House plants are used for their ornamental value in homes across the world. But they are beneficial for overall health and wellbeing as well. They not only freshen up the air, but also eliminate harmful toxins around you. Studies have also shown that indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels and help elevate mood. Use this time at home to express your creativity in green.
Benefits of Indoor Plants
An indoor garden can be your refuge from the outside world. For many people it is a source of great joy. Whether your living space is small or large, plants are an easy and economical proposition. Besides alleviating your mood and creating a soothing living space, plants can also help with loneliness and depression. Seeing greenery and nature can help you feel more relaxed and calm. Tending to plants gives us purpose and is rewarding — especially when you see them bloom and thrive.
Creating Indoor Green Spaces
To create the perfect green space, you should first research options for the different rooms in your house. You could do this online or a good nursery would be happy to give you advice. Besides the size of plant that you would be able to accommodate in your space, consider the temperature, drafts, sun and humidity conditions in your home. You would need to plan the amount of sunlight or moisture the plant would need while planning the space. For example, the bathroom is perfect for air plants and Kokedama (Japanese hanging moss ball), as the excess moisture from your daily shower helps those particular plants flourish. On the other hand, a cactus would do well in a room that gets a lot of direct sun. Some plants emit oxygen at night, making them perfect plants for the bedroom.
Here are a few suggestions for indoor plants to include for overall wellbeing.
Air Purifiers
Spider plants and snake plants are known for removing formaldehyde from the air. Formaldehyde comes from paper bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, paper towels, napkins, particle board, plywood panelling and synthetic fabrics. In addition to formaldehyde, these plants target carbon monoxide and other toxic air impurities as well.
These are great for the bedroom and among the most popular choices for improving indoor air quality. They do most of the purification at night, converting carbon dioxide into oxygen as you sleep.
To optimize its air purifying power throughout your entire home, you need more than one plant. Plan to get anywhere from 6 to 8 plants that are of waist-high height for optimal air purification.
If you have poor indoor air quality and not much of a green thumb, these may be exactly what you need. It’s one of the easiest plants to care for.
Preventing Mold
Nobody ever wants to think about the possibility of mold thriving in their home. English ivy plant in your home can help you purify most airborne mold particles that can trigger allergies.
English ivy is another great plant to put in your bedroom. If you have asthma or difficulty breathing at night, it can help you breathe easier and get a restful night’s sleep.
Aroma Therapy
Indoor plants like lavender are flowering plants that have a gentle and pleasant aroma. Best known for its stress-relieving mental benefits, the scent of lavender is often used in spa products like bath salts, skincare creams, soaps and candles.
Lavender plants can be placed anywhere in your home, but putting it in your bedroom is especially helpful since it may help you sleep better. Catching a whiff of lavender may help soothe restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, depression and insomnia.
When it comes to fragrant indoor plants, geraniums are also easy to grow and come in many forms. They also offer a variety of health benefits
• Lower stress
• Reduce inflammation
• Relieve pain (like migraines)
• Promote kidney health
• Aid in digestion
• Boost immunity
Never discount the power of what a simple and innocent looking houseplant can do for your health. It’s worth doing some further research on the type of plant you choose and how to care for it if it means it will make a difference in how you feel.
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