Going Green

The unexpected benefits of houseplants

by Erika Branchcomb, Florida League of Cities

Houseplants have always been an easy way to spruce up home decor and bring some of the outdoors inside. Recently, particularly during the long months of isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic, houseplants have become increasingly popular for their science-backed health benefits and aesthetic beauty.

Researchers have discovered numerous mental and physical health benefits from cultivating and caring for indoor plants. From stress relief to better sleep, houseplants can improve your well-being in multiple ways.

▸ Breathe easier. Research has confirmed that houseplants can filter volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that make it harder to breathe indoors. The plant’s foliage serves as a natural air filter by catching dust and other airborne allergens. Some of the most effective species for improved air quality include spider plants, Ficus trees, rubber plants and bamboo palms.

▸ Stress less. Simply being around plants can have a soothing effect. According to a study published in the Journal of American Anthropology, keeping plants in our home or office helps make us more calm, comfortable and natural.

▸ Increase productivity. Numerous studies have found a correlation between workspaces with indoor plants and increased productivity. A 2007 study showed people who worked in an environment with plants took fewer sick days and were more productive during work hours. Additionally, in classrooms with three or more houseplants, students performed better on tests.

▸ Recover quicker. Having plants or flowers in the room after an illness or surgery could speed your recovery. Kansas State University researchers discovered that patients with plants in their rooms typically had lower heart rates and blood pressure, needed less pain medication and suffered less fatigue and anxiety post-surgery.

▸ Sleep better. Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Many plants give off oxygen during the day. When photosynthesis stops at night, they switch to discharging carbon dioxide. But some plants, such as succulents, orchids, bromeliads and snake plants, continue releasing oxygen even at night, which can lead to more restful sleep.

When choosing houseplants, be sure to consider safe species for children and pets, as some plants have parts that are poisonous. Some common plants that can be dangerous include amaryllis, aloe vera, sago palm, mistletoe, English ivy, poinsettias and many varieties of lily. Consult the National Poison Center website (poison.org) for a comprehensive list.

Erika Branchcomb is the Senior Communications Specialist at the Florida League of Cities.

Sources: Prevention.com, WebMD, NBCNews.com, Healthline.com

Tips for Beginners

If you have never cared for indoor plants and are interested in the benefits, here are some tips to get you started.

▸ Succulents and cacti are low maintenance, easy to grow and thrive indoors.

▸ Cacti are generally hardy plants that can withstand low light, underwatering and other forms of plant neglect and still recover to bloom when cared for properly.

▸ With numerous varieties, succulents are great starter plants that come in all shapes, sizes and textures. You could start your collection with a few Echeveria and Sempervivum.

▸ Overwatering is the most common killer of houseplants. Follow the watering instructions that usually come on the plant identification tag.

Several mobile apps can help identify plants and provide a care routine with sunlight and watering recommendations. Some of the more popular apps available in the Apple and Google Play app stores are Planta, Florish, Blossom and PlantIn.