12 Best Indoor Plants For Your Health & Home

Indoor plants not only add color and life to our homes but also can purify the air we breathe. In fact, certain plants are known for their air-purifying properties and their positive impact on our mental and physical well-being. This article will explore the 12 best indoor plants that can improve your health and create a lively atmosphere in your home. These plants are wellness champions, purifying the air, reducing stress, and enhancing overall health. From the resilient Snake Plant to the calming Lavender, each plant possesses unique properties beneficial for physical and mental health.

Embracing these indoor greens doesn’t just add aesthetic appeal; it cultivates an environment that fosters vitality and serenity. These plants stand as natural healers, transforming homes into sanctuaries of health and rejuvenation, nurturing both the space and those who dwell within it.

1. Spider Plant: The Air-Purifying Champion

Spider plants are excellent at fighting indoor air pollutants such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. These toxins can be present in everyday items like paper bags, napkins, and synthetic fabrics. Spider plants are low-maintenance and perfect for those without a green thumb. They prefer even moisture, so be sure not to let the soil get too dry or too wet. Place them in bright to moderate indirect sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Spider plants, also called Chlorophytum Comosum, are incredibly easy to grow. They don’t need much attention and can flourish without demanding much from you. These plants have slender leaves and are named after the “small plant-like structures that grow on long, hanging stems, somewhat resembling spiders,” as stated by the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Spider plants are famous for their ability to clean the air around them. According to research by NASA, when they looked at the leaves, soil, roots, and microorganisms of various indoor plants, they discovered that plants can naturally filter the air, reducing harmful substances. The study revealed that spider plants could eliminate around 95% of toxic formaldehyde from the air within a sealed Plexiglas container in just 24 hours.

2. Jasmine: A Natural Mood Booster

Jasmine, known for its fragrant flowers and therapeutic properties, significantly impacts mental health owing to a chemical compound that aids in alleviating anxiety, stabilizing mood swings, and enhancing sleep quality. Additionally, in higher concentrations, jasmine demonstrates immune-boosting qualities and is believed to influence libido positively. To cultivate jasmine successfully, it’s advisable to plant it in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Optimal growth occurs when the plant is positioned in a sunny area, receiving ample sunlight.

Regularly feeding it with a high potash fertilizer weekly during the summer months encourages healthy growth and blooming. Placing the jasmine plant next to a wall or fence in a sunny spot is recommended for ideal growth. While jasmine can tolerate shade, its blooms thrive best when exposed to full sun. This placement fosters robust growth and encourages the plant to produce its fragrant blossoms, enhancing the overall experience and benefitting from its mood-enhancing properties.

3. Peace Lily: Nature’s Air Filter

Peace lilies are not only aesthetically pleasing with their white flowers, but they are also highly effective at removing air pollutants like ammonia, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. However, be cautious if you have pollen-related allergies, as peace lilies produce pollen and a floral scent. These plants thrive in soil that holds moisture well but doesn’t become waterlogged. Repot them every other year during spring, and consider dividing them if they outgrow their pot.

The name “peace lily” brings a feeling of tranquility. These strong plants produce beautiful flowers and might be good for your health, says Trevor Cates, a doctor from Utah. A study in 2022 found that peace lilies can clean the air by removing carbon dioxide and harmful chemicals called volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Peace lilies can last for many years and bloom with big white flowers that look like a white flag of peace. According to MiracleGro, they’re easy to look after and don’t need much sunlight, making them ideal for darker areas. However, keeping them away from pets and young kids is important since eating them can cause vomiting or tongue swelling.

4. Snake Plant: The Bedroom Companion

Snake plants, also known as mother-in-law’s tongues or Sansevieria Trifasciata, are excellent bedroom companions as they improve indoor air quality. They can remove toxins like trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene, and xylene. Snake plants are easy to care for and can adapt to different light conditions, although they prefer indirect sunlight. They thrive in well-draining, sandy soil and can grow from seeds.

These plants have tall, upright leaves that look quite stylish. They’re easy to take care of and don’t require much attention. Experts at HGTV say they only need watering when the soil is dry, can grow in various light conditions, and tend to do well even if you forget about them. The snake plant was part of NASA‘s research on indoor plants and has been proven to gradually clean the air by removing harmful substances.

