Indoor plants have returned as a top décor trend. But these houseplants don’t just sit there looking pretty— they decrease stress, remove indoor pollutants and even help to make us feel happier. Of course, spending time outside in nature is always the best, but bringing a little bit of nature indoors really does help!
However, if you have children or pets, it is important to know that some of the common indoor plants can be toxic for them so when shopping for indoor plants those should be avoided or at least put in areas where children and pets are not apt to come into contact with them. To be safe, choose from the plants that are safe for pets and children.
Here are five benefits of having indoor plants for your home!
1. Plants make breathing easier for you
Inhaling gives oxygen to our body while exhaling releases carbon dioxide. Photosynthesis is the process where plants produce their food. During photosynthesis, plants do the opposite, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It makes plants and people great partners when it comes to gasses. Plants help increase oxygen levels and our bodies appreciate that.
However, at night, photosynthesis comes to a halt. Plants absorb oxygen and release carbon dioxide. But a few unique plants – like Orchids and succulents like Aloe Vera – flip that and take in the carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Meaning, using these plants in bedrooms keeps the oxygen flowing even at night.
2. Plants that are safe for children and pets
Although there are many houseplants that are considered safe, here are a few of the most popular or common, plants:
- Christmas Cactus – (can live for 20 – 30 years)
- Boston Fern
- Spider Plant
- Jade Plant (also called the Money Plant and Stone Lotus)
- African Violets
- Miniature rose
- Wandering Jew
Always make sure that your plant is properly identified. Houseplants have many names, and some are misleading. Even if someone calls a plant by one name, take the time to research and make sure that it is truly what you have. It can save lives!
3. Plants are natural humidifiers
Plants release about 10 percent of the moisture we breathe. During transpiration, they release moisture from the small pores in their leaves, increasing the humidity levels around them. They are also known to release about 97 percent of the moisture they take in.
According to a study, having indoor plants not only soothes your dry skin and decreases the likelihood of colds, but they also help to prevent many respiratory diseases and infections. Areca Palm, also known as the Butterfly or Golden Cane Palm, is a very popular household palm because it releases moisture into the room, essential for dry winter months.
4. Plants can improve your mental health
When you are feeling down, nothing perks you up like the gift of a plant or colorful flowers. They help increase the level of serotonin in our bodies so we can feel more secure and relaxed.
Natural beauty is soothing to us and keeping plants around your home is a simple way to lower your stress and anxiety levels. If you feel that you do not have a green thumb for growing plants, then choose an easy-to-care-for plant such as the Spider Plant or African Violets.
5. Plants give a good night’s sleep
When your mind is occupied, getting the recommended seven to eight hours’ sleep per night can be difficult. To ensure a better quality of sleep is to fill your home with beautiful flowers and plants.
These plants can lead to a more restful sleep especially Lavender and Jasmine. Keep a Lavender or Jasmine plant by your bed or close to it. The smell from these plants induces a state of tranquility that will help you to have a good night’s sleep.
Given all the benefits that houseplants provide, they really should be considered as a necessity rather than an object of décor; Why indoor plants are good? Because good health should never go out of style.
After reading this, we hope you will decide to get at least one indoor plant for your home! Aside from plants that can improve your air quality, it is to keep your home clean. You can always seek help from a professional house cleaning service so you don’t have to worry about a thing!