Many view indoor plants as just decoration or pleasing aesthetics, but indoor plants bring so much more than that to the table!
1. Oxygen, Oxygen, Oxygen
Oxygen is essential to human life. When we breathe, we breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Plants do humans a favor and “eat” carbon dioxide and release oxygen.
Pro tip: Certain plants like orchids, succulents and epiphytic bromeliads have nocturnal photosynthesis and produce oxygen at night. So keep these in the bedroom.
2. Bye, Bye Flu
Plants absorb water through their roots and it then evaporates through their leaves, increasing the moisture in your home. This is especially beneficial during drier months (think winter) and helps to decrease colds and coughs. High moisture/humidity also decreases the transmission of the flu virus.
3. Hello Clean Air
Studies show that plants absorb even more toxins than just carbon dioxide, like formaldehyde. So keeping these beauties around gives you and your family cleaner more healthy air. A few of the best plants to remove indoor pollutants are: Peace Lily, Golden Pothos, English Ivy and Gerbera Daisy.
4. Get Well Soon(er)
Plants have a mood boosting quality to them that has been proven to help surgical patients during recovery! Being around plants and taking care of plants as part of your recovery plan can decrease recovery time and boost positive physiologic responses.
5. Get a Raise
Okay, plants may not get you a raise, but they can improve how you work and study. Working and studying around plants increases concentration, memory AND productivity. It has even been shown to increase memory retention up to 20 percent.
Plants suitable for growing indoors can be found at garden centers, markets, home improvement stores and even grocery stores. So the next time you’re out, pick up an indoor plant – or two. It’s an inexpensive way to a healthier you!
