plants

The Houseplant Styling Tip I Had Never Considered Before

 
 

You need color variation to encourage the eye to move around a room, and Kate Berry includes houseplants as part of that equation. “They’re like another material!” she tells me.

A sea of similar greens, whether plants or fabric, can read flat, and we’re going for layered. In the end, a burgundy-tinged calathea rattlesnake brought nuance to my setup, but that’s just the beginning of the plant rainbow I’ve since discovered…

Behold, nine paths to a well-rounded plant corner:

  1. Yes, pink plants exist. Meet the anglaonema wishes, which doesn’t need direct sunlight to thrive, ideal for my north-facing house.

  2. If you’re married to the classic green houseplant, you can always bring in a splash of contrasting color with a glossy planter

  3. Even the most unusual plant is only as good as its support system, and this Greek column trellis beats standard stakes any day.

  4. In writer Marjon Carlos’s apartment, the reddish brown begonia ties together various warm tones, from the rug to the vintage sofa, without being too matchy-matchy.

  5. You could reach for a lamp, but this white arrowhead plant would honestly do just as good a job brightening up a corner.

  6. Most of my pots are basic terracotta—I love the patina they develop from algae growth and minerals in the water. But this one’s thumbprint edge gives it subtle oomph. 

  7. Rather than a bunch of individual plant stands, my husband and I bought a vintage slatted wood bench, similar to this option, to hold multiple pots. We just varied the plant heights so they’re not crowding one another.

  8. Greenery can be patterned! Along with the blush streaks that give the calathea pinstripe its name, the leaves have a wine-hued underside.

  9. Sometimes you need a grounding element. Rubber trees add a dose of rich, almost-black green to the mix.

Read more at Domino.com

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Best Indoor Plants for Your Health, According to Research

 
 

If some of the best indoor houseplants have taken over your interiors, seemingly sprawling across bookshelves, side tables and kitchen countertops, you're not alone.

Sales of leafy green flora have soared over the past couple of years as many spend more time indoors; they've been a hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where there are more than 9 million posts tagged #HousePlants. While the greenery brightens up your space and certainly looks cute, experts believe your indoor plants may be good for your health, too.

Plants improve air quality, bring beauty into your home and boost emotional and spiritual wellbeing by giving you a chance to care for something. Plants in your bedroom could improve your sleep quality, while greenery in your kitchen helps brighten up your space if there's no window.

While any plant is good for the soul and can benefit your mental health and emotional wellbeing, here are some of experts’ top choices.

What plants are best for your health?

The healthiest houseplant is the one that matches your personal style as well as daily schedule and routine, says Alex Cromer, LPC, a licensed professional mental health counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, Virginia. And, don’t worry too much if you don’t have a green thumb! Many of the best plants for your health are easy to care for, so you can enjoy their presence and reap the health rewards.

Spider Plant

Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are extremely easy to grow, don’t require constant attention and thrive with little investment on your behalf. The plants have narrow leaves and get their name from the “small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders,” according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.

Spider plants are known to help purify the surrounding air. NASA research examined the leaves, soil, roots and microorganisms of several houseplants and found that plants can act as a natural air filter to reduce pollutants. The study indicates that spider plants removed 95% of toxic formaldehyde from the air in a sealed Plexiglas container over a 24-hour period.

Peace Lily

The name “peace lily” definitely evokes a sense of calm. These sturdy plants also “flower and are aesthetically pleasing” and may benefit your health over time, explains Trevor Cates, N.D, a naturopathic doctor in Park City, Utah, and author of Clean Skin From Within. A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences suggests that peace lilies have air-cleaning properties and help to remove carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.

Peace lilies can live for years and continuously produce broad white flowers that resemble a white peace flag, per materials published by MiracleGro. They’re easy to take care of and don’t need much light, so they’re perfect for shady spaces. Just keep them out of reach from pets and small children, as they can cause vomiting or tongue swelling if they’re ingested.

Rubber Plants

Rubber plants — also known as rubber trees or Ficus elastica — make for great indoor houseplants. They’re generally easy to take care of and only need to be watered every week or so, according to materials shared by The Sill. Research shows that rubber plants feature air-purifying properties. Just be sure to keep them firmly away from any pets and from young children, as they're known to be highly toxic when ingested.