5. Rosemary: A Multi-Purpose Herb

Rosemary, renowned for enhancing concentration and memory, serves beyond its culinary uses. Its aromatic leaves offer relief from muscle discomfort while fortifying the immune and circulatory systems. The plant’s care demands attention, especially during its growth phase. Watering must strike a balance—consistent hydration without excess. Fertilization isn’t typically necessary, but if minor imperfections manifest, a mild application can rectify them.

As winter sets in, transitioning the plant indoors to a pot ensures its vibrancy. Placing it in a spot that receives ample bright light guarantees its well-being. This strategic move safeguards the plant from frost and maintains its freshness throughout the colder months. Additionally, the versatility of fresh rosemary in culinary endeavors makes it a prized herb, infusing dishes with its distinctive flavor profile. Truly, this multifaceted herb enriches meals, well-being, and cultivation practices.

6. English Ivy: Nature’s Mold Remover

English ivy, scientifically named Hedera helix, is a versatile plant known for its remarkable capability to reduce carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and air contaminants. English ivy is a great addition to your home if you struggle with allergies or asthma. It can purify up to 90% of airborne mold, providing a cleaner and healthier environment. However, remember that English ivy is poisonous if ingested by pets or children. Check the soil moisture before watering, as English ivy prefers slightly dry conditions. Avoid exposing it to cold winter winds or extreme summer heat.

This adaptable plant thrives both indoors and outdoors. When kept as a houseplant, English ivy flourishes in hanging baskets or pots and can be easily guided to climb along a trellis or take on various shapes, as the Clemson University Cooperative Extension recommends. It prefers abundant direct sunlight for optimal growth and should be watered thoroughly once the soil has dried out.

7. Lavender: A Stress-Relieving Wonder

Lavender, a versatile herb, offers a plethora of benefits, from alleviating stress and insomnia to calming restlessness, anxiety, and depression. Planting lavender requires strategic timing—optimal months being April or May when the soil naturally warms. Winter planting poses risks due to the vulnerability of lavender to cold, wet soil, which may lead to their demise. For cultivation, gardens outside homes prove ideal, although containers also support their growth. However, sunlight plays a pivotal role; lavender thrives in sunny environments but struggles in shade, dampness, or extremely cold temperatures. The choice of soil is critical as well—dry, fertile soil promotes its vitality, whereas clay soil conditions can prove fatal to its survival.

Lavender’s resilience and aromatic allure make it a prized addition not only for its therapeutic properties but also for its ornamental value. Whether in gardens or containers, this herb’s ability to thrive relies on favorable conditions, ensuring its role as a natural remedy and fragrant adornment.

8. Aloe Vera: The Healing Succulent

Aloe vera, renowned for its exceptional healing properties, stands as a natural remedy for various skin ailments, possessing the ability to soothe and moisturize irritated skin while effectively treating burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis, and even cold sores. This resilient succulent thrives when provided with ample bright light. For outdoor cultivation, a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily serves as the optimal condition for its growth. When grown indoors, placing the aloe plant adjacent to a window ensures it receives sufficient natural light essential for its well-being.

Regarding soil preferences, aloe vera favors slightly acidic conditions, ideally around 6.0 pH. However, it exhibits adaptability to varying soil conditions, showcasing its resilience in less-than-ideal circumstances. Aloe vera’s proficiency in skincare and healing makes it a household staple, doubling both as a decorative plant and a natural pharmacy for skin-related issues. Its ability to thrive under diverse conditions cements its reputation as a resilient and beneficial botanical asset.

9. Pothos: The Resilient Plant

The pothos, scientifically known as Epipremnum pinnatum, embodies the quintessential image of a houseplant. Its lush foliage, characterized by vibrant heart-shaped leaves with a captivating blend of green hues and marbled yellow accents, makes it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts. Recognized by aliases like devil’s ivy or golden pothos, these plants are celebrated for their aesthetic appeal and ease of care.

