Staying home under lockdown doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom – with the right houseplants, you can easily turn your living space into a lush, green wonderland that’ll do wonders for your mental and physical health.
Indoor plants have tons of benefits – from purifying the air of toxins to boosting serotonin levels and brain activity (hello, productivity!). Plus, they look gorgeous no matter where you put them, whether it’s your office, bedroom or yoga studio!
Not sure which plants to get? Here are eight calming houseplants that’ll bring zen to your home:
Asparagus fern
Though not technically a fern and obviously unrelated to asparagus, the asparagus fern is often praised in Feng Shui for its delicate and graceful appearance of fuzzy feathers that complements any workspace perfectly. This popular houseplant thrives on humidity, which makes them great companions in the Hong Kong weather.
Snake plant
The beautiful, verdant and easy-growing snake plants are good at scrubbing the air, ridding the space of airborne toxins, and converting carbon dioxide (CO2) into oxygen, even at night. Its stiff, sword-like leaves thrive particularly in warm weather, and its stately upright foliage is sure to bring some optimism into your home.
See also: How to… Grow your Own Herb Garden
Bamboo palm
Named for their resemblance to bamboo, these palms are popular plants for the home as their long, thin leaves can thrive in the shade with little attention. Believed to eliminate negativity and bring good luck, they can also grow quite tall with good light, bringing a tropical vibe to any space. Besides, who wouldn’t want a miniature bamboo plant in their home?
Pothos
With long, willowy stems that grow adhering to surfaces, pathos is a versatile option for hanging baskets, plant stands, and even bookshelves. Some call them “Devil’s Ivy” as they are poisonous, but we believe their virtually pest- and disease-free properties make them even lovelier beginner’s plants with strong and independent qualities.
Peace lily
Despite its beautiful “flowers”, which are in fact specialised leaf bract that grows hooded over the flowers, the peace lily is incredibly easy to care for as it is a tropical, evergreen plant that thrives on the forest floor. Even if the “flower” doesn’t bloom, their thick, dark green leaves are bound to bring you some tranquillity in troubling times, too.
Aloe vera
Famously capable of healing surface wounds and moisturising dry skin, the aloe vera plant is way more than its skincare properties – it’s also an effective air purifier that looks particularly stylish as a houseplant. This desert plant has adapted to harsh climates by growing slowly, which can be somewhat of a mini-meditation in itself!
Orchids
Orchids may come off as quite intimidating for new plant owners, but there are actually quite some easy-to-grow varieties that have a long history of performing well as houseplants. Take the moth orchid for example – they are long flowering, widely popular, and come in about every colour and size imaginable.
Chamomile
Nothing is more calming than a nice cup of chamomile tea, and as it turns out, it’s not too difficult to grow your own! A relatively non-fussy floral plant, chamomile produces dainty, daisy-like blooms throughout much of the growing season and gives off a gentle smell to brighten your mood. Simply air-dry the blossoms before adding them to boiling water for a quick cup of tea!
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