From Pinterest boards to Instagram feeds, aesthetic pictures of flourishing indoor gardens are everywhere on social media. More and more people are leaning towards becoming plant parents. But it is more than just a home decor trend. Gardening has many perks, and cultivating plants indoors can benefit both your physical and mental health. Moreover, the greenery adds a nice aesthetic touch to your place, soothing to the eyes and soul.

 

 

Benefits of Having Indoor Plants:

Improved Air Quality

Houseplants can contribute significantly to improving the quality of the air you breathe in. They not only produce oxygen and cleanse the air by absorbing carbon dioxide, some plants like peace lily, snake plant, and aloe vera amongst others can also absorb toxic substances like formaldehyde and benzene. They also increase humidity by releasing water vapour, which can be helpful for respiratory problems. A NASA study from the 1980s suggested that indoor plants significantly reduced air pollutants indoors, and a 2012 study published in the Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health corroborates this finding. So your lungs might thank you for that green thumb.

Decrease In Stress Levels

Your plant babies can have a significant effect on your mood and stress level, according to research. A 2015 study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology suggests that active interaction with indoor plants may reduce psychological and physiological stress compared to mental work, while another study from the Journal of Health Psychology says that gardening has stress-relieving effects.

Improved Focus

Having plants in your workspace could boost your productivity and improve your focus. A study from the Journal of Environmental Horticulture showed that the participants exhibited a 12 percent increase in speed of functioning because of having interior plants in the vicinity.

Therapeutic Effect

The process of taking care of your plants can be a therapeutic activity. An article published in The British Journal of Psychiatry shows that horticultural therapy can be beneficial for recovery in mental healthcare. Plants in a hospital environment can help in recovery of patients from surgery, according to another published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. The study states, “Patients in hospital rooms with plants and flowers had significantly more positive physiologic responses evidenced by lower systolic blood pressure, and lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue than patients in the control room.”

 

 

Indoor Plants Suitable For Beginners

• Aloe vera: This medicinal plant is very hardy and can thrive on minimal care. Plant it in well-draining soil, and keep it in bright indirect sunlight. Water the plant only occasionally (only when the topsoil becomes dry) for maintenance.
• Lucky Bamboo: A Feng Shui staple, these can grow indoors in both freshwater and soil. Change the water of the container every one or two weeks if you are growing it in water, or keep it in moist but well-draining soil.
• Snake Plant: One of the most effective air purifying indoor plants, this plant absorbs formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene. It can tolerate both bright and low light, and requires very little watering. In fact, overwatering could lead to root rot, so wait for the soil to almost completely dry out before watering.
• Money Plant: Also known as Devil’s Ivy, money plants are one of the easiest indoor plants to grow. They do well in indirect light and with infrequent watering. Water the plant adequately but without flooding, once the topsoil is dry. You can also grow them in hanging pots.
• Spider Plant: Spider Plants are known to increase moisture in the air, improving the quality of the air you breathe. As it is susceptible to extreme heat, keep this plant in partial shade and watch it flourish.
• Peace Lily: This plant is a natural air purifier, and does well in low light. Water once every week or so, keeping the soil adequately moist, and watch its beautiful flowers bloom.

However, keep in mind that some houseplants like aloe vera and peace lily can be harmful to your pets or children if ingested, so choose your indoor plants with caution.