There are a lot of reasons why the houseplant craze keeps getting bigger and bigger. Not only are they pretty to look at, but they can really help us gain a sense of accomplishment when we see them grow, and they instantly bring up the aesthetic of a room just by placing one or two on a shelf. But there are actually practical uses for houseplants that go beyond keeping them around to look at and post on Instagram — even though those are two important parts of being a Plant Mom.
Whether you're hoping for the mental health benefits that come with having plants in your home, looking for better sleep, or even wanting to start cooking with plants you've grown yourself, look no further: There's a plant that can do pretty much all of that and more, and many of them are actually easier to take care of than you might think.
Here are some different ways that plants can be used and the surprising benefits that many of them have. If anything is going to convince you to take a trip to the nursery and stock up, these reasons just might do the trick.
Easy, Inexpensive Decor
Let's be honest: The reason a lot of us love houseplants so much is because they're pretty look at, and there's no shame in that! Adding a plant (or 10) can be an easy and inexpensive way to quickly dress up a room like an interior design pro (and distract from the everyday messes we don't like to think about!).
Increase Productivity
Whether you're working from home or in an office, having a plant in your workspace is a good idea. According to Today, plants can increase your productivity and your concentration by about 15%, helping you get more done — and likely be in a better mood while you do it.
More Job Satisfaction
Having plants and how much you love your job may seem like two totally unrelated things, but as it turns out, they do have a little something to do with each other. As the plants around you spruce up the area you're working in, you'll feel that much happier to start working in the morning.
Improve Air Quality
Plants in the house can help improve air quality, too. Though the myth that plants purify air indoors has been proven to be false, what they actually do is just as impressive: they can keep harmful bacteria from circulating in the air all around you, which is pretty amazing.
Reduce Stress
Is life feeling a little extra stressful lately? Time to get a plant! Studies have found that interacting with and being surrounded by plants can actually keep stress at bay, reducing muscle tension in the process. Maybe we all need to start keeping plants next to our computers.
They Can Boost Moods
As it turns out, a plant can be genuinely good pick-me-ups — and that's a fact that's been scientifically proven. Looking at plants and surrounding yourself in nature has been shown to have calming qualities, and even some soils have been proven to increase happiness while working with them. Who knew?
Soothe Skin
Not only is aloe vera an easy plant to take care of, but it's also pretty darn useful. The gel inside can be used to soothe irritated skin, in DIY beauty products, and even in foods like smoothies, which can help improve your digestive health. Why not grow one?!
Regulate Humidity
Another way plants can help improve the quality of the air in your home is by regulating the humidity. There are certain plants, like cacti, spider plants, and orchids that can dehumidify a room, making the air around you more comfortable to breathe, especially if you live in a humid climate to begin with.
Get Better Sleep
Not only can houseplants make your waking hours better, they can also help you while you're asleep! If you want to stop tossing and turning and fall asleep faster, valerian may help induce sleep, while plants like jasmine can make you sleep deeper once you're finally out.
They Make Great Gifts
When we think of gifting a plant, we usually think about bouquets of flowers, but that's just one option. Having plants around the house that can easily be propagated and repotted means access to an inexpensive but thoughtful gift for a birthday or housewarming.
Calming Properties
Looking to find your center? Consider keeping a plant like lavender around. Not only are the purple flowers so pretty, but lavender has also been shown to improve your mood, regulate your breathing, and keep that heart rate low, and it may even help you sleep better at the same time.
Anxiety Relief
Feeling especially anxious lately? Try getting a gardenia! Though obviously, all mental health issues can't be solved by plants (if only), studies have shown that gardenia can help bring down anxiety, especially if anxiety is keeping you from getting a good night's sleep.
Allergy Help
Dealing with bad allergies? English ivy might be able to help. Keeping this sprawling, easy-care plant in your home might help stop mold in its tracks, reduce the allergens in your environment, and help you feel healthier overall. At the height of allergy season, we're willing to try anything!
Happy Smells
One of the biggest benefits of plants? What they do for our noses! It's simple, but it's true — many plants smell good, and that's reason enough to keep them around our homes. Looking for the most fragrant picks? Try plants like jasmine, eucalyptus, gardenia, or Sharry Baby orchid, among many others.
Eliminate Odors
Not only do some plants actively smell good, but others help keep your house from actually smelling bad. Plants like golden pothos are super easy to keep alive, and at the same time, they can help neutralize odors in the air. It might not be a bad idea to keep one near the kitchen trash!
Improve Mindfulness
Keeping plants around the house can actually help make you more mindful. It's not just about connecting with nature, either — caring for a living thing, and having to pay attention to water, fertilizer, and sunlight, will require you to tune everything else out and focus on this task.
Eat Up
Most of us cook with spices and herbs, and while the dried stuff works well enough, there's nothing like fresh herbs in our food to really make a meal shine. Growing herbs like basil and thyme is pretty simple, and it guarantees you'll always have fresh herbs on hand for your favorite recipes.
