Indoor plants are ESSENTIAL in my home. Aside from being aesthetically pleasing keeping plants in your home provide so many health benefits most of us know nothing about. I have created a list of my top five house plants, and what their benefits inside the home are.
1. Ivy
Ivy is one of the most beneficial plants when it comes to sleep, and in my household, sleep is something we struggle with. Ivy is listed as one of NASA’s top plants for purifying the air. Studies have shown that this leaf can improve symptoms of allergies or asthma – which seriously impact sleep. The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reported that, in a 2005 experiment, English Ivy removed 94% of airborne feces and 78% of airborne mold in as short as 12 hours.
Ivy, is definitely a plant to have on hand for a great night’s sleep. Ivy is simple to grow and only needs moderate exposure to sunlight.The evergreen vine looks great in an indoor hanging basket, or placed on a ledge where the leaves can trail down. It’s toxic to kids and pets though, so make sure to keep it up and out of reach!
2. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is also listed as one of NASA’s top air-improving plants. The fantastic Aloe emits oxygen at night, making for a more restful sleep. It’s also one of the easiest plants to grow and maintain – it tolerates ‘neglect’ well and doesn’t require frequent watering or much sunlight. Aside from its high levels of oxygen emitions it also helps to keep your home free from benzene which is commonly found in paint and certain chemical cleaners. An added bonus to keeping aloe in your home is its very well known healing abilities, you can also use the gel from the Aloe Vera leaves as a topical treatment for minor cuts and burns, insect bites, dry skin and lots more!
3. Yucca Cane
The Yucca Cane is one of my favorite plants from a visual standpoint. Its large Deep forest green leaves provide a elegant accent to any room while providing air purification. Over time, Yucca Cane develops into a bold tree that can reach several feet tall, making it a dramatic houseplant to add life and color to a blank wall, empty corners of a room, or act as a bold architectural accent. **Photographed above is a young Yucca Cane that I have had for just a few months.
4. Snake Plant
The Snake plant is my favorite looking plant. This plant is commonly seen integrated into interior design these days because of its abstract fun appearance.Aside from its appealing look, its an excellent plant when it comes to home health and air purification. The Snake plane removes formaldehyde and nitrogen oxide produced by fuel-burning appliances. Its long tall Leaves make it an excellent addition to a room without overcrowding with large wide reaching leaves.
5. Spider Plant
The Spider Plant has been placed by NASA among the top 3 types of houseplants that are great at removing formaldahyde. Also removes carbon monoxide and other toxins or impurities such as Xylene, which is used in leather, rubber and print products. The spider Plant likes bright, indirect light and lots of water while growing.The Spider Plant is a must have in the home if your looking for healthier cleaner air, Its one of the most rapidly cleaning plants and purifies at faster speeds then most other plants.
Keep in mind that using a variety of different houseplants in your home can help remove a wider variety of environmental toxins.