Live houseplants bring color and life to almost any room. Houseplants’ leaves feature a variety of interesting textures and colors, anywhere from dull and spiky to broad and glossy, while blossoms bring bright colors to attract the eye. From small potted trees to wandering vines, plants can soften spaces and hide imperfections. But did you know that tending to live plants also offers health benefits?

People feel a connection to nature when walking outdoors. This connection helps reduce stress and improve mood – a studied phenomenon that some call ‘forest bathing.’ Bringing plants indoors can mimic that effect.

Even taking care of indoor plants – watering, feeding and repotting – can reduce physiological and psychological stress. In fact, tending to houseplants helps promote a sense of well-being by reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Studies have also shown that keeping plants in your work or study environment helps you work better. Just having a plant in your office or study helps improve concentration, memory retention and productivity. Some studies have found that plants inspire creativity as well.

Houseplants can increase the humidity in a space by releasing moisture into the air. This can help reduce dry skin and irritation during the winter when indoor air tends to be drier. Some houseplants may even help purify the air inside your home.

If you are interested in bringing houseplants into your favorite space, here are some things to keep in mind:

• Consider the amount of light in the room and select plants that will thrive in that setting.
• Research the plant you bring home so you know how often you should water it – too much standing water could lead to mold, mildew or pests.
• Use an app to help set reminders for feeding and watering schedules.
• If you have pets or children, select plants that are nontoxic. Resources like the ASPCA can help you find suitable plants.

Sources:
ASPCA
Healthline.com
South Dakota State University Extension