We have a strong connection to nature and we’ve seen that maintaining this connection through practices such as hiking or forest bathing can have both mental and physical health benefits. It turns out that bringing nature indoors, by filling our spaces with houseplants, can have similar benefits. We’ve written about the air purifying properties of houseplants, but research has shown that indoor plants can also lead to better mood, less fatigue and reduced stress and anxiety. 

House plants can help to increase oxygen in your home environment, which may explain the improved mood and energy levels people experience. Maximize the improved air oxygenation that plants offer by placing them in your “breathing zone”, which is within 6-8 feet of where you sit or sleep at night. For an 1800 square foot home, experts recommend having anywhere from 15-18 house plants for maximum benefit. Studies show those who keep plants in their office space enjoy improved work performance. 

The routine of caring for plants can also help to decrease stress. When you water your plants, make a conscious effort to slow down and really pay attention to them: notice how they look and smell. Take some time to touch them and notice their texture. Mindfully caring for your plants in this way will help both you and your plants flourish. Next time you are at your local plant nursery, consider picking up some of the following plants that have been shown to have exceptionally beneficial air cleansing effects while helping to create a beautiful indoor space: 

•    English ivy (Hedera helix)

•    aloe vera (Aloe barbadensis)

•    spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

•    golden pothos (Epipiremnum aureum)

•    peace lily (Spathiphyllum `Mauna Loa')

•    Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)

•    bamboo or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)

•    snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)

•    heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron scandens `oxycardium')

•    lacy tree philodendron (Philodendron selloum)

•    elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)

•    red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)

•    corn plant (Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana')

•    Janet Craig & Warneckii dracaena (Dracaena deremensis `Janet Craig' & `Warneckii')

•    weeping fig (Ficus benjamina)

•    gerbera daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)

•    pot mum (Crysanthemum morifolium)

Author: Dr. Sukriti Bhardwaj, ND