Indoor plants help purify the air, and that’s just one of their many benefits. They also help reduce stress. Studies show that keeping indoor plants can lower anxiety by 20 percent. Another interesting finding is that plants improve our mood more than listening to music, going for a walk or receiving compliments.
Plants have so many wonderful attributes that you may forget what a great addition they are to your decorating scheme. They require minimal care, freshen any space and help oxygenate the air.
Here are some tips for styling and elevating your space with houseplants:
- Use a group of varying plants to add color, texture and style to your room.
- Use pots that complement the style of your home.
- Create or purchase macramé plant hangers.
- Use stands to elevate your plants and make them stand out.
- Choose light-colored pots for your dark-colored plants, and vice versa.
- Let some of your plants trail off the side of a shelf or the edge of a table.
- Cluster several plants together in a tabletop display.
- Consider attaching your hanging plant to a stick or branch to achieve an organic look.
If you’re not sure what to grow, here are some designer- approved plants to add to your home. They bring a nice touch to your space and are relatively low maintenance.
SNAKE PLANT
Also known as “Sansevieria trifasciata,” this plant has decorative, vertically growing long leaves that are exceedingly low maintenance. They can thrive in low light and only need to be watered when the soil is dry.
POTHOS
Also called “devil’s ivy” or “golden pothos,” these plants have bright, heart-shaped leaves that can be green or a mix of green and yellow. They are easy to grow and only need indirect sunlight and watering every few days. Research shows that the plants can lower the amount of ozone in the air, which can make it easier to breathe and reduce your risk of getting respiratory illnesses. They can also remove VOCs, or volatile organic compounds, from the air.
RUBBER PLANT
“Ficus elastic” makes an excellent indoor houseplant. They’re usually easy to take care of and only need watering once a week. Research shows that rubber plants can clean the air. Keep them safely out of reach of kids and animals, as they’re extremely poisonous when swallowed.
PEACE LILY
The peace lily inspires tranquility. These plants thrive for years and bloom with large, white flowers. They grow in shade and require little care. Keep them away from pets and children because they can cause vomiting and tongue swelling if consumed.
SPIDER PLANT
Spider plants, or “chlorophytum comosum,” are easy to grow and require little maintenance. These plants have narrow leaves and long, trailing stems that look a bit like spiders. It is known that spider plants help purify the air.
HERBS
Growing herbs can motivate you to cook more and eat healthier. Plus, having your own basil, parsley or mint is cheaper than buying them at the store. According to the Mayo Clinic, some herbs, including chamomile and lavender, have been shown to reduce anxiety. Herbs are also good for your diet because they contain vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
