Elevate your living spaces with the growing trend of indoor houseplants, gracing bookshelves, tables, and counters. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, research highlights the significant health benefits of these botanical wonders. According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, indoor plants positively impact physical and mental well-being. Naturopathic doctors, such as Amy Rothenberg, N.D., emphasize the holistic advantages, noting the “whole-person positive impact” of greenery on emotional, spiritual, and physical health. Discover the researched and proven benefits of indoor plants, transforming your space into a sanctuary for well-being.
Indoor Plants that improve your health
Discovering the best plants for your health goes beyond greenery—it’s about finding a perfect match for your lifestyle. According to Alex Cromer, LPC, a licensed professional mental health counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, Virginia, the healthiest houseplant aligns with your personal style, daily schedule, and routine. The good news? You don’t need a green thumb to benefit from these health-enhancing plants. Many of them are easy to care for, ensuring you can enjoy their presence and reap the health rewards effortlessly.
1. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, or Sansevieria, earns its place among the best indoor plants due to its resilience and unique ability to convert carbon dioxide into oxygen at night. Supported by NASA’s Clean Air Study, it is renowned for its capacity to remove toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene, promoting a healthier indoor environment. Maintenance is a breeze, requiring minimal water and thriving in low-light conditions.
Advantages:
- Resilient and adaptable.
- Converts CO2 to oxygen at night.
- Effective in removing toxins like formaldehyde.
- Requires minimal water and low-light conditions.
- Best Indoor Plant for Low Maintenance and Air Purification.
2. Spider Plant
Admired for its adaptability and ease of propagation, the Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum) stands out as a top choice for indoor greenery. Studies have underscored its exceptional air-purifying capabilities, notably in reducing formaldehyde. With minimal maintenance requirements, the Spider Plant flourishes in indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
Advantages:
- Adaptable and easy to propagate.
- Research-supported air-purifying qualities, particularly effective against formaldehyde.
- Flourishes in indirect light, well-draining soil, and moderate watering.
- Best Indoor Plant for Air Quality Improvement and Ease of Care.
3. Rubber Plant
The Rubber Plant stands out for its robust nature and glossy foliage, making it an aesthetic and health-boosting choice. Acknowledged by NASA as an air-purifying plant, it effectively removes indoor pollutants. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring moderate light, infrequent watering, and well-draining soil.
Advantages:
- Robust and glossy foliage.
- Recognized by NASA for air-purifying capabilities.
- Low maintenance, needing moderate light and infrequent watering.
- Best Indoor Plant for Stylish Decor and Air Purification.
4. Peace Lily
With elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities, the Peace Lily is a favorite for both aesthetics and health. Applied Sciences underscores its effectiveness in reducing indoor pollutants and mold spores. Maintenance involves shade, weekly watering, and occasional misting.
Advantages:
- Elegant white blooms and air-purifying qualities.
- Acknowledged for reducing indoor pollutants and mold spores.
- Requires shade, weekly watering, and occasional misting.
- Best Indoor Plant for Aesthetic Appeal and Air Purity.
5. Ferns
Ferns, with their lush and feathery foliage, contribute to improved humidity and air quality. Well-known for their ability to remove pollutants, ferns thrive in consistently moist soil and indirect light, making them a captivating and health-enhancing choice for indoor spaces.
Advantages:
- Lush, feathery foliage enhancing humidity.
- Effective in removing indoor pollutants by Applied Sciences.
- Thrives in consistently moist soil and indirect light.
- Best Indoor Plant for Humidity Regulation and Air Freshness.
6. English Ivy
Renowned for its versatility, English Ivy can be trained to climb or trail, adding an elegant touch to indoor spaces. Recognized by NASA for reducing airborne mold and enhancing air quality, English Ivy is a valuable addition to any home. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring moderate light, regular watering, and well-draining soil.
Advantages:
- Versatile and can be trained to climb or trail.
- NASA-verified for reducing airborne mold.
- Low maintenance, requiring moderate light and regular watering.
- Best Indoor Plant for Air Quality Improvement and Decorative Flexibility.
7. Aloe Vera
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Aloe Vera is celebrated for its medicinal properties and air-purifying qualities. Thriving in bright light conditions, this succulent requires infrequent watering and well-draining soil. Its soothing gel is not only beneficial for skin ailments but also contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Advantages:
- Medicinal properties of soothing gel.
