Skip to main content

Natural Awakenings Dallas -Fort Worth Metroplex Edition

 972.992.8815

Top 10 Benefits of Houseplants

Top 10 Benefits of Houseplants


  • Improve air quality in the home by removing carbon dioxide and toxins such as benzene
  • Reduce formaldehyde in the air by up to 90 percent
  • Stimulate physical and psychological relaxation responses
  • Increase ambient humidity in the home by as much as 10 percent
  • Increase microbial activity in the home, which stimulates the immune system
  • Indoor plants psychologically link us to nature, adding to our sense of well-being
  • Being around plants makes us feel more comfortable, productive and creative
  • Houseplants help boost energy and reduce fatigue
  • Having a houseplant nearby lowers blood pressure and reduces stress
  • Pets will also enjoy better air quality and better health

Top Plants for Air Quality


Sansevieria (mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plant) — super-low maintenance, grows in low light and is pet friendly

Pothos — also makes an excellent hanging basket (toxic to dogs and cats)

English ivy — another great hang-up plant (toxic to dogs and cats)

Bamboo palm — prefers bright light, but will grow in low light and it’s pet-safe

Dracaena (mass cane, corn plant) — needs bright, indirect light; this tall, upright plant is great for spaces to add height (toxic to dogs and cats)

Rubber tree plant — like its relative, Ficus benjamina, the rubber tree (Ficus elastica) is a bit finicky, needing just the right amount of light and water. Both varieties are toxic to dogs and cats.

Peperomia — Pet-friendly, it resembles an African violet with succulent leaves and stems. It needs bright but indirect light to maintain it’s vibrant foliage.
African violet — Keep the plant evenly moist and always water from the bottom. Pet-friendly.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas) — Virtually indestructible, the ZZ plant will grow in very low light. It’s mildly toxic to both pets and people.

Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema) — A wide, large-leafed plant that offers a variety of variegated foliage colors. Performs best in medium light conditions. Must be kept evenly moist to avoid losing its leaves. Toxic to dogs and cats.

A tip o’ the hat to Marshall Grain, located at 3525 William D. Tate Ave., in Grapevine. For more information, call 817-416-6600 or visit MarshallGrain.com.