The Health Benefits of Indoor Plants

Growing up in the 1970s and 80s, I remember just about every household had indoor plants. Having numerous plants was the norm. Plants provided beauty, and our mothers enjoyed growing them. In those days health benefits from plants wasn't a concern. As the years changed, interior decorating changed also. By the year 1990, having a houseplant became a chore, rather than the norm. It never occurred to anyone that while there was a decrease in houseplants, there was an increase in allergies, sinus problems, bronchitis, and other upper respiratory problems. In 2010, let's make small changes to improve our health. Let's remember what we had in our lives as children that kept us healthy.

We're spending hundreds of dollars, yearly, on medications such as: benadryl, claritin, zyrtec, and different antibiotics. These medications are useful, if really needed, but why not try something natural, first. In this article, I will discuss the benefits of having indoor plants. If your a novice to growing plants, I will also discuss 4 easy growing houseplants.

For years, NASA has been researching ways of cleansing space stations for human habitation. Their studies have found that normal houseplants significantly clean the air. This is done by photosynthesis. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. When they absorb carbon dioxide, they also absorb common household pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. New homes and buildings would especially benefit from houseplants. Newer properties are better insulated to conserve energy. While better insulation does save the consumer money, it can cause illness, also. Pollutants are trapped inside and have no way of being released outside. Instead, the consumer is constantly inhaling pollutants. In other words, the money you save conserving energy is, in turn, spent on allergy medications and doctor visits. Studies have shown that 1-2 plants, per room, is sufficient to improve the quality of air in your home.

Now then, we've decided to purchase houseplants to improve our health and beautify our homes. What kind should we buy? If your like me, your looking for houseplants that doesn't need alot of attention. I have numerous houseplants, all of which, grows very well with minimum assistance. If your new to growing plants, these 4 plants are a good start: Photos, Spider Plant, Aloe Vera, and Cactus.

Pothos are the easiest growing houseplants out there. This plant grows very well in low light conditions. It's common name is pothos, devil's ivy, or philodendron. The leaves are pointed heart shaped, which can be all green, green with streaks of white, or light green. This type of plant is excellent for busy people. Let the soil dry out completely before watering.

Spider Plants are another easy growing beautiful plant. Common names are spider plant, airplane plant, or chlorophytum comosum. This plant grows from the center of the plant. It's leaves are long and thin which are green at the edges, with a white strip in the middle. Spider plants are known for having "babies". This plant produces long stems that produce small hanging flowers that can be replanted into new spider plants. Place this plant near a window and watch it grow, I love spider plants.

The aloe vera plant can be grown indoors or outdoors. It is known for it's medicinal uses and skincare. With little care, this plant can flourish in your home. The aloe vera plant needs bright light for growth. Place this plant in a brightly sunlit area, and leave alone. The leaves store water so you need not water frequently, over watering will kill it. Water even less in the winter.

Lastly, the cactus, is a hard to kill plant, also. This plant comes in numerous sizes and shapes. The cactus needs very little watering. It too, stores it's water in it's leaves. Like the aloe vera, it needs bright light. Place this plant on your kitchen window seal, water very little, and leave alone. This is a very easy growing houseplant.

Let's not forget the little things we can do to make big changes in our lives. Watching your plants grow will not only provide a touch of indoor beauty and increased health, but a sense of accomplishment.