The Benefits of House Plants

Humans and nature go together like peanut butter and jelly. We have a connection that is rooted in evolution, and we have always benefited from and supported one another. The desire to be surrounded by nature and other life forms is embedded in our DNA, so it’s no surprise that there are many benefits to bringing plants into your home. They’re affordable, easily accessible and instantly make your space more cozy and inviting. They best part is house plants allow us to take advantage of their benefits all year long, no matter what climate we live in.

House plants boomed in popularity during the pandemic, especially for people who were stuck at home with little to no outdoor space available to them. This is one trend we don’t see going anywhere. The benefits to our physical and mental health are undeniable, as is the simple fact that they’re easy to care for and oh so fun to watch grow. Here are some examples of how house plants help and support our wellbeing.

Help Reduce Stress

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that house plants make people feel soothed and comfortable. They do this by essentially acting as a balm for our busy brains, and by bringing a sense of calm to our surroundings. The act of indoor gardening and caring for our little buddies lowers our blood pressure and helps to reduce both psychological and physiological stress. Studies have also shown that working with plants can help symptoms of mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety and even dementia.

May Help to Improve Air Quality

Many studies have been conducted on this topic, and have ended with mixed results. We know that trees and plants are vital for our air quality outside, turning carbon dioxide into oxygen through photosynthesis, but does the same go for inside your home? Again, there have been mixed views on this. Some studies show it would take an exorbitant amount of house plants to make any real difference. Others state that not only do they help filter the air, their roots and soil reduce VOC’s (volatile organic compounds) significantly. Another study in the UK from the Royal Horticultural Society found that house plants reduce nitrogen dioxide (a common pollutant) by as much as 20%.

Boost Mood and Productivity

We all know how good a walk in nature can feel. The saying ‘Into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul’ is incredibly relatable for many people. It’s uplifting and energizing and all around good for you. However according to the EPA, people spend about 90% of the time indoors. That’s a lot! For those of us who aren’t able to get outside often, this is where house plants come to the rescue. Studies have shown that having plants in workspaces increased performance, reduced mental fatigue and even improved cognition. They are truly little miracle workers for overall happiness and productivity.

Pet Safe Options

For those of us with fur babies, it’s essential to choose house plants that are safe for them. Here are a few types of plants you can choose from:

• Boston fern

• Orchids

• African violets

• Chinese money plant

• Banana Tree

• Spider plants

• Areca Palms

• Polka dot plants

• Air plants

It’s also important to know which houseplants are NOT pet safe! Here are a few examples:

• Amaryllis

• Aloe Vera

• Azaleas

• Chrysanthemums

• English Ivy

• Lilies

• Philodendron

In conclusion, the benefits of house plants are clear. They will beautify and cozy up any space while also improving your mood and overall outlook on life. And since they’re affordable and easy to care for, it’s almost a given that you should incorporate them into your home and/or workspace so you can see and feel the benefits for yourself!