One of the most well-documented benefits of interior plants is their ability to purify the air in indoor spaces. Modern homes and workspaces are often compactly closed up, thus trapping contaminants. From furniture, electronics, and cleaning products, these pollutants cause a range of health issues, like headaches and fatigue, to more serious respiratory problems.
However, plants are, to a great extent, natural air purifiers. They can absorb harmful compounds, like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and release fresh, oxygen-rich air in return, enhancing the freshness of the air in the room. This makes interior plants an invaluable asset for those with conditions like allergies, asthma, or other respiratory disorders. Just for your info, here are 15 air-purifying plants that will give your home a breath of fresh air.
Indoor plants are also a stress reliever. A study conducted and published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that plants in indoor spaces can alleviate stress and make people feel more comfortable and settled. Those who took part in the study experienced a reduction in stress levels and lower blood pressure after interacting with plants. This calming effect was further supported by another study that measured participants' stress hormone cortisol levels. The research found that being in nature and around plants reduces this stress hormone, thus lowering the levels of stress.
Plants can also have a positive impact on people’s cognitive abilities. Several studies have shown that students in classrooms with potted plants performed better in subjects including math, spelling, reading, and science tests than those without any greenery around them. Elementary school students who studied in a classroom with real plants also improved their cognition, attention, and concentration, as brain scans revealed afterward. Visible greenery, therefore, has a restorative effect on human minds, enhancing the ability to focus.
The therapeutic benefits of plants are also supported by several other studies. Horticultural therapy has, for instance, been used to help patients with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. Some medical clinics have even begun ‘prescribing’ plants to patients with depression or anxiety. Such include Cornbrook Medical Practice in Manchester, England. Here, learning to nurture a living plant is believed to help lower anxiety, improve attention, and alleviate the symptoms of depression, while working with these plants can be an effective hobby that relieves stress and promotes mental relaxation.
Apart from being effective for psychological well-being, interior plants also aid in the recovery of patients undergoing illness or surgery. Research reviews have shown that hospitalized patients exposed to plants— sometimes through a view of nature—in their rooms had calmer states of mind, reduced pain, and shorter stays in the hospital. Flowers, in particular, have a cheering effect and can enhance the surroundings and the outlook of those around them.
Interior Plants and Their Environmental Impact
More than having a positive impact on human health, interior plants also contribute to a healthier planet. Pollution levels, as is known, are often higher indoors than they are outdoors. Indoor air is often a mix of outdoor-derived compounds and indoor-generated contaminants. It is, likewise, common knowledge that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from everyday objects could have adverse health effects on humans.
However, interior plants can soak up these VOCs and clean the air naturally. Think of plants like English ivy, asparagus fern, dragon trees, and many other species that have the potential to reduce these harmful indoor pollutants indoors. But then again, different plants vary in their ability to eliminate these chemical compounds. The NASA Clean Air Study, done in 1989, demonstrated just how houseplants, along with their microorganisms, remove VOCs from indoor air. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus improving air quality.
Still, more can be said of interior plants. They can increase humidity in the home, which can be particularly beneficial during the dry winter months, as heaters and air conditioners used the, often reduce humidity indoors. This makes inhabitants more susceptible to conditions like colds and flu. Houseplants, on the other hand, can release moisture into the air and create a more comfortable environment.
These benefits extend to carbon dioxide absorption. While the impact of indoor plants on carbon dioxide levels may be modest compared to outdoor vegetation, they still contribute to reducing it in enclosed spaces, which not only improves air quality but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. Still, this is linked to their capability to reduce energy consumption. Strategically placed, these interior plants also help regulate indoor temperatures. They potentially cut the need for artificial heating and cooling, which means a reduced reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems. The result is lower energy consumption and, thus, a minimal carbon footprint.
Interior plants can, by the same token, still be part of a broader sustainability strategy. Growing herbs or small vegetables indoors can reduce packaging waste associated with store-bought produce, which in turn promotes a greater connection to nature, potentially increasing environmental awareness and encouraging more sustainable behavior in other aspects of life. Not just that, growing a variety of interior plants means individuals can contribute to preserving plant species diversity. This is particularly important for rare or endangered species that may struggle in their natural habitats due to climate change or habitat loss.
The Air So Pure Advantage
The Air So Pure collection has practically all one would need to transform indoor spaces into healthier, more uplifting environments. Each variety is specifically selected for its proven ability to absorb volatile organic compounds such as benzene and formaldehyde while simultaneously converting excess CO₂ into oxygen, ensuring that the air one breathes is cleaner and fresher throughout the day. As these plants transpire, they release a steady, gentle humidity that eases dry eyes, soothes irritated skin, and helps relieve the respiratory discomfort often associated with sealed, climate-controlled buildings.
Because the atmosphere becomes both purer and more comfortably moist, occupants frequently experience fewer headaches, sharper concentration, and noticeably lower stress levels—benefits that have been documented in classrooms, offices, and homes. Even still, behind the scenes, producing these plants maintains strict sustainability standards; cultivating them in energy-efficient greenhouses and packaging them with recyclable materials. The result, then, is a living, eco-friendly solution that demands minimal care yet delivers continuous, silent support for well-being.
Incorporating Interior Plants in Indoor Spaces
The numerous benefits of interior plants mean that they should be an integral part of homes and workspaces. The greater the number of plants used, the more likely greater positive impacts on people’s well-being and the environment. Rooms with views of urban landscapes would particularly benefit from the addition of indoor plants. Incorporating these plants into the home or office, however, doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and some basic care, they seamlessly integrate into any space, making it a healthier, more visually appealing, and environmentally conscious place.
