House & Patio

Planting Home Improvement: Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at BrighterBlooms.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

Written by

Blair Brown

Indoor plants not only complement your indoor decor, but also have immense health benefits. A recent study by the National Center for Biotechnology Information concluded that indoor plants reduce the psychological and physiological stress associated with mental work. In essence, they provide a tranquil environment to move, work, and also improve your indoor air quality. So, let’s discuss the health benefits of indoor plants.

Air Purifying Plants

Peace Lily

The Peace Lily helps fight harmful household chemicals like benzene. Benzene is a carcinogen, and exposure to the toxins can lead to cancer. The Peace Lily also removes mold spores from the air.

Dragon Tree

The Dragon Tree is another effective air purification houseplant. This plant helps absorb benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon dioxide from your living space. These chemicals trigger several health problems such as kidney disease, marrow disease, anemia, respiratory problems, and headaches.

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachia, also known as the Tropic Snow Plant, does not only help you achieve a tropical look in your living space, but also is an excellent air purifier. The plant's lush green leaves take toxins out of your living space and enable you to breathe safely.

Bromeliads

If you live in dull spaces, you can add life and color using Bromeliad plants. With bright flowers and gorgeous lush green foliage, this plant will also improve the air quality in your home. Unlike the other common indoor plants that purify air only during the day, Bromeliads release oxygen and get rid of air pollutants daytime and during the night, providing you with 24-hour indoor air purification.

Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Dracaena

Dracaena is one of the more common air-purifying household plants. This plant effectively gets rids of toxins associated with respiratory problems and also helps get rid of benzene, carbon dioxide, and trichloroethylene.

Golden Pothos

Golden Pothos is also an effective air purifier. This easy to grow plant purifies the air of carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde. It also effectively eliminates odors in your living space. Research reveals that Pothos also alleviates eye irritation, especially after an intense period of staring at the screen.

Medicinal Plants

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only a stylish addition to your living space, but it is also a capable medicinal plant. Additionally, Aloe Vera is an effective air purifier that will lower the concentration of benzene and formaldehyde in your household. Aloe Vera contains powerful antioxidant and anti-bacterial properties that help heal burns and cuts. It is also effective for treating dry medical conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.

English Ivy

English Ivy is a useful air filtering plant that can benefit persons who have asthma, allergies, and other breathing problems. It is also helpful in getting rid of air molds, carbon monoxide, benzene, and formaldehyde.

Indoor Plants that Humidify the Air

Bamboo Palm

Bamboo Palm features a gorgeous structural look that accents well to any home décor. It will not only beautify your room but will also humidify the air in your living space. It also helps in purifying and cleaning indoor air by getting rid of xylene and formaldehyde.

Boston Fern

The Boston Fern is one of the most useful air-humidifying household plants. It improves humidity in your space by restoring moisture to the air naturally. Boston Ferns offer excellent health benefits for persons who suffer from dry skin, noses, or throats.

Healing Plants

Lavender

Lavender scents and color are effective in reducing stress and anxiety. Lavender oil also helps to heal burns, improve sleep, and heal headaches. It is an easy to grow plant that requires minimal care.

Orchids

Orchids come with several health benefits. The plant helps improve sleep and is also effective as an immune system booster. Additionally, the plant helps fight off infections and fatigue, and boosts libido.

Jasmine

Jasmine is a natural antidepressant that helps one sleep better. Dried Jasmine leaves can be made into a tea to help get rid of persistent headaches. You can also use the plant's oil to heal acne. Jasmine is an easy to grow and care for plant that grows well in several conditions.

How do I care for my indoor plants?

Maintenance for indoor plants differs depending on the type of plant in your home. However, some everyday care practices for maintaining your houseplants include:

  • Consistent watering
  • Spraying with antibiotics and anti-fungals
  • Isolation from infected plants
  • Avoiding placing near air conditioners or heaters
Blair Brown

Blair is the Content Marketing Manager at BrighterBlooms.com, and though she's not your traditional gardener, the planting world is definitely growing on her (pun intended!). She's enjoyed digging into plant care and maintenance and growing her plant collection, especially with exotic indoor varieties.

fast shipping Fast, Reliable Shipping, Straight to Your Door
30 day guarantee 30 Day Happy & Healthy™ Guarantee
bbb approved business A+ Rating From BBB