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.