Make your Space Vibrant: 5 Affordable Indoor Plants for Cleaner Air

Updated: Apr 12, 2024

Indoor plants can bring positive vibes in your home & office

CONTENTS

INDOOR PLANTS: YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND
TOP 5 INDOOR PLANTS FOR YOUR SPACE
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF INDOOR PLANTS

Linda Solegato has rightly said, “Plants give us oxygen for the lungs and for the soul”. A company of indoor plants in your home can positively impact your mind—it reduces your stress and anxiety and instantly lifts your mood! Indoor plants also possess air-purifying properties.

A recent study from the Journal of Horticulture also stated that snake plants can absorb harmful Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC). By the way, VOCs are all the harmful pollutants coming from household products and furniture. In this article, I am going to guide you with 5 affordable indoor plants that can improve indoor air quality and your mood. Let’s find out!

Indoor Plants: Your New Best Friends

Indoor plants can literally be your best friends. These plants can help you in numerous ways. A recent study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology states that indoor plants can help to reduce physiological and psychological stress. Spending even a few minutes with indoor plants can help you to calm down your blood pressure.

Want to excel in your studies? Not to worry, because another research stated in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health claims that the existence of indoor plants in your office or home, can increase your productivity and attention span.

Indoor plants helps to relax your nervous system

Nowadays, horticulture therapy is trending in the medical field. Many researchers have claimed that indoor gardening improves mental well-being. Many doctors have witnessed the conditions of patients suffering from anxiety, depression, and dementia. It also helps in faster recovery from illnesses and injuries.

Indoor plants help you to breathe fresh air! These plants absorb carbon dioxide and toxic VOCs and release oxygen in the room. In fact, the presence of indoor plants near your bed helps you to get good quality and improved sleep. Scientific studies show that indoor plants aid in relaxing your nervous system. Thus, indoor plants can help in fighting insomnia and sleep apnea.

Now that you know the importance of indoor plants, let’s explore the top 5 affordable indoor plants which can make your space lively.

Top 5 Indoor Plants For Your Space

Money Plant

This is my favourite plant! Whether you plant them in soil, propagate them in water, or hang them by turning them into kokedama, these plants thrive in all

mediums. Money plant breathes in gases like benzene, carbon monoxide, xylene and toluene. Apart from giving positive vibes, these plants increase humidity and reduce the chances of allergies. These plants also absorb electromagnetic rays and radiation emitted by TV, WIFI, and other electronic devices.

Areca Palm

Areca Palm maintains the indoor humidity conditions, helping to minimize respiratory and ENT-related issues. This plant is a superb air purifier—it eliminates toxins from the air and releases ample oxygen. Like money plants, areca palm, too requires minimum care and attention. This plant is also pet-friendly.

Snake Plant

Snake plants also improve indoor air quality by taking in all sorts of carcinogenic gases and giving oxygen in return. But, do you know what’s special about these plants? They can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen in the night too! Thus, these plants can be your perfect bedroom partner. They are easy to care for and perfect for beginners. They also help in healing minor ailments such as skin wounds and burns.

Monstera Plant

Monstera Plants have broad glossy green leaves, which act as natural cleansers and help in supplying oxygen to the air. These low-maintenance plants have distinct fenestrations, natural splits, and holes that enhance their aesthetic appeal. Monstera plants also act as natural humidifiers and help in preventing nasal and eye irritation. According to the University of Illinois, monstera plants help in enhancing cognitive functions. Thus, you feel fresh and productive throughout the day!

Spider Plant

A recent study found that spider plants excel in absorbing formaldehyde, a common emission from wooden furniture found in households. According to NASA’s clean air study of 1989, spider plants almost remove 98% of toxins from the air in 24 hours. They also help in eliminating the smallest airborne irritants such as dust mites, pollens, mold spores and so on. Additionally, these plants have therapeutic properties—according to medical studies, the presence of spider plants reduces cortisol levels (the hormone responsible for stress) and improves mood. These plants are also kid and pet-friendly.

How to Take Care of Indoor Plants?

Taking care of indoor plants involves several key steps to ensure they thrive:

Light: Most indoor plants require indirect sunlight. Place them near windows or in well-lit areas, but avoid direct sunlight, which can scorch their leaves.
Watering: The watering needs vary for different plants, but a general rule is to water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot. Use pots with drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
Humidity: Indoor environments can be dry, especially during winter. Increase humidity by misting the leaves regularly or placing a tray of water near the plants. Grouping plants together can also create a microclimate with higher humidity.
Temperature: Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). Avoid placing them near drafts, heating vents, or air conditioners, as sudden temperature changes can stress the plants.
Fertilizing: Indoor plants benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half-strength, and apply according to the instructions on the label.
Pruning: Regularly remove dead or yellowing leaves to encourage healthy growth. Prune leggy stems to maintain the plant's shape and promote bushiness.
Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for signs of pests like aphids, mealybugs, or spider mites. If detected, treat the infested plants promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Also, inspect plants regularly for signs of disease, such as mould or fungal growth.
Repotting: As indoor plants grow, they may outgrow their pots. Repot them into slightly larger containers with fresh potting soil every 1-2 years, preferably in spring. You can also use a good compost for your plants.

Growing indoor plants can be a fun activity!

By following these care tips, you can ensure that your indoor plants remain healthy and vibrant, adding beauty and freshness to your indoor spaces. Also, get to know more about the benefits of growing medicinal plants in your garden.