The Benefits of Houseplants

There is much to appreciate about houseplants. In fact, January 10 has been deemed National Houseplant Appreciation Day. Research has proven that there are physical, emotional, and psychological benefits to having houseplants in the home. Whether it is one, or seemingly a forest, houseplants are a great way to spruce up the indoor landscape.

Research shows that we spend more than 85 percent of our lives indoors and having houseplants is an excellent way to bring nature with us. Houseplants have proven to improve indoor air quality. According to a 1989 NASA study, plants help remove cancer-causing chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Newer research has indicated that it would take a large number of plants to effectively remove all of the toxins, but having some plants helps to a certain degree.

Another air quality benefit of plants is the natural process of recycling carbon dioxide through photosynthesis. Orchids and succulents are particularly efficient at this process and would be good choices for a bedroom environment.

Houseplants increase the humidity in a home.  This is especially important in Wisconsin’s dry winters.  A study at the Agricultural University of Norway showed a significant reduction in sore throats and dry skin when house plants were grouped together in homes. 

University studies at Michigan and Texas A&M showed that houseplants had significant workplace benefits.  According to these studies, concentration, memory, and productivity went up as much as 20% when houseplants were present. Another study showed that work was completed with better accuracy and quality.

Psychologically, tending plants is effective in reducing stress, mental fatigue, and anxiety. Plants create a sense of well-being and connection to something larger than ourselves.  It is comforting to work on plants, especially if a keyboard has been your companion during the day. These feelings of well-being can translate to better physical health as well.

One of the more fascinating studies about houseplants was conducted in 2009 with hospital patients.  Those with plants and flowers in their rooms had significantly shorter hospital stays, required less pain medication, had lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue, and had more positive feelings and higher satisfaction about their hospital rooms when compared with patients, who had no plants in their rooms.

Not to be ignored is the very simple benefit of the beauty of houseplants.  There is a houseplant for every taste: some bloom, some have interesting foliage, some are compact, some drape and flow, some require minimal care, and some need some TLC regularly.  But all have a beauty of their own.

If ease of care is the ticket, look at snake plants (Dracaena spp.), pothos (Epipremnum aureum), and philodendrons (Philodendron spp.).  They thrive in indirect high, medium, and low light conditions and need to be watered only when the top inch or so of the soil is dry. Another tried and true choice is the easy to grow, tolerant-to-neglect, ZZ plant (Zamioculus).

If blooms are desired, consider Peace lilies (Spathiphyllum), orchids, African violets (Saintpaulia ionantha), cyclamen, or kalanchoes. While some of these may take more care, the beautiful blooms will be well worth the effort.

Any way you look at it, houseplants will brighten the home interior and bring a wide range of benefits.

Carol Shirk

Certified Master Gardener