Are you a lover of indoor plants? You might be surprised to learn that, in addition to the beauty they bring to your home, there are many health benefits of house plants. Read on to learn more about those benefits. I’ve also got some pictures of my growing house plant collection.
My thumbs are not green
I’ve never had much of a green thumb when it comes to indoor or outdoor plants. I love the idea of having greenery in the house—especially in winter—but I’ve always had difficulty keeping plants alive. After learning about the health benefits of house plants, I decided to use the money my mum gave me for my birthday last month to add to my indoor plant collection.
This post, along with my recent house plant additions, was inspired by Jay-lyn from The Wonderful and Wacky World of One Single Mom. She often shares pictures of her “babies” on her blog and I’m always amazed by how beautiful her plants are. I love that she has names for all her plants and how she lovingly cares for them. They are definitely thriving so she must be doing something right.
Surprising health benefits of house plants
Just looking at a beautiful plant is enough to brighten your day and bring a smile to your face, and caring for them is a fun hobby. But science tells us there are many health benefits of house plants that may surprise you.
Here are seven health benefits of house plants you may not have thought of.
- Lower stress levels: Studies have shown that adding a few plants to your home or office can have a calming and soothing effect, and it can lower your stress response. (Source: Healthline)
- Better sleep: You may recall learning in elementary school science that plants take in carbon dioxide and give back oxygen. It turns out that additional oxygen can help you sleep better. (Source: WebMD)
- Increased productivity and creativity: Several studies report that adding plants in your workplace can make you more productive, and result in fewer sick days. They also improve your overall outlook on work. That’s why many companies, including the one I work for, have added living walls to their office space. (Source: Healthline)
- Enhanced mental wellbeing: Many studies prove that being outside in nature can reduce symptoms of anxiety and other mental illness. It turns out the same applies when you bring the nature indoors. (Source: Very Well Mind)
- Allergy relief: Dust and mold are common allergens. Research shows that rooms with plants have less dust and mold than those with no greenery. (Source: WebMD)
- Faster recovery from illness and injury: There are studies showing that individuals recovering from surgery in hospital settings required less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays when their environment contained plants. (Source: Healthline)
- Natural humidifiers: If you spend a lot of time indoors, especially in winter, you know how dry the air can get. Plants add moisture to the air, reducing the risk of colds and flu. (Source: WebMD)
At one time, studies indicated that plants may improve the quality of the air in your home. Newer research refutes that but, all the other health benefits more than make up for it.
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Introducing…my house plant collection
Here are a few photos of my house plant collection. Unlike Jay-lyn, I don’t have names for my plants, but I do appreciate every one of them.
Spider plant and her babies
My mother-in-law gave me this spider plant on Canada Day in 2017. She has grown well and I recently transplanted several babies that are happily growing in their own pots. If you’re looking for an easy plant to care for, the spider plant may be your best option.
I notice momma plant is starting to outgrow her pot so it may be time to move her to a bigger home.
Christmas cactus, aloe vera, and frosty fern
Here are three more plants I’ve had around for a while.
My sister gave me the Christmas cactus three or four years ago. It has grown so well that I recently transplanted it into a bigger pot. It has not flowered since she gave it to me, though.
The aloe vera plant is one of my biggest indoor plant success stories. I bought it in a 5” pot a couple of years ago and it has grown by leaps and bounds. It’s great to cut off leaves and use the gel to heal cuts and burns (more health benefits). Even better, the leaves regenerate and grow back.
I picked up the frosty fern just before Christmas last year. I actually bought two of them but only one survived. This one is looking a little dry so I’ll have to research how to care for it.
My “desk plant”
I keep this plant on my desk. I’m not sure what kind of plant it is but it definitely brightens up my home office.
The new additions
As I mentioned, I bought new plants with the money my mum gave me for my birthday.
This one is a Clusia Rosea. The tag says it improves air quality. Even if it doesn’t, I’ll keep it around.
And, I’m always looking for ways to improve my sleep, so I added an English Ivy, a Polka Dot plant, and a Dracaena to my bedroom. I love how the Polka Dot plant adds a splash of colour.
Who would have thought that the indoor plants we take for granted could offer all these health benefits? Drop by your local garden centre and add a few house plants to your home environment today.
Do you have plants in your home? Which are your favourites? Drop me a comment below and let me know.
I have loads of money trees and a yukka that I got when I went to university in 1999. I recently killed an aloe vera by over-watering it though and my orchid refuses to flower. Its lovely to have something green to look at though. Xx
Yes, it is nice to have greenery in the house. I’m amazed at how well my aloe vera has done.
Mom and dad had so many house plants surrounding us, Michelle, it felt like growing up in a jungle LOL. I loved it.
Having plants around the house does improve your mental well-being because something feels soothing about being surrounded by various plants. I recall spending a few months in a remote jungle, in Costa Rica. Being with so much green made you feel alive. You were around life, everywhere, and felt invigorated. Having house plants mimics this energizing effect.
Thanks Ryan. I agree that house plants have a positive impact on our mental well-being—especially during our cold Canadian winters!
I’m absolutely hopeless with looking after house plants! I had a Dracaena which died recently. I loved that plant and googled how to rescue it but to no avail. 🙁
I do want one or two plants because they purify the air etc. so I’ll see how I get on with a spider plant. 🤞
Good luck with the spider plant, Rachel. For the longest time, it was the only house plant I had. I kept it alive so I thought I would try my luck with some more.
Good morning Michelle! I am so envious of your spider plant! Mine died on me. Am not destined to have one. My recent swapping of soil and washing roots has put a few into shock. Especially my poor Ivy. I have had to cut her back. Hoping that will see some new growth as she has had a day outside and a good solid soaking. For Christmas Cactus I have a girlfriend who after having hers for 4-5 years finally bloomed. They are persnicity little flowerers. If you have a sunny space outdoors the Lavender bish is way to go. I cut mine back after pruning all the flowers off. It is doing well because it is beginning to get woodsy. The sweet potato vine which is the purple one with three trellises I have found to be super easy to care for. HJH my Boston Fern is very very angry with me. He is a bunch of sticks right now. Waiting to see if he will come back or not. Have an awesome day. 😊
Ha ha. I will trade my spider plant for your lavender. I bought a small lavender plant at the farmers market yesterday. We’ll see how it does. It’s something I have never had any luck with.
You will be awesome with it!
Let’s hope so. 🙏