Heads Up, Plantitos And Plantitas: Here Are Healing Plants You'll Want Indoors
Embrace your inner plantito and plantita! Taking care of indoor plants is not just therapeutic; plants have so many healing properties, too!
Because of the quarantine, many of us have turned into plantitos and plantitas, filling our homes and rooms with succulents and potted plants. While curating and designing your new plant-filled home offers distraction and de-stress in these anxiety-filled times, did you know that some indoor plants also have amazing health benefits?
Plants, in general, are known to provide fresh air since they turn carbon dioxide into oxygen during photosynthesis. However, some plants go the extra mile and can even purify the air. Sounds handy, especially with a deadly virus hanging around! Some plants are also healing in nature, and can even help you concentrate if you’re working or studying from home.
The next time you’re grabbing a new pot to place inside your home, choose your plant wisely! Here are some of our favorite healing plants to have indoors.
Healing Plants to Buy Now
Healing Plants to Buy Now
Spider plant
Spider plant is one of the easiest houseplants to grow. It’s hard to kill off these hardy plants, making them a favorite for newbie gardeners who have yet to develop their green thumb. Just keep them in an area with bright, indirect sunlight, and water occasionally. Despite their seemingly evil spider legs-like leaves, the spider plant has made it to NASA’s Clean Air Study as a plant that can purify the air of toxins like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. These volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are usually emitted into the air inside our homes by common household appliances and furniture. Start your healthy plant collection with this easy-to-grow spider plant from Plant House Manila.
Photo Credit: @planthousemanila
Rubber plant
Rubber plants are slightly more expensive than your regular indoor plant, but it’s very much worth every Peso. Just like the spider plant, they are very tolerant of neglect, can thrive even in low light, and can be left dry for longer. They also rank high on NASA’s Clean Air Study list since the leaves can draw large amounts of contaminants in the air, including formaldehyde that’s usually released from air fresheners, hair products, and nail polish. Rubber plants can also eliminate molds and bacteria in the air by as much as 50 to 60 percent. Reducing mold and dust from the air is beneficial to helping relieve allergy. This tiny burgundy rubber plant with dark leaves retails for P2,999 at Shopleaf Plant Studio.
Photo Credit: @shopleafph_
Snake plant
Another hardy plant that’s nice to have around the home! Unlike other plants that release oxygen throughout the day, the snake plant is one of the very few plants who could do this even throughout the night. This makes it a nice addition to your bedroom to help aid you in your sleep. Several studies have also shown the relaxing power of the snake plant, contributing to the lowering of people’s blood pressure, heart rate, and the stress hormone cortisol. This tiny snake plant from Nest Plant Studio comes in a nice ceramic pot that would look perfect on your bedside table.
Photo Credit: @nestplantstudio
Golden Pothos
It’s nice to hang a nice pot of Golden Pothos beside the window, its trail climbing up or down for that urban jungle effect. It's easy to care for, doesn’t need much sunlight, and very easy to propagate. Just stick a branch of Pothos in water and you’ll have another one in a few weeks! According to a Japanese study published by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan, they found that the Golden Pothos can remove as much as 78% of VOCs in the air and 68% of foul odors. If the air inside your home is dry, Golden Pothos can also help contribute to increase humidity to keep your skin hydrated and prevent sore throat and coughs. Can you take care of this Golden Pothos from The Green Enthusiasts to make it trail?
Photo Credit: @thegreenenthusiasts
Orchids
Orchids may be a bit tricky to care for and maintain, but your efforts are definitely worth it. Not only do they look phenomenal when in bloom, but can also help improve concentration, memory, and productivity. According to a study conducted by the University of Michigan, students and workers benefit from at least 20% better memory retention in the presence of plants. Add a pop of color inside your home with this rare miniature orchid from Plantista Manila.
Photo Credit: @plantistamnl
English Ivy
English Ivy is another easy-to-procure trailing plant that can purify tons of VOCs from your home. It is able to remove benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene from the air. Having these VOCs hanging around in your home can worsen your asthma, and irritate the eyes and skin, so it’s nice to have hardworking air purifying plants like the English ivy around. The leaves of an English ivy are usually a bit dark, but you can liven up a dark space with these variegated variety from The Unfurling Nest.
Photo Credit: @theunfurlingnest
Peace Lily
The NASA Clean Air Study was able to identify a number of plants that can purify the air, but the peace lily is one of the rare ones which can even remove ammonia from the air. You can put it in your bathroom to prevent mildew and mold, since the peace lily can absorb the excess moisture in the air. You can also put in on your bedside table to absorb airborne mold spores, which are common allergens that prevent a restful sleep. Unlike other plants that may be harmful for pets, the peace lily is also safe to have around your cats and dogs. Spruce up your home with this peace lily with pot from Adlaw PH. They also sell plant stands separately.
Photo Credit: @adlawph_
African Violets
Needing a bit of a perk-me-up with all the stress and anxiety caused by the Covid-19 pandemic? Studies have shown that hospital patients who receive and keep colorful flowers in their room often recover quicker than those who have no plants around them. To simulate this relaxing and healing effect, keep a nice, easy-to-care-for plant that flowers all year round like African violets. The dainty and beautiful flowers also help stimulate the release of small amounts of adrenaline for that energy boost. Despite its name, African violets don’t necessarily come in the color violet. Check out the different varieties and colors of African violets that Desert Garden has for sale!
Photo Credit: @_desertgarden
Aloe Vera
Known as the “plant of immortality,” the aloe vera is the ultimate healing plant to keep around. In addition to its ability to clean the air, aloe vera has many healing benefits that you can use to treat sunburns and minor burns. Drinking aloe vera juice can also aid in constipation, and inhaling the vapor of boiled aloe vera leaves can help alleviate asthma. Tiffany Blooms Garden has a rotating availability of plants, so stay on the look out for their desk aloe vera plants!
Photo Credit: @tiffanybloomsgarden
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