Your home is somewhere that you should feel comfortable. It’s meant to be your sanctuary, where you can kick-back and relax. It needs to be somewhere you can enjoy spending time, especially during the current COVID-19 restriction.

So why not spruce up your living quarters with some plants? Plants are such a great addition to any home. Whether you live in a small studio apartment or five-bedroom house, here are some ways you can benefit from houseplants.

Improves Air Quality
You may think that being in your home keeps pollutants out, but that isn’t always the case. Space heaters, ovens, furnaces and other household items can release pollutants into the air. Pollutants can even come from building materials or airborne mould. Pets and dust can also trigger coughing or a sore throat.

Good news, one of the best benefits of houseplants is that they improve the air quality inside your home.  The plants pull the pollutants in your house into the soil, which they turn into food. Research has shown that some plants can remove nearly 87 per cent of pollutants from inside the home in 24 hours. They also take up the carbon dioxide and release fresh oxygen into the air. This helps keep you alert and focused. There’s a long list of plants that are great, cost-effective air purifiers that also add some glam to your home or office.

Plants also add humidity to your home. Plants release almost all of the water that they absorb by releasing humidity back into the air. This is great in winter months when dry air can make it harder to sleep and may irritate your skin and eyes.  

Help Improve Your Mental Health and Productivity
Research has found that interaction with indoor houseplants can reduce psychological stress.

They’re still and patient, creating a certain sense of calm around them even if what’s going on in your home seems hectic. Some studies have even shown that touching plants can elicit a calming effect.

The oxygen plants release that we mentioned before is also beneficial for mental health. More oxygen makes our brains feel better and helps to release good hormones. The scent released from certain types of plants can also help you feel happier and more relaxed.

Studies have shown that indoor houseplants can help with loneliness and depression because caring for a living thing is rewarding and gives you purpose.

Not only do plants make for a great decoration, they also help improve your productivity. Plants lower stress and help with fatigue and because of plants calming nature, you can focus on the task at hand. Whether it’s at your home office or at work, plants add colour and some personality to your space, giving you a mental boost.

Boosts Immune Systems
Your physical health and mental health are always linked. When you feel better mentally it can help you physically, and vice versa. When you’re feeling less stressed and more relaxed your immune system can kick into hyperdrive. Studies in Norway have found that there are significant improvements in the physical health of people who work in offices where plants were present. The humidity plants release can also help fight colds and decrease dust in the air.

House Décor
Plants are an inexpensive way to decorate a room. Most plants are reasonably priced and offer a beautiful addition to your space. If you can’t find a fully grown one at the store, you can always start with cutting a piece from one of your friends’ plants or, if you’re up for a challenge, try growing one from the seed.

How to Get Started
The best way to set yourself up for success is to choose the right plants for your lifestyle. If you are new to being a plant parent, or don’t have a lot of time to take care of them, easy starter plants include cacti or succulents.

Another key consideration is the amount of sunlight and shade in your home or office. Do your research on the best plants based on where you want to have them in your house. Too much sun can be bad for some plants causing leaf burn or sudden leaf fall, whereas some plants need it really hot.

These are some of the best indoor houseplants to start with:

  • Snake Plants
  • Rubber Plant
  • ZZ Plant
  • Cactus
  • Succulent

Indoor plants offer a ton of benefits and are usually inexpensive. So, the next time you’re looking for a way to spruce up your space – test out your green thumb.