- Air-purifying qualities.
- Thrives in bright light, with infrequent watering needs.
- Best Indoor Plant for Medicinal Uses and Sunlit Spaces.
8. ZZ Plant
The ZZ Plant, with its glossy, dark green leaves, is a hardy and adaptable choice recognized by NASA for its air-purifying capabilities. Flourishing in low light conditions and requiring minimal water, the ZZ Plant is an ideal addition to any indoor setting.
Advantages:
- Hardy and adaptable.
- NASA-recognized for air-purifying capabilities.
- Thrives in low light and requires minimal water.
- Best Indoor Plant for Low-Light Environments and Low Maintenance.
9. Pothos
Pothos, or Devil’s Ivy, is a popular choice for its aesthetic appeal and air-purifying qualities. Supported by research in the International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology, Pothos effectively removes indoor pollutants. Adaptable to various conditions, it thrives in low light and requires moderate watering.
Advantages:
- Aesthetic appeal and air-purifying qualities.
- Effective in removing indoor pollutants.
- Adaptable to various conditions, thriving in low light and moderate watering.
- Best Indoor Plant for Versatility and Air Freshness.
10. Boston Fern
Known for its elegant appearance with delicate, feathery fronds, the Boston Fern excels in improving humidity levels and air quality. Requiring high humidity, indirect light, and consistently moist soil, it is a refreshing and health-conscious addition to indoor spaces.
Advantages:
- Elegant appearance with feathery fronds.
- Improves humidity levels.
- Effective in purifying indoor air.
- Requires high humidity, indirect light, and consistently moist soil.
- Best Indoor Plant for Humidity Control and Air Purity.
5 Positive Ways Indoor Plants Impact our Health
Indoor plants not only enhance the beauty of your home space but also play an important role in promoting good health. Backed by extensive research, the positive effects of houseplants on physical and mental health are increasingly being recognized. Let’s explore the science behind how these green companions contribute to a healthy living environment.
1. Better Air Quality:
Research conducted by NASA’s Clean Air Study has identified several indoor plants as effective air purifiers, removing common indoor pollutants. Plants like spider plant, peace lily, and Boston fern excel at filtering out substances like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, thereby improving air quality (NASA, Clean Air Study).
2. Oxygen Production:
Plants undergo photosynthesis, a process where they convert carbon dioxide into oxygen. For example, the snake plant is famous for its ability to release oxygen even at night, which contributes to increased oxygen levels in indoor spaces (American Society for Horticultural Science). This oxygen boost can enhance overall respiratory health.
Rothenberg emphasizes the importance of this, especially considering the substantial time people spend indoors. The introduction of more oxygen, theoretically, can enhance focus, reduce headaches, and improve overall mood.
3. Stress Reduction:
A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology shows that interacting with indoor plants can reduce physical and psychological stress. The presence of greenery produces a calming effect, reducing cortisol levels and promoting a sense of well-being (Journal of Physiological Anthropology).
4. Mental Health Benefits:
Connecting with indoor plants has a positive impact on mental health. The act of nurturing and caring for plants provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. According to a study in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, indoor plants contribute to reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing productivity (Journal of Environmental Psychology).
Caring for indoor plants proves to be a simple yet effective way to reduce stress and anxiety, elevate mood and concentration, and boost confidence. According to Cromer, the act of caring for indoor plants provides tangible, positive outcomes, instilling a sense of control and reducing anxiety. Observing indoor plant growth becomes a soothing, meditative experience, promoting peaceful feelings.
Indoor plants, being non-stimulating partners, contribute holistically to health. They accept and tolerate, providing a supportive and good-listening presence. As Cromer emphasizes, the simplicity of caring for indoor plants, coupled with their visible response to attention, fosters a sense of accomplishment and gratitude.
5. Humidity Regulation:
Some indoor plants, including ferns and peace lilies, contribute to maintaining optimal humidity levels indoors. This is especially beneficial for respiratory health, as adequate moisture can help prevent conditions such as dry skin and irritated nasal passages (American Society of Horticultural Science).
Incorporating a variety of indoor plants into your home space can create a holistic and health-supportive environment. The combination of improved air quality, increased oxygen levels, stress reduction, and mental health benefits make house plants valuable companions in promoting overall well-being.