4 Benefits of Houseplants

My first houseplant was a little jade plant potted in a ceramic duck and given to me by my grandma when I was about five. While I don’t remember what happened to it, I’m sure it lasted well into my teen years and continued to live in my mom’s house long after I’d become an adult and moved on. I’ve continued to have jade plants, as well as other varieties of houseplants, for many years since. So, you can see that the first benefit that comes to mind for me when thinking about houseplants, is a nostalgic one. Plants are a constant reminder of the continuation of life and the ongoing cycle of life.

Probably the first reason people acquire houseplants is for their decorative appeal. There’s no question that they can add beauty to your surroundings. Whether for the soothing effect of bringing nature’s greenery indoors or the addition of colorful blooms to one’s decorating scheme, plants can add pleasing touches to your home. Besides the plants themselves, there is an endless selection of pots and planters to showcase your plants and add to your decor.

Another reason to include houseplants in your home environment is the health benefits they provide. While we are breathing out carbon dioxide, plants are taking in that same carbon dioxide as a part of their process of photosynthesis, and releasing oxygen into the air. In addition to removing carbon dioxide from the air, plants can absorb other harmful compounds from the indoor air, such as those released by plastics, paints, etc. Some common and easy to care for plants, such as spider plants and ferns, are particularly good at removing indoor air pollution. A different kind of health benefit can be found in the aloe vera plant. While several benefits are attributed to this succulent, the most popular is to use the gel found within its leaves to treat burns. Many people like to keep an aloe vera on the kitchen windowsill just for that purpose.

For many, growing houseplants has become a pleasurable hobby, but with the large selection of easy-care plants to choose from, even those without the time or inclination can enjoy having plants in their home. There is a wealth of information out there for help in finding the right plants for you. From books, to the internet, to garden centers, you are sure to come upon suggestions to get you started. It’s best to begin with easy-care plants that are forgiving of inconsistent attention and that can adapt to a variety of light conditions. All plants need air, water, nutrients and sunlight, but there is wide variance in how much of each of these different plants require. Some plants have very specific needs, but there are many houseplants that adapt to a variety of conditions and can survive a moderate amount of neglect.

There are many types of houseplants, including foliage plants, flowering plants, succulents, cacti, tree-type plants, seasonal plants, and others. A few common houseplants that are easy to care for include philodendron, peace lily, spider plant, cast iron plant (aspidistra) and corn plant (dracaena). Generally, they will thrive in a variety of light conditions and can put up with lack of watering. In fact, overwatering is worse than forgetting to water regularly.

Every day green plants that need watering once or twice a week and like light sunlight like this gorgeous Devil’s Ivy by Wild Interiors.

Succulents are a category of houseplant that also includes many easy-care varieties. My favorite, the jade plant is one such plant. Snake plant, also known as mother-in-law tongue, with its tall leaf spikes, is another easy-care variety that survives in almost any conditions, from low light to full sun, and requires little watering. In fact, most succulents prefer little water, being susceptible to root rot with too much water, seeing as they are really desert plants. Among the many types of cacti is the popular Christmas cactus, that is a delight with its seasonal bright blooms, which appear without a lot of the special care that other holiday plants like poinsettia require. There are a wide variety of cacti to choose from as well as other succulents that can fit in to any home environment.

Among the many easy-care foliage plants is the philodendron, which is common in many office settings as well as homes, with its tendency to climb and trail its shiny green leaves over a wide area. Another houseplant that takes up more space than just the pot it is rooted in is the spider plant. The mature plant sends out stems with baby plants complete with their own roots that can survive attached to the parent plant, like spiders hanging from their webs,  or can be separated and put in a glass of water to grow longer roots before being potted in their own container. In fact, many houseplants can be successfully propagated with cuttings from a parent plant.
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One last category of plants I’ll mention here is orchids, which have become quite popular, and can be found in many supermarkets and home improvement stores, usually in the fresh flower section. While they may seem exotic, they are actually very easy to care for and can last a long time. When the initial blooms, which often last for weeks, fall off, don’t think that it’s time to throw the plant out. After a period of dormancy, new blooms will appear and the cycle will start over. Since they are actually air plants, you will find them potted in a special potting medium like coconut husks or peat moss, not soil, which can suffocate the roots. They require only a little water, and do best not in direct sun.  With only a little care they can add long-lasting beauty to your home.  You can get a Orchid Care Guide for free from Just Add Ice.

As you get accustomed to having houseplants in your surroundings, you will probably want to ensure their continued existence. While many will survive some neglect, they will flourish with more attention. As they grow, they may become root-bound and need repotting in a larger pot. Or you may be able to control their growth by judicious pruning. Choosing the best place to locate your plants depending on available sunlight and temperature conditions will also result in plants that thrive. While many plants may seem to be just fine for a long time, most will be at their best with occasional feedings of fertilizer. With some added attention, your plants will reward you with their beauty and you can enjoy sharing your space with a living part of nature.  I like having house plants that are easy to care for.  They don’t necessarily need flowers. There are so many different options for houseplants, including some that you keep indoors for a while and later transplant outside (and keep potted or put in the ground). Plants add so much to a room and one’s mood!  I love this one by daughter for Mother’s Day.  I have it in my kitchen window and it is thriving!

Houseplants help nip colds and other sicknesses by cleaning and purifying the air.  They improve moods.  They liven up rooms and are great decorative pieces. They make you happier!  There are so many reasons to own house plants.  Living in a small place or not having an area to plant plants outside shouldn’t stop you from enjoying plants.

What type of House Plants Are Your Favorite?