Elephant Ear Plants

If you want to spend a little more time with your houseplants, Cromer recommends elephant ear plants. These are organized into a group of tropical, perennial plants instantly recognizable by their big, heart-shaped leaves. They need bright light and regular watering to keep the soil moist, and they can get big and may need extra space. Some species have been grown for their edible starchy tubers, which are a food staple in certain tropical regions. Medicinally, the leaves have been noted for their use in treating insect stings.

Snake Plants

Long known as “mother-in-law’s tongues,” the snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, features tall leaves that grow vertically. They’re decorative and extremely low-maintenance. The plants only need to be watered when the soil is dry, grow in any kind of light, and generally “thrive on neglect,” according to experts at HGTV. The snake plant was included in the same sweeping NASA study of indoor plants, and has been shown to remove toxins from the air over time.

Ferns

A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences showed that Boston ferns performed best when it comes to air cleaning by naturally VOCs from the air. The plants grow easily and look the best indoors in hanging baskets or on plant stands, which allow their fronds to drape. They need medium bright light and consistently moist soil, so they might require a bit more of your time.

Pothos

When you picture a houseplant, the pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum, is likely what comes to mind. Also known as devil’s ivy or golden pothos, the plants feature vibrant heart-shaped leaves that may be green or marbled green and yellow. They’re easy to grow, needing only indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. Research shows that the plants can lower indoor ozone levels, which can make it easier to breathe and reduce your risk for respiratory ailments, as well as remove VOCs from the air.

English Ivy

English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a versatile plant that’s been shown to lower levels of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and toxins in the air. They can be grown outside or indoors. As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. They grow best in direct sunlight and need to be watered thoroughly once the soil dries out.

Succulents and Cacti

Succulents and cacti “thrive on little to no care,” Cromer says. These plants are drought-resistant, meaning they don’t need regular watering; only just when the soil is completely dry. They also come in many shapes and sizes to decorate your space and can help clean the air. Some varieties, including the jade plant, can increase humidity in a room. Aloe vera plants, in particular, also have medicinal properties and can help heal cuts, burns, and other skin ailments.

Herbs

Small potted herbs not only look cute in your kitchen, but they may also inspire you to cook more often and eat healthier. Growing your own basil, parsley, or mint is also cheaper than purchasing herbs from the grocery store. Several herbs, like chamomile and lavender, have been shown to reduce anxiety, per Mayo Clinic officials. Herbs also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are a boon for your dietary routine.

How do house plants contribute to good health?

The beauty of plants and the act of caring for them can be truly healing. “Looking at something aesthetically pleasing can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin,” Cates explains. Keeping plants primes your brain to look forward to interacting with the plant and receiving a hit of “feel good neurochemicals,” Cromer adds.

Plants offer immediate benefits by improving mood and stress management, Cates says. They also provide long-term benefits, such as improving air quality which may reduce instances of headaches — or by adding moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, Rothenberg says. Handling soil, which contains microbes, can promote microbiome diversity in your home, which could benefit gut and skin health.

But, having houseplants alone isn’t a recommended treatment for any medical condition, Rothenberg adds. “Encouraging my patients to consider having houseplants is one part of a broader, individualized health care plan.”

What are the best indoor plants for air purification?

Research shows that plants can help with air purification, especially in areas where air quality may be in question. Breathing cleaner air also helps you think clearer, calms stress, and reduces the risk for asthma, Cates tells Good Housekeeping.

Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide, filter pollutants and release oxygen. “This is an important idea considering how much time people spend indoors,” Rothenberg adds. “By adding more oxygen, theoretically, you might have better focus, fewer headaches, and an improved mood.”

Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, ferns, and English ivy are some of the best indoor plants for boosting oxygen levels and purifying the air.

What are the mental health benefits of caring for a houseplant?

Being around greenery offers many mental health benefits. Horticultural therapy has long been used to treat mental health and other conditions. It helps improve memory, cognition and socialization. Humans also have an innate instinct to connect with nature, known as biophilia.

