Houseplants are more than just living decorations, they provide many surprising benefits in every room where they grow. By understanding the positive effects of houseplants, you can more easily choose the best plants to add a touch of nature to your home, office, classroom, or workspace.
Some of the physical benefits houseplants provide are well known, but others are less familiar. Once you start to realize all the benefits different plants can create in your home, however, you’ll be eager to create your own urban jungle.
Houseplants will…
Because houseplants perform these functions, they help to naturally ease allergies, respiratory distress, and dry skin. This can reduce the need for medications or other treatments, and can be a natural way to help manage common health conditions.
In addition to the physical benefits of houseplants, they also provide a range of mental and psychological benefits, including…
The improved mental state that comes from houseplants can raise job satisfaction and improve mood, helping ease mental stress and improve overall mental health. In turn, improved mental health can lead to greater productivity and overall satisfaction for a happier, more joyful life.
While any houseplants can yield multiple benefits, it is best to choose plants that are adapted to thrive in indoor conditions. Our homes typically have lower humidity and lower overall light levels than outdoor environments, and plants should be chosen to suit household conditions. Also take care to choose plants that will fit the space available and won’t overgrow their location. If pets or children are part of the family, it is important to choose houseplants that aren’t toxic or dangerous.
Some of the top houseplants for multiple benefits include…
In general, one medium-sized houseplant is recommended for every 100 square feet of home space to maximize the plants’ benefits. This is only a rough guideline, however, and even having just one or two houseplants in a room will provide some benefits. Take care not to overdo, however, or you may find yourself living in an urban jungle that takes more time to tend and care for than you’d anticipated, and you won’t enjoy the benefits of the houseplants as much because of the excess work to keep them at their best.
No matter which houseplants you choose or how many you have, they will need proper care to maximize their benefits. Choose plants that match your home’s environment and space, and keep plants away from drafty spaces or heating vents. Use good quality potting soil for your plants, and be sure their pots have suitable drainage to avoid root rot and fungus problems. Take care not to overwater plants, rotate plants regularly so they get even exposure to sunlight, and check regularly for signs of gnats, spider mites, or other pests.
With good care, houseplants can thrive for years, bringing many positive benefits to every living space, and bringing joy to everyone who sees them.