I think that we can all agree that no space ever suffered from a little additional flora. House plants add natural beauty to any space–but did you know that creating a greener space inside can benefit more than just your aesthetic? Keeping indoor plants has been shown to have various positive impacts on our general well-being. Read on for 5 health benefits of houseplants, and check out the guide at the bottom to find out which house plants work best in which spaces

They support good oxygen flow.

When we inhale, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. When plants photosynthesize, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen back into the atmosphere–this is why people and plants are such a perfect match! But when the sun goes down, and photosynthesis stops, most plants start to respire the same way as humans, halting the oxygen flow. Certain house plants, however, including orchids, succulents, and epiphytic bromeliads, do not undergo this switch, and continue providing fresh oxygen while you sleep all night!

They keep sickness away.

Did you know that 10% of the moisture in the air is created by plants? Having plants indoors helps create humidity in your household, which can create an incredibly lovely atmosphere in your home especially during the winter months. This increase in humidity helps to decrease the amount of dust in your home, and research has shown that indoor plants have successfully decreased coughs, sore throats, and other cold-related symptoms by more than 30 percent.  

They remove indoor air pollution.

Plants remove toxins from air like it’s their day job. More specifically, they can remove up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOC’S) every 24 hours (1 10 inch plant per 100 square feet), according to NASA research. VOC’s are substances like formaldehyde in rugs, vinyl, and cigarette smoke), benzene, and trichloroethylene (both found in certain fibers, inks, and paint).

They promote healing.

Researchers at Kansas State University found that adding plants to hospital rooms resulted in patients requiring less pain medication, experiencing lower heart rates, blood pressure, fatigue and anxiety levels than patients without plants. The science here is still emerging, but many attribute these results to the air purifying capabilities and oxidizing nature of indoor plants!

They help you work.

Research has shown that indoor plants have been linked to increased creativity! When the Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study on adding plants to office settings, they found that the office workers experienced decreases in fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms. Another study by the Agricultural University of Norway found that sickness rates fell by more than 60% when plants were added in office spaces. 

BEST HOUSEPLANTS FOR HEALTH AND WHERE TO PUT THEM

By SPUD.ca

• SUCCULENTS

  By SPUD.ca

  Unlike many plants which begin to respire like humans once the sun goes down, succulents help to increases oxygen flow at night. Add them to desks amd windowsills for a sweet touch of flora!

• PEACE LILY

  By SPUD.ca

  The peace lily has the ability to remove mold from the air. Placing a lily in the bathroom will add beauty, and help to remove toxins from the air.

• SPIDER PLANT

  By SPUD.ca

  Spider plants add some spunk to any room, and also work to remove formaldehyde and other indoor air pollution from your home. Formaldehyde is often found in carpets, paper product coatings, and permanently pressed clothes, so a well placed spider plant would be in any living space, bedroom or office.

• DRAGON TREE

  By SPUD.ca

  Dragon trees are beautiful houseplants that emit a tropical note to the rooms they live in. They are also air purifying powerhouses. Place a dragon tree in your living room to remove formaldehyde, benzene, toluene and xylene.

• GERBERA DAISY

  By SPUD.ca

  Gerbera daisys add a splash of colour wherever they are placed, and like succulents, they also release oxygen at night. Place them in bedrooms to refresh night time air, as well as remove indoor benzene and trichloroethylene pollution.

• ENGLISH IVY

  By SPUD.ca

  The shaggy nature of English ivy adds drama to any space. Especially gifted at removing benzene from the air, this house plant is well placed in a dorm room or home office!

• BOSTON FERN

  By SPUD.ca

  The Boston fern is a shaggy plant that looks great when hanging, or perched over top a side table it can drape over. It has amazing humidifying capabilities, and makes a fantastic addition to any living space to boost moisture during cold, dry months.

• PHILODENDRON

  By SPUD.ca

  The philodendron house plant is a formaldehyde removing machine, and works great in living spaces of new or renovated homes with new floors, walls and carpets.

• SNAKE PLANT

  By SPUD.ca

  Snake plants have a naturally elegant charm to them, and look especially beautiful when placed in artistic pots. They are particularly useful in removing formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide produced by fuel -burning appliances, so trying place one in your living room or kitchen!