Four Indoor Plants for Healthy Living
So many people are unaware of the benefits a house full of plants brings when it comes to mindful living. Besides the decorative and aesthetic appeal, there are dozens of hidden health benefits behind growing indoor plants.
Here are some of my favorite physical and health benefits of indoor plants, with the research studies linked if you would like to read more.
- Reducing Stress (Source)
- Cleaner Air (NASA Clean Air Study)
- Higher productivity and focus in plant-filled work spaces (Source)
- Improves recovery for post-operative hospital patients (Source)
- Longer and healthier lives for women (Harvard University)
Mental health is just as important as physical health, if not more. There is a reason that psychologists are even prescribing “horticultural therapy” to their patients as a source of healing. The mindfulness ritual of feeling the dirt, appreciating the passage of time, and nurturing a living thing with plants is like no other.
So if you want to get some added peace of mind, why not cultivate a few indoor plants and bring in some of the benefits for yourself.
Here are a few perfect indoor houseplants that can help improve your holistic health.
1. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
Aloe Vera has been used for centuries as a natural antibiotic and a treatment for burns. If you have a sunburn or an oven burn from cooking, carefully break off a piece of aloe and rub it directly onto the burn for soothing relief.
Aloe is relatively simple to grow and is a succulent which, like cacti, need very little water. You can plant them in cactus potting mix or they will also do well in a normal houseplant potting mix but they will need a lot of light, so provide the brightest light possible and water sparingly. South of south-west facing windows are a good bet. 
Allow the soil to dry out completely between watering and then drench the plant but do not allow the pot or plant standing in water such as might be collected in a pot saucer – allow the water to drain away completely.
2. Peace Lily
This dark green plant grows beautiful white flowers, making the peace lily one of the most popular indoor houseplants as far as decoration and aesthetics go. This is only the beginning. Peace lilies were proven by NASA to break down indoor air pollutants, clean the air of toxins and carcinogens so you can breathe easily.
Peace lilies thrive in low light and higher water amounts compared to other plants and they quite like fluorescent light so can be good plants for offices. Some people even call this the “Closet Plant” because they do not like direct sun rays on their leaves. This is a great option if you do not have sufficient natural light to support other houseplants. By growing your peace lily in an area with high humidity and low lighting, you will be rewarded with cleaner air and gorgeous white flowers.
Water only when the soil has dried out and do not allow standing in water. However, peace lilies live in the rainforests and high humidity environments so it’s a good idea to mist the leaves with water 2-3 times a week too.
3. Majesty Palm
Ferns and palm plants bring a spa-like feel into your home. Along with the beautiful sprawling leaves, palms naturally raise the humidity of the air around them. This leads to a more relaxing atmosphere which can help you sleep more soundly at night.
Just like the above-mentioned peace lily, majesty palms prefer soil to be constantly damp. Be sure to water your palm constantly so they can remain healthy and keep giving back to you. There is a beautiful coexistence the way that us humans are dependent on plants for survival, while we can also give back to keep them alive and well.
Bonus: If you do not have enough space for the majesty palm, try the miniature version known as the Parlor Palm instead!
4. Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, also called the Sanseviera or “Mother In Law’s Tongue”, is one of the most popular houseplants grown to this day. It is rather easy to see why. The Snake Plant can grow in any lighting conditions, seldom needs to be watered, purifies the air, and comes in many different colors! Regardless of your green thumb skill level, the Sansevieria is sure to thrive in your mindful home. Enjoy the health benefits of increased oxygen and decreased levels of airborne pollutants when you have the Snake Plant by your side.
What inspires you to cultivate a healthy home environment? For me, there is no better way than to bring the outdoors in with the help of tropical indoor houseplants. You would be surprised with the difference it can make to add a plant to your home, even if you only start with one or two tiny additions. Keep pursuing what inspires you to cultivate a healthy and meaningful life. I am excited to be a part of your journey.
Talk to your plants
Whatever you do, make sure you also talk to your plants and send them positive energy – it really can have a positive effect on your plants and, if nothing else, will get you into a positive energy place that has benefits for you.
Wow, I actually never even thought about how plants can affect your mindset when it comes to focus and productivity. The fact that it also reduces stress is definitely helpful to know as well. You’ve completely sold me. I’m putting plants in the home asap, Especially Aloe Vera! I’ve noticed aloe in a lot of different products. Also, I’m going to follow your advice when it comes to talking and sending positive energy to the plants. You get back what you put in, right? I needed to read this!
Hi Rod. I’m so glad you got something out of the post and I totally agree that you get out what you put in. Send you plants some love and you’ll be surprised how they respond – and since you’ll be putting out some love to the universe too, don’t be surprised if it comes back in more ways than through your plants. Wishing you all the best. Gail
I hope that my house looks like this one day. I really love the idea of having plants in my house because they are natural. Nature is beautiful and we are a part of nature. It is so great that all of these options are right here in one convenient site that displays so many beautiful options. I totally agree that talking to your plants is so beneficial to their development I wonder if there are specific things that you can say to them that work better.
Hi Nicholas, thanks for your comments. It doesn’t really matter what you say to your plants as they won’t understand your language obviously. But they will pick up on your emotion and the vibrational frequency of it. So whatever words you use, send them with love and compassion from your heart. You might want to read the article onthe language of the universe which explains how it works.
Hi Gail, thanks for this listing. I’ve been contemplating some indoor plants but I’ve put it on the back-burner as I’ve always been concerned with the little ones. I might be wrong but I think they (plants) will not be given any peace – having their leaves pulled out and soil toyed with!
Didn’t know they have any use beyond the aesthetics, good to know it goes beyond that. Aloe vera is widely available where I stay but that’s even worse with the kids due to their spikiness! I live in an apartment therefore few places they can be kept away from children. I’ll give them some growing-up time then revisit this.
Hi Steve. Sounds like you have your hands full with your little ones. One thing you could do is get them involved, give them some ownership and get them to look after some plants in your house. You could start small by just doing some cress, mustard or carrot tops which are easy to grow and don’t need a lot of space. You can also buy some commercial cress heads or grass heads which the kids will love. Whatever you do, enjoy it. Gail