You're not alone if some of the best indoor houseplants have taken over your interiors, seemingly expanding across bookshelves, side tables, and kitchen countertops. Sales of leafy green flora have skyrocketed in recent years as people spend more time indoors; they've been a hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where more than 9 million photos have been tagged #HousePlants. While greenery lights up your room and is undoubtedly cute, researchers say your house plants in the UK may also benefit your health.
Any plant benefits your mental health and emotional well-being, here are some of the experts' best picks.
What Plants Are The Healthiest?
The Spider Plant
Spider plants, also known as Chlorophytum comosum, are exceedingly simple to grow, don't require continual attention, and thrive with little effort on your part. The plants feature narrow leaves and are named from "small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders," according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
Spider plants are thought to help clean the air around them. NASA scientists investigated the leaves, soil, roots, and microbes of different houseplants and discovered that plants can operate as natural air filters to minimise pollution. Over 24 hours, spider plants eliminated 95% of the deadly formaldehyde from the air in a sealed Plexiglass container, according to the study.
Rubber Trees
Rubber plants, often known as rubber trees or Ficus elastica, are excellent houseplants. According to The Sill's brochures, they're generally easy to care for and only need to be watered once a week. According to research, rubber plants have air-purifying characteristics. Just keep them away from pets and small children, as they're known to be quite dangerous if consumed.
Lily of the Valley
The name "peace lily" conjures up images of serenity. According to Trevor Cates, N.D., a naturopathic doctor in Park City, Utah, and author of Clean Skin From Within, these tough plants "flower and are aesthetically pleasing" and may enhance your health over time. According to a 2022 study published in Applied Sciences, peace lilies have air-cleaning qualities and aid in removing carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
According to MiracleGro, peace lilies can live for years and produce broad white blossoms that resemble a white peace flag. They're low-maintenance and don't require much light, making them ideal for shaded areas. Keep them out of the reach of pets and small children, as they can cause vomiting or tongue swelling if consumed.
Plants that look like snakes
Long known as "mother-in-law's tongues," the snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, has tall, vertically growing leaves. They're both decorative and low-maintenance. According to experts, the plants only need to be watered when the soil is dry, can grow in any light, and "thrive on neglect." The snake plant, included in the NASA research on plants, has been shown to remove toxins from the air over time.
Plants with Elephant Ears
Elephant ear plants if you want to spend more time with your houseplants. These are arranged into a category of tropical, perennial plants easily recognizable by their enormous, heart-shaped leaves. They require bright light and regular watering to keep the soil moist, & they can grow large and may require ample space. Some species have been cultivated for their edible starchy tubers, which constitute a staple meal in some tropical locations. The leaves have been used medicinally for treating bug stings.
Pothos
The pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum, is most likely what comes to mind when you think of a houseplant. The plants, sometimes known as devil's ivy or golden pothos, have colourful heart-shaped leaves that can be green or marbled green and yellow. They require simply indirect sunshine and rarely watering to thrive. According to research, plants can reduce indoor ozone levels. This makes it easier to breathe & lowers your risk of respiratory diseases, as well as eliminating VOCs from the air.
Ivy in English
English Ivy, also known as Hedera helix, is a multipurpose plant that has been demonstrated to reduce carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and environmental pollutants. They can be cultivated both outside and inside. According to a few experts, ivy grows nicely in hanging baskets or pots as a houseplant and can be coaxed to grow along a trellis or form. They thrive in direct sunlight & must be thoroughly watered after the soil dries.
Cacti and Succulents
Succulents and cacti thrive on little to no care. These plants are drought-tolerant, so they only require watering when the soil is entirely dry. They also come in various forms and sizes to help adorn your home and purify the air. Some kinds, such as the jade plant, can raise the humidity level in a room. Aloe vera plants, in particular, have medical characteristics and can help heal cuts, burns, & other skin conditions.
Herbs
Small potted herbs not only look nice in your kitchen, but they may also motivate you to cook more and eat healthier. Growing your basil, parsley, or mint is also less expensive than buying herbs at the grocery store. Herbs also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which benefit your diet.
How Do Houseplants Help With Health?
Plants' beauty and caring for them can be profoundly healing. Looking at something aesthetically pleasing can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Keeping plants prepares your brain to anticipate connecting with the pot plants small and receiving a hit of feel-good neurochemicals.
Plants provide instant advantages such as improved mood and stress management. They also have long-term benefits, such as increasing air quality, which may lessen headaches, or adding moisture in the air, which helps with dry skin, according to Rothenberg. Handling soil, which contains bacteria, can help to diversify your home's microbiome, which can boost gut and skin health.
Conclusion
Incorporating indoor plants into your living areas is a health-conscious decision supported by research. The myriad advantages that these green companions provide, ranging from increased air quality to improved mental well-being, have been scientifically verified. You are investing in your health and creating a harmonious environment by selecting the proper indoor plants. Accept the green revolution indoors and allow these plants to enrich your life in visible and unseen ways. Your health will appreciate it.
If you are looking for house plants in the UK, you can reach out to Leaf Culture. We have a wide range of plants for your house. For more information, contact us today!
