Plants have become a big thing in homes and offices for their aesthetically pleasing nature and positive psychological effects. But did you know that they can also improve your health?
A recent study found that plants can lower diastolic blood pressure and encourage a sense of calm. They can even help you get more done by lowering your stress and anxiety.
Jasmine
Locally known as Chameli Plant, known for its sweet smell, the jasmine plant (Jasminum) is a genus of over 200 flowering shrubs and vines in the olive family that can be found throughout tropical areas as well as some temperate regions. Its scent captivates and delights, making it one of the most popular and fragrant houseplants.
The most obvious benefits of growing jasmine indoors is the delightful fragrance. The sweet scent can help create a calming and soothing atmosphere in your home, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Like many other houseplants, jasmine help to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia.
The pleasant aroma of jasmine is linked to mood enhancement and stress reduction. In aromatherapy, jasmine oil is often used to alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance but high-impact plant, try the jasmine plant as your indoor friend plant with benefits.
The best variety to grow indoor is Jasminum Sambac (Arabian Jasmine).
Orchids
Many orchids are sold as houseplants. They look beautiful and the plants help people feel more relaxed and energized. The greenery absorbs and releases carbon dioxide, which can ease headaches and improve concentration, says Navya Mysore, MD, a primary care physician with One Medical in New York City.
It can also increase humidity, which could alleviate dry skin. And plants can remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) — chemicals emitted by paint, varnish, flooring materials and smoke.
Orchids are a unique plant group, with a broad range of flower shapes, sizes and colors. Many of these flowers grow as ‘epiphytes’ in the wild, clinging to trees using modified aerial roots and storing water in swollen stems called pseudo bulbs. These are a great choice for the home gardener because they can be grown in shallow pots or hanging baskets.
When it comes to care, orchids are among the easiest plants to grow. They thrive in indirect light and require regular watering but should not be overwatered. For an easy-to-grow orchid that blooms regularly, try a phalaenopsis or Cambria-like hybrid. This group of hybrids features flowers in a range of colors, including pink, orange, yellow, red and purple. It also includes zygopetalums, which have flowers with bilateral symmetry and fused stamens and carpels.
Succulents and Cacti
Most succulents and cacti are low maintenance, easy to grow indoor plants that add color and texture to rooms. Many have interesting forms, from rounded or curvy to angular and sculptural. They typically thrive in bright light, dry air and well-draining soil.
Succulents and cacti absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen during photosynthesis and thus improve indoor air quality. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, adding visual interest and beauty to indoor environments. They contribute to a healthier and more enjoyable living and working environment.Top of FormBottom of Form
Popular indoor succulents include jade plants (Sacramento) and hen-and-chicks plants (Echeveria). You might also be familiar with the Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera x tectorum), Easter lily cactus (Echinopsis) and the Bunny Ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) which has flat pads that look like bunny ears and tiny spines.
Succulents and cacti are adapted to arid environments. They can store water in their thick leaves and stems. They are often able to close their stomata during the hottest parts of the day to prevent excess water loss. Water them as needed, but avoid overwatering. Choose a well-draining soil and potting mix or make your own by adding pumice or perlite to regular potting compost.
Pothos
Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum) is a popular houseplant because it is easy to care for and can tolerate low light. It is a great climbing plant, perfect for hanging baskets and wall sconces. Another reason to love this plant is its air-purifying properties. According to NASA research, the golden pothos is one of the few plants that can successfully reduce indoor ozone levels, as well as other gases such as formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide.
There are many varieties of pothos available, including the Marble Queen and Silver Satin. The former has a cascading vine of green and white marble-colored leaves while the latter has silvery splashes on its foliage. The Jessenia pothos is a stable sport of the Marble Queen and has variegated green and yellow-green leaves.
The key to success with any pothos is good soil. Fertilize your pothos with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 2-3 months during the spring and summer, and less frequently in fall and winter. Water your plant until the soil is completely soaked, but don’t overwater it, as this can lead to root rot. Repot your pothos when the roots start to grow through the drainage holes, or when the container becomes too full.
You can prune your pothos to encourage bushier growth and remove any yellow or discolored leaves as needed. This will help your plant keep looking its best. Just be careful not to cut your plant above a leaf node, as this can promote leggy growth.
