Top 7 Houseplants That Are Good for You: Health and Wellness Indoors

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, incorporating houseplants into our indoor spaces has gained popularity, not just for their aesthetic appeal but for their numerous health benefits. This guide explores why houseplants are good for you, highlighting top varieties that contribute to health and wellness indoors.

The Benefits of Houseplants

Air Purification

The NASA Clean Air Study, a landmark piece of research, underscored the potent ability of houseplants to filter out common volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from indoor air. The study identified several plants, including the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum), and Snake Plant (Sansevieria), as effective natural air purifiers. These plants absorb pollutants through their leaves and roots, with some even converting harmful substances into harmless byproducts.

Boosting Mental Health

The presence of houseplants in indoor spaces has been linked to significant mental health benefits, including reduced stress levels and an overall enhancement of mood. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that interacting with indoor plants can reduce both physiological and psychological stress. Additionally, the act of caring for plants, watching them grow and thrive under your care, can foster a therapeutic sense of accomplishment and deepen your connection to the natural world.

Improving Humidity

Through transpiration, plants release water vapor into the air, which can help increase indoor humidity levels. This is particularly beneficial during dry months or in environments where artificial heating is used extensively, as it can help mitigate the effects of dry air, such as respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and irritation of the throat and eyes. A study by the Agricultural University of Norway noted a significant decrease in incidences of dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs in offices with plants.

Enhancing Focus and Productivity

​​The study "The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space: Three Field Experiments" provides valuable insights into the impact of green environments on workplace productivity and satisfaction. Conducted across commercial offices in the Netherlands and the UK, it delved into how offices enriched with plants affect workers' perceptions of air quality, concentration, workplace satisfaction, and productivity, offering both subjective and objective evaluations over time.

The Green Office Advantage

The research highlighted several key advantages of integrating plants into office spaces:

• Improved Air Quality and Concentration: Participants in green office environments reported significant improvements in air quality and concentration levels. This finding aligns with the understanding that plants can filter common volatile organic compounds (VOCs), thereby enhancing the cognitive function of office workers.

• Increased Workplace Satisfaction: The presence of plants led to a notable increase in workplace satisfaction. This enhancement in the work environment suggests that a greener office space can positively influence employees' emotional well-being and their perception of their workspace.

• Boosted Productivity: Most importantly, the study observed enhanced productivity outcomes when offices were enriched with plants. This improvement was measured through both perceived productivity by employees and objective productivity metrics, underscoring the tangible benefits of green office designs.

Top 7 Houseplants That Are Good For You

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Esteemed for its exceptional air-purifying qualities, the Snake Plant removes toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from indoor environments. It's also one of the few plants that convert CO2 to oxygen during the night, promoting better sleep.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

With its striking white blooms and dark green leaves, the Peace Lily is more than just visually appealing. It's highly effective at removing airborne toxins and increasing humidity, alleviating dry throats and skin.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Known for its easy propagation and care, the Spider Plant excels in cleansing the air of pollutants like xylene and carbon monoxide. Its resilience and rapid growth make it a rewarding plant for beginners.

Aloe Vera

Beyond its air-purifying capabilities, Aloe Vera is renowned for its medicinal properties, particularly for soothing burns and cuts. It's a succulent, requiring minimal water, and thrives in sunny conditions.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is not only an attractive decor piece but also a powerful air purifier. It prefers indirect light and occasional watering, making it suitable for indoor environments.

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

This lush Boston Fern acts as a natural humidifier and is effective in removing formaldehyde from the air. It thrives in moist soil and prefers bright, filtered light.

English Ivy (Hedera helix)

Studies have shown that English Ivy can significantly reduce airborne mold and feces, making it especially beneficial for those with allergies. It requires moderate exposure to sunlight and even moisture.

Fern's Leafy Learnings

• Air Purification Marvels: The NASA Clean Air Study brought to light the incredible ability of houseplants, like the Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and Snake Plant, to cleanse the air of harmful toxins. These plants not only enhance the visual appeal of our spaces but actively work to create healthier living environments by absorbing pollutants and converting them into harmless substances.

• Mental Health Enhancers: The psychological benefits of incorporating greenery into indoor spaces are profound. Research shows that houseplants can significantly reduce stress, improve mood, and foster a sense of well-being. Engaging in plant care offers a therapeutic experience, nurturing a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.

• Natural Humidifiers: Plants contribute to maintaining and increasing indoor humidity levels through transpiration, releasing water vapor into the air. This natural humidification process is especially beneficial in dry conditions, reducing the likelihood of respiratory discomfort, dry skin, and irritation, thereby promoting a healthier indoor climate.

• Productivity and Focus Boosters: Insights from "The Relative Benefits of Green Versus Lean Office Space" study underscore the positive impact of plants in enhancing workplace productivity and satisfaction. Green office environments lead to reported improvements in air quality, concentration, and overall workplace satisfaction, translating to tangible benefits in productivity and creative output.

• Diverse Health Benefits of Popular Houseplants: Each houseplant brings its unique set of benefits, from the air-purifying capabilities of the Snake Plant and the humidity-boosting properties of the Peace Lily to the soothing medicinal uses of Aloe Vera. The selection of plants like the Spider Plant, Rubber Plant, Boston Fern, and English Ivy further expands the repertoire of health benefits, offering everything from cleaner air to allergen reduction.

Deepen Your Roots with Flora

At Flora, we not only bring you a vibrant selection of locally sourced, rare, and delightful plants, but we also serve as your continuous guide in your plant parenting voyage, ensuring every leaf in your sanctuary thrives. With our Flora Pod™ technology and a nurturing community of over 250,000 plant lovers, we cultivate a space where every plant parent - novice or expert - can blossom.

We propagate with a commitment to sustainability, connection, and ceaseless growth, fostering a community where each member, and their plants, are cherished and nurtured.

Crave a lush, thriving green space? Adopt a plant from Flora today!

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