Lifestyle
A Guide to the Best Houseplants
27 Jul 23
Discover the best houseplants for adding colour, life and calm to your home.
Having indoor plants is not only a quick and easy way to add a stylish and natural element to your living space but offers numerous benefits for your well-being, too. They improve indoor air quality, reduce stress, boost productivity, and create a soothing ambiance, and with proper care, they also offer a more cost-effective and long-lasting alternative to fresh flowers. To help you choose the best houseplants for the size and aesthetic of your home as well as your needs and lifestyle, let's explore some popular options and important factors to consider.
Benefits of Indoor Plants:
- Improved Air Quality: Houseplants naturally purify the air by removing toxins and absorbing carbon dioxide while releasing oxygen. Plants like Boston ferns, aloe vera or peace lilies are known to produce the most oxygen, while Boston ferns also absorb more carbon dioxide than other common houseplants.
- Stress Reduction: Indoor greenery has a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety levels.
- Increased Productivity: Studies show that having plants in your workspace can enhance focus and productivity.
- Humidity Regulation: Some plants release moisture into the air, helping to maintain optimal indoor humidity levels.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Houseplants add a touch of nature, making your living space feel more welcoming and beautiful.
Best Types of Indoor Plants:
- Spider Plant: Spider plants are easy to care for and are known as one of the best indoor plants for air purification by removing pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. They are easy to maintain, thriving in moderate to bright indirect light and only needing occasional watering.
- Monstera Deliciosa: Monstera, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular choice known for its beautiful, large, glossy leaves with unique patterns. It prefers bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Snake Plant: Snake plants are known for their resilience and air-purifying abilities. They are one of the best indoor plants for low light conditions and don't require frequent watering, making them ideal for beginners and busy lifestyles.
- Pothos: Pothos is a low-maintenance plant with heart-shaped leaves that come in various colours. They can thrive in low light conditions, prefer slightly moist soil and are known to improve air quality.
- Peace Lily: Peace lilies are elegant plants with white flowers and glossy green leaves, perfect for minimalist home décor. They can thrive in low to moderate light and prefer evenly moist soil.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig: The fiddle leaf fig is a stunning indoor tree with large, violin-shaped leaves. It requires bright, indirect light and regular watering when the top inch of soil is dry. They can grow tall and wide when cared for well, making a great statement piece in the corner of a room.
- Rubber Plant: Rubber plants have thick, glossy and leathery leaves, which can come in dark green or burgundy, and they are relatively easy to care for. They prefer bright, indirect light and consistent watering.
Factors to Consider:
- Lighting: Different plants have different light requirements. Before choosing a houseplant, assess the available light in your home. Some plants thrive in bright, indirect light, while others can tolerate low light conditions.
- Watering and Maintenance: Consider your ability to water and care for plants regularly. Some plants need frequent watering, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. If you travel a lot, opt for plants that need little attention. Spider plants or Pothos are two of the easiest plants to care for as they both do well in different levels of light and can survive longer without water than many other houseplants.
- Size and Available Space: Take into account the mature size of the plant and the available space in your home. Some plants, like fiddle leaf figs, can grow quite large, while others, like pothos, are more compact.
- Pet-Friendly: If you have pets, ensure that the houseplants you choose are safe for them. Some plants can be toxic if ingested by cats or dogs.
- Humidity: Some plants prefer higher humidity levels. If your home tends to be dry, consider using a humidifier or grouping humidity-loving plants together.
- Potting Mix and Drainage: Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure that your pots have drainage holes to prevent overwatering and root rot.
- Temperature: Most houseplants prefer temperatures between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), but some can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer conditions.
Whether you're a seasoned plant enthusiast or a newbie to indoor gardening, incorporating these best houseplants into your home can bring numerous advantages. With the right attention and consideration of your plant's needs, you can enjoy the mood-boosting, air purifying, productivity-enhancing benefits of indoor greenery in your home for years to come.
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