If you’re feeling stressed and need a simple way to relax, why not try adding some indoor plants to your home? Not only do plants improve the air quality in your house, but they can also have health and mood-elevating benefits.
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Indoor Plants
Yes, you read that right – indoor plants are not just for enhancing the aesthetics of your home, they also offer numerous health benefits and can help alleviate stress. So why not bring some greenery into your space and enjoy the magic of nature right at home?
You don’t need to have a rare and unusual houseplant either, some very common plants can help you feel better.
You don’t even need to worry if you have a dark room with only a little sunlight. There are plenty of plants that thrive with little or no sunlight,
Stress Relieving Houseplants
Here are some de-stressing plants noted to provide your home with peace and tranquility!
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is a little miracle plant that is a hard to kill houseplant and perfect to keep in your home.
Aloe Vera plants are a versatile addition to your home. Not only do they thrive in sunny environments and come in various sizes that can easily blend in with any décor, but they also have amazing healing properties.
The gel inside the leaves can soothe skin irritations and act as a detoxifier when ingested. Simply break open a leaf and squeeze out the gel. Additionally, Aloe Vera plants help to maintain the air quality in your home, leaving your home feeling fresh and beautiful.
- Light: Bright indirect light, a westerly windowsil is perfect.
- Watering: Water deeply once every 2 or 3 weeks. If you water it more often the plant might rot.
- Other Considerations: Aloe Vera is a member of the succulent family and can survive periods without water. Mature Aloe Vera plants will often produce baby ‘pups’ which can be planted to expand your plant collection!
2. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most smoothing plants available. Lavender oil is an excellent multi-purpose essential oil and aids with relaxation and sleep.
Lavender can easily be grown outside in a lot of places (as long as it’s not too hot or humid), but if you want to grow it inside then you will need to pay a little more attention to it.
- Light: Lavender needs a LOT of light. Ideally, it will receive at least 3 to 4 hours of direct sunlight a day.
- Watering: Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Stick your finger into the soil to feel for moisture. Lavender will rot if it is overwatered.
- Other Considerations: Ideal temperatures for Lavender are 50-55 degrees at night and 70-75 degrees during the day. However, different species can tolerate different temperatures.
Not sure what houseplant is ight for you?
Take my Houseplant Quiz to find your PERFECT plant!
3. Ferns
Ferns are popular indoor plants for their ability to purify the air and eliminate negative energy. Their graceful foliage not only adds aesthetic value to any space, but also provides a comforting tactile experience. A Maiden Hair Fern, in particular, is an excellent choice for low-light areas that need a calming touch.
While ferns offer a diverse range of forms and sizes, most species prefer indirect sunlight. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of their placement and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. Placing them in a humid corner of a room can create an ideal environment for their growth and well-being.
- Light: Ferns do best with indirect light. Try placing them need a north-facing window.
- Watering: Most ferns prefer moist soil. So water them frequently but don’t allow the soil to get soggy.
- Other Considerations: Ferns like humid environments. You can either use a humidifier, mist your fern regularly or have a humidity tray (a tray of stones filled with water) under the pot.
4. Rubber plant
Rubber plants are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and can grow to over six feet (in the wild they can grow to over 100 feet!).
Rubber plants clean the air in your home and many homes have them because they are so easy to grow. They love more dim light and cooler temperatures; these plants are excellent at removing toxins and purifying the air.
- Light: Indirect sunlight is best. If it’s too bright or hot the leaves can get scorched.
- Watering: Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) in the spring and summer. In the winter and fall, the soil can dry out a little more, but not too much!
- Other Considerations: Rubber plants are tropical plants and prefer a more constant temperature and humid. They are happiest at about 70-75 degrees.
5. Lemon Balm
The delightful fragrance of lemon balm is a crowd-pleaser! I bet you won’t be able to resist rubbing its leaves every time you walk past!
Not only does lemon balm smell amazing but if you are bitten by insects, you can apply lemon balm to the bite for immediate relief. Lemon balm contains a compound (ferulic acid), which protects the skin from harm. As a result, it can be used to create a balm for sunburn and wounds.
- Light: Lemon Balm ideally needs a lot of sunlight, so a south-facing window where it can get 5 hours of direct light a day is perfect.
- Watering: Lemon Balm needs regular watering. If you do leave it too long between waterings, then it will recover quickly from wilt.
- Other Considerations: Make sure you use good draining soil, as Lemon Balm will rot if the soil stays too wet.
Not sure what houseplant is ight for you?
Take my Houseplant Quiz to find your PERFECT plant!
