Happy Houseplants to Boost Your Wellbeing
When we think of looking after our mental and physical wellbeing many of us take to a healthy diet, fresh air and regular exercise. But did you know that boosting our mood and psychical health can be as easy as having houseplants scattered around our home and workplace.
Not only can houseplants look good, brighten up dull spaces and add a splash of colour, research now suggests that they improve indoor air quality and could potentially improve our overall feeling of wellness.
Poor air quality can have a real impact on our health with indoor pollution sometimes being poorer than outdoors, leading to symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and respiratory problems. Fortunately there are certain species of houseplants which can purify the air by removing toxic compounds, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, leaving us to breath a little cleaner and easier. There are houseplants which can dehumidify the air too!
The very nature of houseplants, their presence and looking after them can boost our endorphins which then increases our feelings of happiness. Scientists have found that having a variety of houseplants of different colours and sizes scattered around the home or office can make you feel more cheerful whilst bringing life to indoor spaces. It’s also thought that physically looking after plants by simply watering, pruning or feeding them can ease symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety as it can trigger our nurturing instincts and make us feel needed.
Need some inspiration? Here’s our top 5 to get you started…
1. Pineapple Plant
You may find it hard to fathom but according to research carried out by NASA, sleeping with a Pineapple Plant in your bedroom could help ease snoring due to the fact that they produce extra oxygen during the night thus improving air quality and helping snorers breath better. 
Originating from countries like Paraguay, Bolivia and Brazil and with an attractive, exotic appearance, the Pineapple Plant can apparently help alleviate difficult breathing meaning more oxygen is inhaled helping snorers - and their partners - get a better night's sleep. And if there are multiple snorers in the household, you might want to place more than one in the bedroom! Go on and give them a go, you might thank them for it!
2. Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Not only does the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (typically known as the ZZ plant) have a modern appeal with its upright stalks and striking green leaves, it has additional health benefits to add to its collection, making it a highly desirable houseplant.
Renowned for being one of the toughest indoor plants around, the ZZ plant is documented to have air purifying capabilities. According to the Department of Plant and Environmental Science from the University of Copenhagen, out of a number of indoor plants studied, it was found that the ZZ plant was capable of removing significant amounts of xylene, toluene, benzene and ethylbenzene from the air. So if you want to jazz up any home or office space with peace of mind that you're giving your health and home a boost, this is one long standing favourite you don't want to be without.
3. Calathea Bicajoux Gecko
This attractive foliage plant gives double the ornamental pleasure with its combination of beautiful, decorative leaves and delicate, pretty flowers. Part of the Calethea group of plants, the Bicajoux Gecko is a striking compliment to a shady corner or in the middle of a living room out of direct sunlight.
Originating from a group of tropical plants that thrive on the floor of the tropical jungle, the Calathea Bicajoux Gecko can be enjoyed time and time again with or without its flowers, allowing you to sit back and enjoy the view.
4. Bromelia Vriesea
Again based on findings from NASA, researchers found that Bromeiliad's are the most powerful houseplant at removing VOC's (volatile organic compounds) from indoor air out of the all houseplants tested. They remove six of the eight known VOC's found in most homes such as acetone, benzene and formaldehyde. So not only do Bromelia's add a wonderful splash of colour they're great at removing toxins leaving you to enjoy cleaner breathing whilst enjoying this dazzling plant.
The most eye catching of the Bromeliad family, the distinctive shape and varied colours of the Bromelia Vriesea will add an exotic feel to any indoor space.
5. Ficus Lyrata
If you're looking to for a houseplant to add maximum impact then the Ficus Lyrata packs a punch with its flamboyant foliage and eye catching appearance. Reaching up to an impressive 3m in height at its peak, this plant has huge, glossy leaves with prominent veins making it good at adding colour and filling up empty spaces in hallways, living rooms and large rooms.
It also comes with the added bonus of cleansing indoor air due to its large leaves being able to absorb various chemical compounds which means cleaner air for you to breath. It also helps with humidity control which aids in the elimination of dust from the air, preventing problems such as coughs, colds, sore throats and fatigue.
So why not visit us in store and see our selection of houseplants we have on offer and pick up your favourites or try something new. Our garden experts are also on hand to help with any advice you may need when choosing the right plants.
And you never know, you might just leave us feeling a little happier than when you arrived….