Caring for plants can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and concentration, and boosts confidence. “Plants provide a tangible, positive result for the caretaker which can help them feel more in control of their lives, something that can reduce anxiety and promote overall wellness,” Cromer says. “It gives the caretaker a sense of pride and accomplishment—being observant of how the plant is growing, looking, and to troubleshoot ways to solve problems.”

Watching them grow can be soothing, promote peaceful feelings, and provide a meditative experience, Rothenberg adds.

“Plants benefit health holistically because they are a non-stimulating partner that is accepting and tolerant, and are good listeners,” Cromer says. “Plants thrive with simple care and attention and are very visibly thankful for your efforts.”

Read more at GoodHouseKeeping.com

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8 Plants to Brighten Up Your Home

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After week after week of being in our house for almost 24 hours a day, even our fave decor is starting to get old.

And while we’re tempted to re-do our entire bathroom, or splurge on a virtual interior design consultation, there’s a much simpler solution: adding some bright house plants. They have the power to totally transform a room by adding a pop of color (and some life) to the space. Here, eight house plants that will instantly brighten your home.

1. ANTHURIUM

Fun fact: Anthuriums are the world’s longest-blooming house plants. Each “bloom,” which is actually a waxy leaf, can last up to eight weeks and there are almost always new ones forming. They like bright, indirect light and only require watering every 1-2 weeks. (If you have kids or pets at home, you might want to opt for a different plant. Anthuriums can be toxic if they’re consumed.)

2. TROPICALI ORCHID

 
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As the name suggests, this purple orchid will bring tropical vibes to your kitchen island, bathroom countertop or wherever you decide it should live. Just make sure it’s a not-too-sunny spot, since orchids prefer indirect light. Bouqs sends its orchids in a clear container within the pot so you can monitor their health and avoid overwatering. As long as it has green roots, you’re doing fine!

3. ALOE PLANT

Anthropologie’s sister retailer, Terrain, offers tons of beautiful floral arrangements and plants, but this one has to be our favorite. It’s quirky and unexpected, which is why we’re just dying to get one for our living room. Best of all? As long as they’re kept in bright, direct light, aloe plants are fairly easy to care for. They only need to be watered once every three weeks—and even less frequently in the winter.

4. TRICOLOR STROMANTHE PLANT

OK, these guys are basically living watercolor paintings. Have you seen those gorgeous leaves?! They’re known to curl in on themselves during the evening, so you can see the leaves from different angles throughout the day. And good news: They’re relatively easy to maintain. They like bright, indirect light and only need to be watered when their soil becomes dry to the touch. They also like humidity, so be sure to mist them during drier months.

5. PRICKLY PEAR CACTUS

 
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The bright green hue and fun shape of this cactus will liven up any room. Senior commerce editor and self-proclaimed plant novice Brianna Lapolla got one a few weeks ago, and she’s been raving about it ever since. “Bloomscape delivered it in a cute grey pot with a saucer that matches my bedroom flawlessly and it brightened up my at-home office instantly,” she says. The cactus is rated with a “carefree” difficulty level on the retailer’s site, so it’s perfect for new (or forgetful) plant parents.

6. WHITE BIRD OF PARADISE

This elegant plant screams “tropical vacation,” which we could all use, considering our reality is “stuck in the house for the foreseeable future.” It can get pretty tall (like more than six feet), so stick it in the corner of a room, so it has space to grow. The textured, paddle-shaped leaves and white flowers make it an eye-catching way to make use of that awkward space.

7. PEACE LILY

 
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The peace lily’s name alone makes us want to pick one up, since we could use a little tranquility right now It’s an ideal addition if you’re looking for a plant that tolerates low light. The peace lily prefers partial shade and can thrive in rooms with no windows at all. They’re also pretty low maintenance: They need to be watered at least once a week, but they’ll remind you by drooping when they need water. Oh, and peace lilies purify your home’s air, too. Just know that they’re not pet-friendly, if that’s something you’re concerned about.

8. MEYER LEMON TREE

As long as you place your lemon tree in a bright spot (preferably near a South-facing window) and keep it adequately watered, it should start producing lemons within the year. Then, you’ll have some cheery pops of yellow and delicious Meyer lemons to use in your next baking endeavor. It’s a win-win. Pro tip: If your tree starts to look a little sad, you can place it outside in the summer to ensure it gets enough sunlight.

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