With the arrival of Spring and better, brighter weather, we’re all hoping to spend more time outside in our gardens and patios, in local parks and out in the countryside. However, April showers may mean we can’t lie out on the grass just yet…
Spending time in green spaces has been shown to support human health, both psychologically and physically, so whilst the weather is still so changeable, why not bring the outside in to boost your mood?
As well as making a stylish addition to interior décor, there is an abundance of research that suggests indoor houseplants can benefit our mental and physical health.
Potential psychological benefits of indoor houseplants:
- An improved mood
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased productivity
- Improved attention span
Potential physical benefits of indoor houseplants:
- Reduced blood pressure by suppressing your sympathetic nervous system
- Reduced fatigue, headaches, coughs and dry throats
- Reduce physical pain
Mood-boosting houseplants
Adding a mood-boosting houseplant to your home is a simple way to get your fix of nature until the weather brightens up.
Here are our top five mood-boosting houseplants that you can add to your interior space:
1. Devil's Ivy
Pothos plants help to naturally purify the air around you by absorbing odours, benzene, formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. It can also increase the humidity of your rooms, protecting you from colds an influenzas as viruses can’t transmit as easily in moist air, plus reduces the risk of allergic reactions and dust and airborne pollutants.
This plant is also easy to grow! A low maintenance plant that thrives in all conditions, however for the best results, locate it in bright, indirect light and only water when the soil is dry to the touch.
"...there is an abundance of research that suggests indoor houseplants can benefit our mental and physical health."
2. Peacock Plant
Named after its foliage that resembles a peacock’s tail, the peacock plant, or calathea makoyana, is a striking addition to an indoor space. A natural humidifier and air purifier, these are great addition to your home producing a high concentration of oxygen, even when you sleep.
Relatively easy to care for, peacock plants don’t like dramatic changes in its environmental conditions. Preferring medium light, avoid placing them in direct sunlight and keep them above 13°C.
3. Snake Plant
A perfect addition to your space as we enter hayfever season, snake plants filter indoor air, add moisture to the air whilst releasing oxygen. Similarly to pothos plants, snake plants remove toxins in the air including CO2, xylene, toluene and formaldehyde.
Recognisable with their sword-shaped leaves, snake plants are also easy to care for! Perfect for windowsills, these plants can tolerate both shade and direct sunlight, underwatering and drafts.
4. Peace Lily
One of the most common houseplants, the peace lily is known for its brilliant white flowers and bright green foliage. Like many houseplants, they are great air purifiers, filtering out various air toxins and soaking up mould spores.
Great for beginners, the peace lily is easy to care for, plus looks great styled around the home!
5. Cacti
Like many of the other plants on this list, a cactus can purify the air and even increase productivity – great if you’re working from home!
Keeping cacti indoors will also help to boost your mood and relieve stress with their cute and colourful appearance.
What’s more, cacti are low-maintenance and they don’t require much watering, even in the winter.
Houseplants make people happy...
Found a favourite mood-boosting houseplant?
Don't forget to find the perfect home for your new houseplant with our collection of indoor planters, pots and accessories, and surround yourself with greenery in your new botanical haven!
