She Strengthens

Breathe Easy: The Surprising Benefits of Low-Maintenance Indoor Plants

Indoor plants have taken the world by storm, and it’s not just because they’re aesthetically pleasing. From snake plants to aloe vera, these easy-care options can significantly reduce pollutants and enhance our overall well-being. Let’s dive into the benefits of bringing some greenery into your life.

The Air Quality Crisis

We spend about 90% of our time indoors, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Unfortunately, this means we’re exposed to indoor air pollution, which can lead to headaches, nausea, and fatigue. The culprits? Furnishings, carpet, upholstery, dry-cleaned clothing, paint, synthetic building materials, cleaning products, pesticides, bacteria, mold, and outdoor pollution that enters our homes.

The Power of Indoor Plants

While it’s true that you’d need an impractical number of plants to completely eliminate toxins, indoor plants can still make a significant impact on air quality. They can reduce irritation to eyes, ears, nose, and throat, prevent or ease coughing and congestion, lower stress, and boost attention capacity. Plus, they help get rid of stale air and act as a natural humidifier.

9 Air-Purifying Indoor Plants to Pot

Don’t be intimidated if you don’t have a green thumb! Many plants are easy to care for, and we’ve compiled a list of nine virtually indestructible options:

1. Garden Mum: A popular and inexpensive choice, garden mums have beautiful blooms and require minimal maintenance.
2. Spider Plant: One of the easiest air-purifying indoor plants to grow, spider plants thrive in bright, indirect sunlight.
3. Dracaena: With over 40 varieties, Dracaena plants are easy to find and can grow up to three feet tall.
4. Ficus/Weeping Fig: A hardy plant that can reach 10 feet, the ficus prefers bright, indirect light and infrequent watering.
5. Peace Lily: Ideal for compact spaces, peace lilies prefer shady spots and moist soil.
6. Boston Fern: These plants thrive in cool, humid environments with indirect light.
7. Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue: One of the hardest houseplants to kill, snake plants tolerate most light levels and require minimal watering.
8. Bamboo Palm: Slow-growing and easy to care for, bamboo palms can reach heights of 12 feet.
9. Aloe Vera: Not only easy to care for, aloe vera has numerous health benefits, including wound-healing and antibacterial properties.

Repotting Your Indoor Plants

When it’s time to transplant your plant, choose a clay pot and organic soil to avoid adding to indoor air pollution. Water your plant thoroughly before transplanting, and snip away any roots protruding from the drainage holes. Tip the plant upside down to ease it out of its original pot, and gently place it in its new container.

The Future of Air-Purifying Indoor Plants

Scientists have developed a genetically modified pathos ivy that can significantly reduce chloroform and benzene levels. While this powerful air-purifying plant is currently only available in Canada, researchers are seeking approval for its sale in the United States. In the meantime, you can still reap the benefits of the above houseplants or opt for the unmodified pathos ivy.