a healthier, more beautiful place.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.