20 Plants We Grow at Home That Not Only Look Good but Also Create Healthy Atmosphere

While choosing a plant we want to grow at home we normally follow our own tastes and preferences. In other words, what matters is the appearance and size. However, a number of plants, apart from their aesthetic value, has got some positive influence on our health.

It was NASA that examined the impact of plants on air quality. In 1989 they published a list of 18 plants that can be used as natural air filters.

The list includes such species as fern, dracaena (dragon tree), spider plant, common ivy, barberton daisy or bamboo palm. The plants intercept the particles of formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene or ammoniac floating in the air. Moreover, spath absorbs cigarette smoke and ivy neutralizes nasty smells and mold spores.

If you find it difficult to fall asleep, your window sill needs chamomile, gardenia, jasmine, passion flower, lavender or aloe. These plants guarantee a tranquil and relaxed sleep reducing all the tensions and stress.

Interestingly, the smell of jasmine has been proven to relive stress, the smell of passion flowers calms nerves while its colorful flowers cheer you up. Aloe absorbs a lot of carbon dioxide so it’s also worth your attention.

Insufficient humidity at home might result in drying nasal mucosa, impaired breathing and worse skin condition. Moreover, it may cause coughs and make us more vulnerable to microorganisms. The optimum indoor humidity range is 40 – 60%. The plants that ensure such levels include spath, spider plant, betel nut palm and epipremnum. Apart from humidifying the air, they also create a friendly microclimate.

Our bodies do not tolerate excessive humidity (over 60%), too. It poses problems with falling asleep, hinders work and remote work. Moreover, due to the growth of fungus and molds, it intensifies the symptoms of allergy and respiratory tract diseases. The plants that tackle the problem include succulents, snake plant, polypody and spurge.

Once the spring comes, insects begin to visit our houses. To repel this infuriating guests, you don’t need to spend a fortune on chemical agents. All you have to do is to put some pepper mint (hated by mosquitoes) lavender (an enemy of moths and mosquitoes) scented pelargonium (deterring fruit flies, mosquitoes and moths) and rosemary (keeping mosquitoes away).

Which of them have you already got at home?