potted herbs in the window
Houseplants can be decorative, healing, produce food and serve other purposes in a home. There is some research indicating that certain plants can reduce indoor pollution, making the air inside healthier (see references below). Other plants can provide fresh food or herbs for our meals. And other plants are simply there to make a room look pleasant. Still other plants, like aloe, serve medicinal or healing purposes landscaping
In selecting houseplants, consider their benefits as well as their needs for care.
Health benefits[]
Having a potted plant in your home is great for decor. You can create different moods by varying the type of plant you put into your home. In addition to this, having plants in your house are beneficial to your health.
Fight colds[]
Indoor plants have been proven to reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30%.
English Ivy
Remove pollutants[]
House plants can remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from the air you breathe in everyday.
Your happiness[]
House plants can contribute to a feeling of wellbeing, making you calmer and more optimistic.
Blood pressure[]
People with plants in their homes have less stress, and plants have been known to contribute to lowering blood pressure.
Reduces Carbon Dioxide[]
During photosynthesis, plants draw carbon dioxide from the air and expel oxygen.
Treatments[]
Some house plants (e.g. aloe) can serve as remedies and provides pain relief.
Removes cigarette smoke[]
A plant may help you remove the airborne chemicals from cigarettes. ( one of the mose effective plants that removes cigarette toxins is the Peace Lilly)
Congestion[]
Plants such as eucalyptus can clear phlegm and congestion from your system.
Improve sleep[]
Gerbera daisies give off oxygen at night. Filling a vase in your bedroom with these flowers can improve your night’s rest.
Air purifying plants[]
Areca Palm, Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Rubber Plant, Dracaena, Boston Fern, Peace Lilly, Dwarf Date Palm
some big house plants: a ficus and Boston fern
Related[]
- gardening
- potted plant
- indoor pollution
- carbon monoxide
- herb
- food
- decor
- Sick Building Syndrome
- Master Gardener
References[]
- NASA on Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments
- Indoor Plants - Clean Air: TOP 10 Plants Most Effective in Removing: Formaldehyde, Benzene, and Carbon Monoxide from Air (plant-care.com)
- House Plants: Proper Care and Problem Solving from the College of Agriculture, Food Systems, and Natural Resources of North Dakota State University
- House Plants from Texas A&M, An excerpt from the Texas Master Gardener Handbook