Must have indoor plants and why you need them

Rose May Pimentel in Hobbies and Interests

Aug 19, 2020 • 3 min Read

People are becoming a plant parent this ‘plantdemic’. Indoor plants or house plants have become a sudden trend. As people are restricted from leaving their homes, many have turned into planting. Perhaps we can say, planting has now become part of the “new normal”.

Aside from the aesthetics of indoor plants, they also provide many amazing health benefits. According to AgriPortal.ph, indoor plants absorb carbon dioxide and keep oxygen flowing.  They also purify the air by removing toxins, help to deter illness, ease tension and lower stress, create a relaxed and happy ambiance whilst helping you to ultimately work better through improved concentration, heightened attention, enhanced creativity, increased productivity, and enriched overall well-being. The air-purifying and filtering properties of indoor plants ultimately foster a healthier and happier living environment.

Here are some of the must-have indoor plants and why you need them:

1. Echeveria

Echeverias are the most common succulent plants that are grown in the Philippines. They are easy to grow. They can thrive on brief periods of neglect, including low water and nutrients. These are perfect for those who want indoor plants but busy at work.

2. Snake Plant

The snake plant is recognized by NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) as one of the best indoor air purifying plants.  Studies have shown that this plant enhances memory, concentration, and holistic mental health. It is low maintenance, can go for days without water, and can also survive in low-light conditions.

3. Money Tree

The money tree is considered to be a bearer of good fortune to whoever owns it and wherever it was placed. This tiny “tree” is a “hard-to-kill” plant. It prefers bright, indirect light, and can tolerate artificial lighting. Aside from its air-purifying property, it is interesting to note that its leaves and flowers are edible too. The seeds can be powdered as flour for baking.

4. Pothos

Pothos is a vine that can be grown either in water or in soil. It is known as an air cleaner due to its purifying qualities from toxins. It also helps to eliminate stinky odors inside the room and helps the eyes to relax and avoid irritation after a long day of technology screen exposure. This plant is almost impossible to kill, even when you place it in darker areas with minimal sunlight, it remains green.

5. Calathea

Calathea is a plant that prefers indirect lighting which makes it popular for indoor purposes because they are generally easy to care for and they are green plants that liven up indoor spaces. Often with wide leaves, striking spots, lovely colors, it makes an excellent decoration in your home or office.

6. Peace Lily

The peace lily is known for its dark green leaf and lovely white bloom.  It can tolerate low-light conditions which makes it an excellent indoor plant. This plant can absorb a lot of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) which have long-term adverse effects on humans. It can also absorb excess moisture to avoid molds and mildew in bathrooms and toilets.

7. Spider Plant

A popular hanging plant, the spider plant is an undemanding plant that thrives in indirect sun. It is also enlisted by NASA as one of the best air-purifying plants. The spider plant is edible. Its extracts are used as a potential prebiotic for healthier digestion, waste excretion, and traditional medicine for bone fractures and burns. Put your green thumb into practice now, and start your plantita/plantito journey.

Stay healthy and safe!