5 Best Indoor Plants for Your Home and Health

It was in elementary school where we learnt that plants absorb CO2 and give out O2. As we grew up, we realised that along with oxygen for the lungs, plants also provide life to our souls.  Researchers have proven that interacting with plants can reduce both physiological and psychological stress. But with our fast-paced lifestyles, our leisure time has shrunk and maintaining a demanding hobby like gardening seems near  impossible. 

So here’s a list of the top 5 plants that not only are low-maintenance but purify the air, embellish your homes and even be the friends you didn’t know you needed.

1. Aloe Vera

This ‘miracle plant’ is an easy-to-maintain succulent which caters to health, beauty and home decor all at once. It has been used to treat wounds, minor burns and various skin conditions for decades. Even if you don’t use aloe vera for its healing properties, you can still reap all its air-purification benefits. Just keep it at a sunny spot and the ‘healer plant’ will take care of itself.

2. Bamboo Plant

This famous Feng Shui plant makes a regular appearance in Indian homes. The bamboo plant can be grown in both clear water (which needs to be changed every 2 weeks) or soil. Being a symbol of fortune and good luck, indoor bamboo plants are said to attract positive energy. 

The plant grows in the direction of the sunlight. So, you can shield them away or place them in light to make the plant grow in the desired manner.

3. Money Plant

Money plant is called so because of its round, plump, flat leaves, and with a bit of imagination, resembles a coin. This plant, known to bring fortune and wealth, can be grown in a bottle or a container with soil. 

According to Vastu and  Feng Shui, the money plant is considered lucky as it helps to increase a family’s wealth. The money plant offers endless physical and emotional health benefits. It also acts as an anti-radiator in  our homes and office spaces by minimizing the radiation levels emitted by electronic devices like computers, mobile phones and laptops.

Interestingly, it’s also called devil’s vine or devil’s ivy because it’s almost impossible to kill and it stays green even when kept in the dark.

4. Ferns

With their verdant green canopy of leaves, ferns are among the most preferred plants in India. They need moderate levels of sunlight and moist soil to grow well. Light spraying of the leaves will keep them healthy and green. Their feathery, light green leaves with soft shiny stems make them a great hanging plant.

5. Snake Plant

Snake plant, called so because of the shape and sharp margins of its leaves, is an excellent air purifier. Besides looking cool, snake plants are low-maintenance plants known to absorb toxins and chemicals from the air. 

It’s also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, referring to the pointed tips of the leaves, which symbolises the sharp tongue of the mother-in-law!

Remember, despite your best intentions, the plant will improvise. Plants are like people, they’re all different and a little bit strange. We build a relationship with plants just like our friends and families, where we make mistakes and learn but that doesn’t mean we give up on them.