7 Low Maintenance House Plants Which Promote Great Health and Wellbeing
Good health and wellbeing does not just depend on our diet, physical exercise and self-care. There are many other things that we can do to ensure that we are looking after ourselves which require little maintenance, such as our environment.
Many of us may be working remotely at home due since the start of the pandemic, and may not realise that our workspace may be doing us more harm that good.
So what can you do about it? This is where the power of plants can play a huge role in not only making your space much greener, but also, more healthier.
The right house plant can actually make a big difference in your mood, your stress level, your sleep quality and even your breathing (Moreau, 2016). It’s all true! A 1989 NASA experiment found that certain indoor plants can improve the air quality in a home by absorbing chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air (Wolverton, 1989 cited in Doherty, 2018). This research found that a number of different houseplants could act as natural air filters.
When there is such an abundance of house plant varieties available, which ones do you choose?
Here at KiteNest, we have produced a guide to some of the 7 best plants which are both low maintenance and promote wellbeing.
Spider Plant
What are they good for?
Spider plants are acknowledged for removing formaldehyde from the air, especially in your home. This includes stuff which you may bring into your home such as paper bags, waxed paper, facial tissues, paper towels, napkins and synthetic fabrics (Moreau, 2016).
How easy are they to maintain?
Spider plants require little maintenance which makes them perfect plants for people who may be new to the endeavour of looking after plants. They can be kept in less sunny places in your home since they do not like to be placed under direct sunlight. Furthermore, they can grow in any type of soil and only need to be watered occasionally (Moreau, 2016). As long as the soil is kept moist, that is all that is needed to keep this plant thriving!
Aloe Vera
What are they good for?
Many people will associate aloe vera with having healing properties to soothe irritated skin. The clear gel like substance contained within the leaves can be applied directly to the skin, however consult your GP if you have any allergies or sensitivities. According to Web MD, Aloe Vera gel can be used to treat burns, sunburn, frostbite, psoriasis and cold sores. Furthermore, the plant itself is also great for purifying air as it works to absorb airborne compounds from paint or cleaning agents (Doherty, 2018).
How easy are they to maintain?
Aloe Vera plants need to be deeply watered and their soil left to dry between watering. They do well with the sun but watch their leaves as they can turn brown if they get too much of it so indirect sunlight is advised.
Peace Lily
What are they good for?
The Peace lily is another plant that NASA found to be great for absorbing compounds in the air. It’s renowned for its ability to break down compounds like carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and benzene (Doherty, 2018). Be mindful that as this is a flowering houseplant, it will produce pollen and does have a strong floral scent which is not always suitable for people who may suffer with pollen
related allergies.
How easy are they to maintain?
Peace lilies are often referred to as ‘closet plants’ – this means that unlike other house plants, they don’t thrive in direct sunlight. Placing your peace lily in a place of indirect sunlight will give you all the benefits of clean air. The perfect plant for anybody who does not get a lot of natural sunlight within their home.
Snake Plant
What are they good for?
Snake plants are fantastic at absorbing CO2 which is then converted into oxygen. These plants are ideal for your bedroom as they will improve the air quality – this improves the quality of sleep. It is advised that you keep between 6-8 plants within the household to seek optimal advantage.
How easy are they to maintain?
Snake plants are considered to be one of the easiest plants to care for. They do great when placed under indirect sunlight and they do not need to be watered much at all. They will actually grow better if you let them dry out quite a bit between watering.
Gerbera
What are they good for?
NASA found that the Gerbera daisy is the most effective plant in removing benzene from the air (Doherty, 2018). These beautiful daisies are similar to snake plants as they are known for their ability to absorb compounds which are airbourne and produce oxygen at night. According to the Lung Institute, they may also help suffer from sleep apnoea.
How easy are they to maintain?
Gerbera daisies require sunlight to bloom, but also need to ensure that the are not kept in temperatures above 21 degrees as this can cause the leaves to scorch. Turn on overhead lamps to supplement available light, especially during the winter months. Indoor gerbera care is minimal as long as you provide enough bright light to keep your plant happy.
Lavender
What is it good for?
This plant is definitely one for the senses; not only is it appealing for the eyes, but it smells delightful! Furthermore, lavender is one of one the most popular sources for essential oils. The floral smell is known to be effective at decreasing anxiety and providing a calm atmosphere (Davis, 2020). Due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, it is great to add to your routine.
How easy are they to maintain?
It is best to keep the lavender plant in a bright area and water it when the soil is dry to touch as too much watering can shorten the life span. On an evening, placing the lavender plant on a night stand in your bedroom to help encourage a peaceful rest. During the warmer spring months, move the lavender outside during the day so it can catch some rays of sunshine.
Eucalyptus
What is it good for?
This popular plant is known for its ability to help treat asthma, colds and congestion Davis, 2020). Eucalyptus is also a great plant in regard to mental well being particularly for bringing you back into the present moment. Taking a few moments to inhale its scent can be a powerful healing tool if you are feeling under the weather.
How easy are they to maintain?
Eucalyptus requires full sunlight (or artificial light under a lamp) if you don’t have access to natural sunlight where you live. Place your eucalyptus plant on the patio in a sunny, sheltered location. It also needs to be watered regularly.
Overall, there are so many benefits of having plants located in your workspace and home including lower levels of anxiety, an increase in attentiveness and memory, increased productivity, reduces stress levels, boosts mood and can spark creativity. So why not give them a go and see if you notice the difference!