Do you love decorating with houseplants? Having greenery indoors can be therapy in itself. However, vegetation can do even more for your home.
Some houseplants have therapeutic properties due to their fragrance. Others can remove pollutants from the environment. Let’s take a look at several that are famous for their unique properties.
Lemon-Scented Plants
Essential oils and aromatherapy are increasingly popular. Research indicates that lemony scents have the power to improve mood. To de-stress your home, you can grow lemon mint or any of these other pleasant-smelling varieties:
- Lemon trees
- Lemon balm
- Lemon verbena
Aloe Vera
Aloe gel has many healing properties. It’s famous for soothing skin after burns and cuts. This plant also has antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
You may not know that the aloe plant can help purify the air in your home. It effectively removes pollutants like those from cleaning products.
This houseplant can also indicate air quality problems since it develops brown spots when chemical content is high. Keep aloe vera out of reach of pets or small children, as it’s toxic.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are a safer choice for homes where a tiny human or furry family member might put greenery in their mouths.
These houseplants require little maintenance and are non-toxic if swallowed. Spider plants also remove carbon monoxide from the environment.
Gardenia
If you have trouble getting to sleep, this houseplant may be an excellent choice. Research suggests the fragrance of gardenia flowers works as well as prescription sleep aids, but without side effects.
Rubber Tree
Rubber trees are easy to grow and do well in cool and dim conditions. They eliminate toxins to purify the air.
Mint
This plant has many variations. Nearly all of them emit a pleasant scent that can improve mood and memory.
Choose a mint variety that does well in a pot. If you’re not usually good with plants, you’ll be pleased to know it’s hardy and low-maintenance.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies have beautiful flowers and prefer cool, shady areas. They’re excellent decorations and air purifiers, removing toxins from the environment.
Snake Plant
These houseplants are easy to care for, requiring little water and light. They’re especially appropriate for the bedroom since they release oxygen during the night. Consider a snake plant to improve your sleep quality.
Chrysanthemum
Mums often signal the arrival of colder weather and are popular fall decorations. However, their usefulness goes far beyond their appearance.
Chrysanthemums can absorb harmful chemicals found in household products, such as:
- Formaldehyde
- Ammonia
- Benzene
- Trichloroethylene
Bamboo Palm
You’ve probably seen bamboo plants used in home decoration, but did you know they also purify the air? They’re outstanding at removing benzene and trichloroethylene from the environment. For best results, keep them moist and out of direct sunlight.
Red-Edged Dracaena
The Dracaena marginata plant goes by several different names:
- Dragon tree
- Madagascar dragon tree
- Red-edged dracaena
As the names suggest, it has long green leaves with red edges that remind some people of a dragon. This plant thrives in containers, so you can easily keep it in your house.
You’ll need to remember that the dragon tree can reach heights of fifteen feet. Make sure you place it somewhere it will have enough room to grow. It’s excellent for filling empty spaces in your home.
This plant grows best in direct sunlight. It purifies its environment by removing toxins like xylene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene.
Golden Pothos
This cascading plant works best in hanging baskets or pots on elevated surfaces like shelves or mantels. The golden pothos prefers low light and mild temperatures.
This houseplant can remove formaldehyde from the air. You may even wish to place it in your garage or basement to help neutralize pollutants like car exhaust, cleaning agents, paint fumes, and similar chemicals.
Philodendron
Beautiful heart-shaped leaves make this houseplant popular for indoor decoration. It’s easy to care for and can live for many years. Philodendrons do well with moderate amounts of water and sunlight.
Beyond its elegance, this plant helps remove pollutants from the air. It’s especially good at absorbing xylene.
In Summary
Many different houseplants can purify your home’s environment or help you relax. Some of the best air cleaners are:
- Aloe vera
- Spider plant
- Rubber tree
- Peace lily
- Snake plant
- Chrysanthemum
- Bamboo palm
- Red-edged dracaena
- Golden pothos
- Philodendron
Lemon-scented plants, gardenia, and mint can help you relax. Try any or several of these beauties to de-stress your home and purify the air.