1. Air Purification: Although we are safe from the harmful pollutants of the outside world, many toxins can be found in our homes as well. From cleaning products to pet dander, the air inside our homes may not be as clean as we think. The Snake Plant will help clean and purify the air by absorbing household toxins into its leaves and releasing oxygen back into the air.
Other air-purifying plants include:
- Aloe Vera: Requires very little water + bright light.
- Orchid: Requires ample water, allow to dry in between watering + bright indirect light.
- Golden Pothos: Can withstand both bright, indirect light, as well as low light conditions. Allow soil to dry before watering. This plant can handle some neglect and will show when it needs a little love.
2. Better Sleep: Our day-to-day responsibilities can sometimes make it impossible to catch a wink of sleep. Tossing and turning, scrolling through our phones until we are no longer able to keep our eyes open. The best plants for a better night's rest are ones that release oxygen at night, like the Snake Plant or the Rubber Tree. The soothing smell of Lavender or Jasmine can also help you relax. Try keeping a sachet under your pillow or a few fresh cuts from the garden on your side table.
Plants for better sleep:
- Snake Plant: Requires little water + allow to dry between watering and avoid wetting the leaves.
- Rubber Tree: Requires bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist but not soggy.
- Gardenia: Yes, you can grow Gardenias indoors! Make sure to keep the soil moist but not soggy and allow for 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. These are my personal favorite. They fill the room with the most pleasant scent that has been known to reduce stress and induce sleep.
3. Boost Creativity: Have you ever sat down, ready to create, and suddenly are overwhelmed by nothingness? I'm sure we have all experienced the anxiety and irritability that comes with a mental block. It can be very discouraging and can consume an entire day. Luckily, plants can help decrease anxiety. Try adding a little greenery to your workspace and allow the creativity to flow!
Plants for boosting creativity in low-light conditions:
- ZZ Plant: Requires very little water, and can go months without. This plant can handle deficient light conditions but grows very slowly.
- Bird's Nest Fern: Requires an ample amount of water + moist (never soggy) soil.
- Maidenhair Fern: Requires full shade + moist soil.
- Chinese Evergreen: Requires low to medium light + little water, allow soil to dry between watering.
4. Teach Responsibility and Empathy: Having your child take care of a plant can not only help teach responsibility but can also help boost empathy and a sense of independence. It's not as much work as a pet but will require them to check-in and make sure that the plant is taken care of and watered correctly. Not all plants are safe, and if consumed, can be highly toxic.
Plants safe for children and pets:
- African Violet: Requires indirect light + moist soil. Be sure to water from the bottom, so leaves do not rot.
- Prayer Plant: Requires bright, indirect light + moist soil. When watering, use room temperature or warm water. This gorgeous plant keeps its leaves upright at night and lets them down during the day.
- Polka Dot Plant: Requires bright, indirect light. Water only when the first few inches of soil become dry. To keep your plant looking lush, be sure to wipe down the leaves now and then. This will also help your plant grow by allowing it to absorb more sunlight!
5. Creative Plant Pots: I often buy my plants on a whim, and for this reason, I am always short on pots and planters. I found that using a Beeswax Wrap makes a great temporary home. It allows the excess water to collect without seeping through and is super easy to clean once I decide to transfer my plant to its new home. This also makes for a super cute, and sustainable gift! Just wrap your nursery planter and secure it with a ribbon.
Whether you prefer big and bold or small and subtle, adding a plant to space will surely add a little life! From tall and leafy Fiddle Figs to short and stout Succulents, a little greenery will go a long way!
