Best Indoor Plants For A Healthy Home

It’s a known fact (because several global studies have proven so) that indoor plants not only make the house look beautiful, they also boost positivity and creativity, reduce stress and clean indoor air. It’s no wonder then that more people are turning to what is called ‘live décor’ over inanimate objects to brighten up their living spaces and bring in the outdoors inside their homes. While you may think you need to make an effort to get plants and then a green thumb to maintain house plants, it’s really not a big deal, what with so many options available online. A little bit of love and care can go a long way in keeping your green friends alive and happy. Here are five low-maintenance indoor plants that you can buy, with easy-to-follow care tips to help you go along.

Peace Lily

As gorgeous as this plant is, what with its pretty white blooms, it’s also a fabulous air purifier. The peace lily has a NASA approval for improving indoor air quality by as much as 60 per cent. It is also known to absorb harmful vapours from alcohol and acetone. If kept in the bathroom, it can help keep the tiles free of mildew. Traditionally symbolizing purity, harmony and innocence, peace lily is one plant that can take the centre stage on your living room centre table.

Light: Peace lilies are best kept in partial shade or indirect light. Too strong a light will lead to the leaves turning yellow and then brown.

Water: While you should water it once in three to four days, the best indication that the plant needs water is when the leaves are drooping. That’s the plant’s way of showing it’s thirsty.

Lucky Bamboo

Considered a symbol of strength by the Chinese, the lucky bamboo is especially popular with those who believe in Feng Shui. Said to attract good luck and bring about peace, prosperity and positivity, this house plant has become a preferred and much appreciated housewarming gift.

Light: It is best kept in bright but indirect light, preferably near a window. Avoid direct sunlight as it will scorch its leaves.

Water: Lucky bamboo can survive and grow comfortably in a simple vase with or without pebbles and about two inches of water. Change the water weekly and only use distilled water. Salt and chorine can be exceptionally harmful for the plant so avoid using tap water.

Sansevieria or Snake Plant

Commonly known as mother-in-law’s tongue, this succulent is one of the most resilient and easy-to-maintain indoor plants. The snake plant can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen even at night, which makes it the perfect addition to your bedroom and bathroom décor. Also, because of its ability to remove harmful toxins from the air, snake plant can help reduce airborne allergies.

Light: Although it can survive in darker corners, it’s best to keep the plant in indirect sunlight. Overexposure to the sun can be harmful for the plant.

Water: Keep the plant in a well-drained pot because residual water can be harmful as it can lead to rotting. Water it once in two to three days when the soil is completely dry.

Money Plant

Other than exposure to extreme cold, the money plant can pretty much survive it all. Great for hanging baskets or kept in colourful recycled glass bottles, it can live on the natural salts found in water. A wonderful air-cleansing plant, it helps reduce gases emitted from daily home appliances and furnishings such as benzene, formaldehyde and ethylene.

Light: Like most indoor plants, it stays best in indirect sunlight. Two to three hours of sunlight every day works best.

Water: Water the plant once a week. Make sure the soil is dry when you’re going to water it. If it’s in a glass tumbler/bottle, change the water once in ten days. You can use regular tap water for money plant.

Jade

Another favourite with Feng Shui enthusiasts, the vibrant leaves of the jade plant resemble the bright and precious green jade stone. Known to promote wealth and prosperity, this succulent comes in a variety of shades that can add beauty to any dull space. Also an air purifier, jade is known to promote good ‘chi’ or positive energy.

Light: It needs about three to four hours of sunlight to grow properly.

Water: Make sure you never let the soil dry out completely. Water it just when the soil is slightly dry to touch.