While adding foliage and greenery to our homes has a lot of benefit, it was perhaps the pandemic that reinstated the many advantages of bringing nature indoors. As we stayed at home for days on end, we realized the importance of the outdoors and spending time amidst nature. Owing to this, and the fact that we needed an activity that was relaxing, a lot of people turned to gardening as a means of escape from boredom and anxiety.
As one of the top interior designers in Bangalore, we interact with a diverse number of clients and most of them are now conscious to add elements of green to their indoor spaces owing to its health benefits and aesthetic appeal. However, plants require dedication making it an activity that is time and effort consuming. So if you are just beginning your journey as a plant enthusiast, we are listing some of the plants that are easy to maintain and have great benefits when you use them in your space:
- Snake plant
This a very extensively used indoor plant that is very hardy and easy to maintain. It is also one of the best air purifying plants, thus enhancing the indoor air quality in the space it is placed it. These plants remove all sorts of toxins from the air including trichloroethylene, formaldehyde, toluene, benzene and xylene to name a few. To see good results, you will have to add atleast 6 to 8 snake plants that are of waist-high height for optimal air purification in your entire house. Snake plants thrive when placed under indirect sunlight and need to be sparsely watered and can be maintained even by someone who is not well versed with gardening. You can easily find it in nurseries nearby or order them from plant stores online.
- Peace lily
This beautiful plant is a great addition to your home as it comes with many health benefits while looking stunning. There are many health benefits of have peace lily plants indoors as they are the masters of air pollutant removal. They absorb ammonia, benzene, xylene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene thus improving the air quality throughout your home.
They grow well in both low and bright light, but they thrive best in shaded areas. It needs enough water to keep the soil moist, thus one must ensure that they do not overwater this plant. During the summer, the blooms further add to the beauty of it, but if you are allergic to pollen, you should ensure that this plant is kept in a space that you do not frequent.
- English ivy
One of the plants that you must have in your home if you are worried about mold is the English ivy. It is well-known to purify the air to upto 94 percent as it gets rid of airborne mold particles that can trigger allergies. It I’d an ideal plant for your bedroom especially if you have asthma or difficulty breathing at night. It is known to help inhabitants breathe easier and get a restful sleep at night. However, one must remember that English ivy is poisonous, so it should be kept away from children and pets. It grows well in darker and shaded areas and even thrives under fluorescent light. You need to ensure that the soil is moist at all times, but you should never over water it.
- Aloe Vera
Now we are all very well aware of the many applications of aloevera and how extensively it is used for skin care and haircare. It is also used to treat sunburn, frostbite, burns, psoriasis, cold sores etc. However, not many may know the many know that it is an efficient air pollutant catcher and removes formaldehyde and benzene toxins from the air. It needs sparse watering and thrives in shaded and semi shaded areas.
- Boston fern
This plant is considered as one of the best natural humidifier while they are also counted amongst the best air purifying plants. They absorb formaldehyde, xylene and other unwanted toxins thus enhancing the air quality of your space. It can also be of great benefit for those who suffer from dry skin which can be caused due to constant exposure to highly air-conditioned indoor spaces. These plants thrive in indirect sunlight and can be placed in air-conditioned rooms. Make sure that the soil is moist and they work best in rooms with cooler temperatures and a humidity level of 50 to 80 percent or so.
- Spider plant
One of the easiest plants to maintain, spider plant should definitely be a part of your home owing to the many health benefits that it comes with. Spider plants are experts at removing formaldehyde from the air while also targeting carbon monoxide and other toxic impurities in the air. It should be kept in indirect sunlight and it thrives well if the soil is just about moist. It does not need high maintenance or a regular watering regime which makes it such a hardy and easy to maintain plant. It is easily available in local nurseries or plant stores online.
- Areca Palm
If you have a larger space, and are looking to place larger plants that need little maintenance, then areca palms are just the plants for you. They add tropical vibes to your home and make it look lush and relaxing. It is non-toxic plant that eliminates carbon monoxide, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene and more. It thrives well in shaded areas and needs enough water to keep the soil moist.
As one of the most experienced interior designing company in Bangalore, we constantly strive to create spaces that are healthy and promote a healthy, active and a well-balanced life. Plants are a great addition to any space as they instantly lift the mood of the inhabitants and bring great relief to minds that are stressed and tired. It can be intimidating to add plants to your home, but if you choose them carefully, you can easily manage them while enjoying the many health benefits that boost your physical and mental well-being.
