Houseplants seem to be more popular than ever. Are there benefits beyond their appearance?

 

By Linda Stewart

Do you have houseplants? One? Five? Ten? More? Did you know that the average home has between two and five houseplants with the most frequent number being one. Since I have about twenty, I skew these statistics. So, are you better than average?

Houseplants provide many benefits beyond just looking beautiful. Here are several reasons you should fill your house with more plants:

Studies have shown that plants improve the air quality in the home by releasing oxygen and reducing volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), pollutants common in many household objects. Mental wellness is improved by better sleep and more oxygen, which in turn, improves the quality of sleep. A study by the University of Michigan showed memory retention improved by up to 20% when surrounded by nature. You can bring some of the enjoyment of walking in the park into your home with houseplants. So, take a moment and inhale deeply.

Humans are social creatures who need to connect. Why not connect to your plants?  You won’t be the only person who talks to their plants. It’s also been proven that houseplants improve mental health and well-being by decreasing stress levels and reducing anxiety. Watching your plants thrive can be very satisfying and can create a sense of accomplishment which also helps to improve mental health.

Houseplants raise humidity in your home as they release water vapors into the air. This is an excellent method of combatting dry air from fans, air conditioners, and the dreaded Santa Ana winds.

Plants can increase work productivity. Many studies have proved a direct relationship between increased work function and creativity when a plant was in the room.

And, of course, houseplants add beauty, color, and style to a home.

You can select from a wide range of plants: from small to huge; those preferring low light corners to bright windows; those that are drought tolerant to needing consistent moisture. Colors range from green to white to almost black and many combinations of the rainbow. Some have gorgeous flowers while others have insignificant ones. Choosing plants depends on your preferences and how much time and care you want to devote while still enjoying all the aforementioned benefits.

In my house, plants get watered every Sunday (or not until the following Sunday if they seem damp from cold weather or it is not their growing season). They get fertilized on the first Sunday of each month. They live on my schedule or are tossed into the green bin. But that is me!  What kind of houseplant parent will you be?

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Linda Stewart has been a UCCE Master Gardener since 2010