Houseplants and Their Effect on Your Life

The Benefits of Having Houseplants

After filling my bedroom with at least fourteen plants, and giving them names, it is safe to say that I have an obsession. It's no secret that houseplants are beautiful to look at. However, I, as well as many others, did not recognize the countless benefits of having indoor plants. In fact, studies have proven that the presence of plants in one's environment has a positive effect on their mental health. Houseplants can not only improve one's mood, but they can also purify the air inside a home, especially if they have a relatively large surface area. These effects are most prevalent where there is a variety of different species of plants, as different species have different effects on their surroundings. My personal favorites are succulents and palms.

Money Tree (Jennifer) Pachira Aquatica

Most plants release carbon dioxide at night, when they stop photosynthesis and only perform cellular respiration. Succulents such as cacti are special because they release oxygen all the time. The constant release of oxygen, even during the night, can improve sleep quality, as the person sleeping can breathe easier. CAM (crassulacean acid metabolism) plants are very important because they are the best air purifiers. These plants include orchids, succulents, cacti, and pineapples, which have adapted to their hot and dry environments, allowing them to close their stomata during the day, prohibiting water evaporation. Then, at night, they improve air quality by performing cellular respiration and finally opening their stomata, which can improve sleep quality, as well. 

In addition to this, certain species of palm trees, such as areca palms, can help raise the humidity levels in the air. Areca palms are the most efficient air humidifiers. This can be convenient during the winter, as (through transpiration) the palms release water through their stomata, which is then released into the air, making it less dry. These are just a few examples of plants that can improve your life. Here are many more:

Areca Palm Tree (Yolanda) Dypsis Lutescens 

 Do you ever clean your house and then are bothered by the idea of the lingering chemicals in the air? If you have aloe vera plants, bamboo, or money trees, this doesn't have to be a problem! Plants such as aloe, bamboo, money trees, and nerve plants can absorb formaldehyde and benzene in the air, which are found in many cleaners and paints.

Avocado (Kara) Persea Americana  

Aloe vera plants are also easy to take care of, as they need minimal water, so you can forget about them for a couple of days and they will still be okay. These plants also have health benefits when applied to a cut or sunburn, as well as consumed in drinks, although they taste extremely bitter and absolutely horrible. When aloe vera is applied to the hair, it can condition and (using proteolytic enzymes) repair damage on the scalp, reducing itchiness and dandruff.

Growing up, my mother always told me that having a money tree in the house brings good luck and wealth in the future. I'm not sure about this, however, I love this plant because it is safe for cats. Both of my cats love chomping on all of my houseplants, which eventually makes them sick a couple hours later. However, money plants are nontoxic, which is perfect because that is their favorite plant to eat. This plant is also very beautiful, especially when the stems are braided together. Also, just like aloe vera, it purifies the air by absorbing formaldehyde and benzene.

Ever since I filled my room with plants, I have been sleeping better. In addition to the physical benefits these plants cause, I have noticed that the responsibility of taking care of these plants has a drastic effect on my mood.

Haworthia (Selena) H. Attenuata      

 Bamboo (Jhene) Bambusoideae