Why indoor plants are good

Help us achieve our goals Make a donation. Join the RHS today and support our charity Join now. Save to My scrapbook. Dieffenbachia 'Tropic Snow'. Quick facts. Jump to Introduction Indoor plants and air quality How do I get the benefits from plants? Which plants to choose? Introduction Can growing houseplants really help turn our homes, schools and workplaces into better places to be?

The psychological benefits of indoor plants have been shown as: An improved mood Reduced stress levels Increased worker productivity adding plants to office environments in particular Increased speed of reaction in a computer task Improved attention span in some scientific studies, but not all Increased pain tolerance for example, where plants were used in hospital settings The physical health benefits of indoor plants have been shown as: Reduced blood pressure Reduced fatigue and headaches by percent in one study Patients in hospital rooms with plants reported decreased post-operative pain It is worth noting that the effect of plant species and cultivar differences has not been specifically investigated.

Indoor plants and air quality Data suggest that every year over 4 million people worldwide die prematurely due to indoor air pollution. Pollution levels are often higher indoors than outdoors as indoor air represents a mix of: Outdoor-derived compounds such as nitrous oxides, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide and particulates dust-like particles Indoor-derived contaminants, predominantly Volatile Organic Compounds VOC. VOCs are a large group of substances including toluene, xylene, benzene etc.

Additionally bio-aerosols i. How do I get the benefits from plants? Based on the research, several approaches should be considered to get the benefits. Rooms which look out on nature including parks, gardens and wild spaces have a head start as seeing this can provide psychological support. Rooms with views of largely urban landscapes, would benefit most from including plants.

Regardless of the type of indoor space, including the right plants has the potential to boost health benefits. Indoor foliage plants and the VOCs they have the potential to reduce data summarised from the review article by Dela Cruz et al. An indoor garden can be your refuge from the outside world, and for many people it is a source of great joy. Whether you live in a small apartment, or a large house, by introducing certain plants into your home, you will start to notice improvements to your health, and overall happiness.

As well as enhancing your mood and creating a living space that is soothing to be in, plants can also help with loneliness and depression: caring for a living thing gives us a purpose and is rewarding — especially when you see that living thing bloom and thrive. Here are a few pointers:.

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Learn about the difference between sterilizing and disinfecting, how to keep your living spaces clean, best practices for fighting COVID, and more. Alum blocks are crystallized blocks of potassium alum that can be used to help eliminate minor bleeding, inflammation, and razor bumps. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Deborah Weatherspoon, Ph. Choose indoor plant varieties that are safe for pets and children. Health considerations to keep in mind. The bottom line.

Read this next. Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. These rhizomes, Horton explains, are "hearty," storing water that helps the plant survive drought in its natural environment. She recommends watering it once a month during the growing season spring and summer and once every two months when it goes dormant in the fall.

Oh, and Marino notes that many cultures believe a ZZ Plant "symbolizes prosperity and friendship," making it a great housewarming gift. Plants that give off "instant jungle vibes," like the spider plant, are having a serious moment right now, according to Marino. And they're super easy to care for, says Vassilkioti.

These plants need bright light, but no direct sun, so they're perfect to put in a room with big windows. Just keep it away from the windowsill. Vassilkioti adds that this plant is fun to have around because it grows "baby spiders" spiderettes , which can be easily propagated. It's also a strong air purifier, removing both formaldehyde and xylene.

You'll score major cool points with this signature-looking plant, especially if you put it in a hanging planter, as Marino recommends. Because the bird's nest fern thrives in medium indirect light and a humid environment, Marino says, "it would do great in a bathroom with a shower, as long as there are windows that receive natural light.

Ferns have been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene, so it's not a bad idea to put one in your bathroom. After all, that's where you're likely to use household toxins, like harsh cleaners, hairspray, and nail polish remover that often contain these chemicals.

If you already have experience keeping an indoor plant alive congrats , then it might be time to add a peace lily into the mix. Vassilkioti says this one requires more attention compared to other indoor plants. That means keeping it moist without over-watering and placing it in a bright but shady spot, she explains.

One thing to note: "The peace lily's flowers have pollen, so this plant might not be the best choice for people who struggle with allergies," says Vassilkioti.

If that's not a problem for you, she recommends putting a peace lily in your bedroom since it produces oxygen at night, while most other plants do that during the day.

Besides producing oxygen, this plant also removes ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. This makes it a great plant if you've got high shelves, or want to add a hanging planter to your home decor the ultimate in adulting. Also like the pothos, it's "incredibly easy to prune and propagate, if you prefer a more compact shape," she adds.