The importance of having houseplants is gaining attention from all over the world. They add to the aesthetics and are also easier on the pockets compared to decorating the house with other materials. A plain empty corner can look straight out of a home decor photoshoot with the help of the right plants and placements. However, houseplants do not just make the living space beautiful, they also come with a host of health benefits.

Benefits of Bedroom Plants

Given the rise in pollution levels in the world, our homes also carry some of these harmful chemicals inside. Furthermore, appliances in the house also release harmful chemicals that can affect one’s health over time. In order to address this, houseplants can be added to the living and bedroom space. That way, plants can absorb the chemicals and carbon dioxide in the air, and release oxygen needed for humans. While many may argue that plants too release carbon dioxide and can be harmful, it is noteworthy to mention that the amount of carbon dioxide released by plants in comparison to humans and pets is negligible to the amount of oxygen it produces during the day.

Natural Air Purifier

Indoor air pollutants such as benzenes, xylene, toluene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene get easily distributed within the home space making the air harmful to breathe. Houseplants absorb these toxins, thereby cleaning the air, and releases oxygen in its place making the living space cleaner and greener. This is done through the process of photosynthesis where plants absorb carbon dioxide during the day and release oxygen in its place.

Natural Stress Reliever

Some properties of houseplants are known to have calming effects on people. Just looking at the plant or caring for the plants has drastically helped reduce stress and anxiety amongst adults. Additionally, the process of potting and cleaning plants have calming effects over the mood.

Improves Health

Kansas State University researchers noted that patients with plants in their rooms recovered faster than patients without plants in their rooms. This directly reflects the fact that plants help lower blood rate and blood pressure, reduces anxiety and stress and decrease the chances of getting cold, flu and other flu-like ailments. Hence, keeping houseplants also has similar effects and by reducing such sleep inhibitors, it is an effective way to get a wholesome sleep every night.

Natural Dehumidifier

If you live in a moist place, then houseplants can help absorb excess moisture from the air. As a result, the level of humidity reduces and this decreases the chances of bacteria infestation in your homes.

Best Houseplants for Amateurs

If you are new to having plants at home, it can get overwhelming to decide what the best plants are. While some plants grow better in light, some grow better in darkness. Some plants require high maintenance, care, and watering, whereas, some plants require the opposite. In order to help you get started, here are some examples of houseplants:

• Snake Plant - NASA lists this among top 10 air purifiers that require very low maintenance and low light;
• Spider Plant - Ideal for hanging, spider plants fight off indoor air pollutants and require moderate light but regular water;
• Peace Lily - Thrives in low light, and requires a moderate amount of watering;
• Parlor Palm - Dehumidifier and requires moderate light, perfect for corners or near windows.

Aloe Vera - Known for its soothing effects, aloe vera can be kept in your bedroom. Although, this requires less water but direct sunlight.