One of their remarkable traits lies in their resilience and low maintenance requirements. Pothos thrive splendidly in indirect sunlight and demand infrequent watering, making them an ideal addition to any indoor setting. Beyond their ornamental value, research highlights their substantial contribution to indoor air quality. Studies indicate their capacity to reduce indoor ozone levels, thereby facilitating easier breathing and potentially mitigating the risk of respiratory issues. Furthermore, these adaptable plants are known for effectively purifying indoor air by absorbing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), enhancing the overall quality of the environment they inhabit.

10. Rubber Plant: The Air-Purifying Giant

Rubber plants are known for their large leaves, which absorb harmful substances from the air. Regularly dust the leaves to keep them clean and maximize their air-purifying capabilities. Place rubber plants in bright but indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight that can scorch the leaves. Water them regularly during the growing season, but be cautious not to overwater, as it can cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off.

Rubber plants, scientifically termed Ficus Elastica, serve as excellent indoor additions due to their ease of maintenance. According to information provided by The Sill, these plants typically require watering approximately once a week. Notably, research highlights their capability to purify the air. However, it’s crucial to ensure these plants are placed well out of reach of both pets and young children, as they contain toxins that can be highly harmful if ingested.

11. Bromeliads: Natural Air Fresheners

Bromeliads, recognized for their exceptional ability to absorb up to 90% of harmful chemicals like benzene, thrive splendidly in bright and sunlit spaces, making them valuable additions to indoor environments. These resilient plants are low-maintenance, requiring no specialized tools or fertilizers. When it comes to watering, it’s advisable to empty out accumulated water from their central cups, typically every week, to eliminate debris and prevent the buildup of dead insects.

Nurseries and garden centers are ideal for these plants due to their expert care and bright light exposure. Indoors, providing ample natural light is essential for their growth and vibrancy. Bromeliads also flourish best when planted in shallow pots, allowing their roots ample space while ensuring proper drainage. Overall, their exceptional ability to purify air and ease of care make bromeliads an attractive and beneficial addition to any living space.

12. Gerbera: A Breath of Fresh Air

Recently acclaimed by NASA for their exceptional air-purifying qualities, Gerbera daisies are the top choice for removing benzene from indoor air while emitting oxygen, particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with insomnia and sleep apnea, as highlighted by the Lung Institute.

Optimal growth conditions for Gerbera daisies include full sunlight, although excessive heat can be detrimental. In areas with intense heat, strategically planting in spots offering afternoon shade is advisable to prevent plant stress. Weekly watering is essential, but it’s crucial to ensure the soil is completely dry before watering again, preventing root rot. Avoiding overwatering is pivotal in colder climates to protect the daisies from potential damage.

Gerbera daisies’ unique ability to improve indoor air quality and colorful blooms make them a valuable addition to any space, offering both aesthetic appeal and potential health benefits for better sleep quality.

FAQs

1. Which indoor plant is best for beginners?

For beginners, a Snake Plant or a Pothos plant are excellent choices. They’re low-maintenance and hardy.

2. How many indoor plants are ideal for a medium-sized room?

For a medium-sized room, having three to four medium-sized plants or a combination of small and medium-sized ones is ideal.

3. Can indoor plants improve air quality?

Yes, certain indoor plants are excellent at purifying indoor air by filtering out toxins and releasing oxygen.

4. Are there indoor plants suitable for allergy sufferers?

Plants like Spider Plants or Bamboo Palms are suitable for allergy sufferers as they produce less pollen.

5. How often should indoor plants be watered?

The watering frequency varies based on the type of plant. Generally, once a week is a good starting point, but it’s essential to check each plant’s specific needs.

6. Can indoor plants positively impact mental health?

Absolutely! Studies have shown that indoor plants can reduce stress levels, improve mood, and boost productivity.

Conclusion

Indoor plants offer a myriad of benefits, from purifying the air we breathe to enhancing our mental well-being. Incorporating these green companions into our living spaces is a simple yet impactful way to promote a healthier lifestyle. Embrace the natural beauty and health benefits these plants bring, creating a serene and healthier environment for a better quality of life.

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