The Health Benefits of Houseplants

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I’ve been what I would call an “aspiring plant lady” for a few years now, but since moving into my new apartment last January, I’ve taken things up a notch. My houseplant collection is slowly growing, I’m learning how to take care of each plant (what their individual needs are) and what works and what doesn’t (full transparency: I’ve killed 2 of them over the last year but shhhhhhh).

I was inspired to write this post after getting a new plant from my friend Tori at Green Room Botanicals over the weekend. Houseplants look great and really bring a certain aesthetic to life, but beyond being nice to look at, houseplants actually offer a variety of health and wellness benefits, too! So, let’s dive in.

First and foremost, houseplants help to purify the air in your home. Think about this: how fresh the air is when you step outside, especially when you’re immersed in nature. NASA previously did a study which showed that houseplants can reduce indoor air pollution by up to 87%. It’s recommended that you have at least 1 plant for every 100 square feet in your home for the most benefit (I’m getting there)!

Additionally, houseplants help us breathe easier by not only purifying the air in our homes, but by providing us with clean oxygen, too. They also remove chemical toxins, dust, dander and mold spores from the air, helping to create cleaner, more breathable air.

Houseplants also act as natural humidifiers by releasing moisture into the air. This can help alleviate dry skin and sinuses, and promote healing. This happens when the water a plant absorbs through its roots transpires that water through its stems and leaves, and eventually out into the air around it. The best humidifying plants are snake plants, spider plants, peace lilies and rubber plants (I have a snake plant and a peace lily).

Last but not least, houseplants can reduce stress, anxiety and depression. Sounds crazy, I know, but studies have shown that having plants in your home can help your mental wellbeing. By increasing oxygen levels, anxiety levels fall. Stress and anxiety are often linked to environmental toxins, and plants help to remove those toxins from the air. Having plants in your space also creates a calming and relaxing environment, which can ease stress and anxiety, and if you have plants in your bedroom, they can promote restful sleep, too.

My favorite houseplants are pothos, spider plants and zanzibar plants - all of which offer at least one of the health benefits above. What are your favorite houseplants? I need inspiration for my next purchase :)

xo,
Kelsey