Incorporating both real and faux plants is an excellent way to bring a sense of freshness and vitality to your home decor. Whether you prefer the natural beauty of live plants or the convenience and low-maintenance of faux ones, there are plenty of options available to suit your taste and style. Adding some greenery or pops of color can also help create a more inviting and relaxing atmosphere, making your home a more enjoyable and comfortable place to be. So, it’s not surprising that this trend has become increasingly popular in recent years.
Real plants not only look great; they also have several health benefits too:
1. They assist with breathing
When we breathe, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. However, during photosynthesis, plants do the opposite, by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This mutually beneficial relationship means that having plants in your home can help increase oxygen levels and improve air quality, which can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. So, plants and humans make great partners when it comes to regulating the gases in our environment!
2. They help deter illness
Plants in the outdoors obtain water from the groundwater table through their roots, which then evaporates through their leaves in a process called transpiration. This process contributes to about 10 percent of the moisture in the atmosphere, as indicated by studies. Similarly, indoor plants also contribute to increasing the humidity levels in our homes, although they do not have access to a groundwater table. While high humidity levels may not be ideal during hot and humid months, they are beneficial during drier months as they help to keep indoor air moist, which can reduce the risk of health issues such as dry skin, respiratory problems, and allergies. So, having indoor plants can provide a natural way to regulate indoor humidity levels and improve overall air quality in your home.
3. They clean the air
Here are the top 10 plants for removing indoor pollutants:
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- Golden pothos (Scindapsus aures)
- English ivy (Hedera helix)
- Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
- Gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
- Mother-in-law’s tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata ‘Laurentii’)
- Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
- Azalea (Rhododendron simsii)
- Red-edge dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
These plants have been shown to be effective at removing indoor pollutants and improving air quality in the home. It’s recommended to have at least one plant per 100 square feet of indoor space to experience the full benefits.
4. They help you work better
Research has shown that having plants in the vicinity can have a significant positive impact on concentration, memory, and productivity levels. This applies to both students and workers who spend long hours studying or working at their desks. Being surrounded by nature, even if it is in the form of indoor plants, can help to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and increase feelings of well-being. Therefore, incorporating plants into your home office or workspace can be a great way to improve your overall productivity and make your work environment more enjoyable.
