Benefits Of Houseplants–More Than A Decoration
Ever since my best friend and I started working with houseplants as a hobby when we were 10 years old, my home has included green plants in every room. What I didn’t know back then was that, not only do green plants brighten your home and make it look beautiful, but they also come with other benefits as well.
- Houseplants are powerful filters that purify the air around us. In fact, several studies have shown that certain plants can rid a room of up to 89% of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are a variety of chemicals, some of which may have short- or long-term adverse health effects. The ironic thing is that people spend thousands of dollars on air filters to purify their indoor air quality, when they simply can get a house plant for much less — and it’s more eco-friendly, too. Not only do we love bringing some greens into our home but it’s also a way to keep our family healthy and happy. So there is a green plant in each of my kids’
- They also are great for producing oxygen.
- They sharpen our focus. You might think “come again” when you hear this but, yes, many studies have been done on this subject. They have found that potted plants and flowers may improve your idea generation, mood and more. A British study showed that students demonstrated 70 percent more attentiveness in classrooms containing potted plants. This is not a coincidence since plants increase the oxygen in the air and remove pollutants, which helps improve concentration and memory.
- They contribute to a Zen feeling in any environment, and may help reduce fatigue and stress, lower blood pressure, as well as boost the immune system and promote faster healing from illness.
All great reasons, right? So, below is a list of the best plants for reducing pollution in your home or office:
- Feston Rose plant
- Devil’s Ivy
- Phalaenopsis Orchid
- English Ivy
- Parlor Ivy
- African Violets
- Christmas Cactus
- Yellow Goddess
- Garlic Vine
- Peace Lily
Here are more plants that can help clean the air indoors.
To learn more about how to improve indoor air check out my post about how to improve your child’s classroom air quality.