Like many people, you may enjoy decorating but if you really want to take your decorating to the next level, you should consider adding some greenery. Most people know that it helps to brighten the living space and to purify the air but did you know that it also helps to create a more relaxing environment?
Consider studies that show that being out in nature helps to reduce stress levels and tension. In addition, a 2008 study done by Dutch researchers showed that hospital patients who had indoor plants in their rooms also had lower stress levels compared to patients without plants.
If you want to add some plants to your living space, then NASA may have something to say about it. These plants, which are NASA approved, will help to clean toxins from the air and increase the oxygen in your home. Here are 8 of our favorites:
1. Aloe Plant
Most people are familiar with the gel from the aloe plant that helps ease the discomfort when you cut yourself or burn yourself. It also is a monitor for air-quality as well. When you have an aloe plant in the room, it will clean the air of many pollutants from cleaning products. If there is too much pollution in the air, the plant will start growing brown spots.
2. Rubber Tree
Rubber trees are very easy to grow and are great for cleaning the air. It doesn’t matter if you live in a cooler climate or have dim lighting, this low maintenance plan will be an effective air purifier.
3. Peace Lily
This is a beautiful and low maintenance flower that will work well in your home. They thrive in cooler temperatures and even in the shade. Peace lilies will reduce the toxins in your home.
4. Snake Plant
You don’t have to worry about having a green thumb to grow a snake plant because they don’t need much water or sunlight. They absorb carbon dioxide and release abundant oxygen at nighttime, even though most other plants do it during the day. It’s the perfect plan for your bedroom.
5. Bamboo Palm
This plant is near the top of NASA’s list of clean air plants with a score of 8.4 out of 10. It works particularly well in cleaning trichloroethylene and benzene from the air. Just keep them watered and in the shade and they will do fine.
6. Philodendron
Most people recognize this plant because it has a heart-shaped leaf but it is also a great plant for absorbing xylene from the air. If you take care of your philodendron properly, it will last for a very long time.
7. Red-Edged Dracaena
It is not uncommon for the Red-Edged Dracaena to grow to 15 feet tall, so it’s great for an area of the home with lots of free space. It works at removing toxins from the air, such as trichloroethylene, formaldehyde and xylene.
8. Golden Pothos
This plant cleans formaldehyde from the air very effectively. Adding it to your living room or kitchen as a hanging plant works well because of the way the vines drop toward the ground. It is also a very easy plant to grow.