Why You Should Incorporate Indoor Plants Into Your Decor
The benefits of indoor plants are numerous. They purify our indoor air, thanks to the process of photosynthesis, whereby they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. As part of this photosynthesis process, plants also release moisture vapor, thereby increasing the humidity of a room. This increased humidity is a boon for those with respiratory issues such as allergies, sore throats and dry coughs. Plants also remove air-borne toxins from the air, including up to 87% of volatile organic compounds (VOCS) every 24 hours, according to research by NASA. For these air purification results, consider using up to 15-18 plants in 6 to 8-inch diameter pots for a house of average size (1,800 square feet). The goal is one larger-size plant every 100-square feet or two smaller plants (in 4 to 5 inch pots).
Now, which plants should you incorporate into your home décor? Given that many people claim to not have a green thumb, here are some plants that are considered to be pretty indestructible, as they don’t require a lot of care and maintenance. The Corn Plant is a beautiful specimen that thrives in low-light areas, and are perfect for the corners of a room. They can grow up to six feet tall, so they are perfect for adding height and dimension to any room.
Another easy-care plant is the Pothos. This plant works best sitting on a taller ledge or shelf as they feature trailing vines. When the vines get too long for your liking, just trim them and put the clippings in a glass of water to root for future repotting. The Maranta (or Prayer Plant) is a beautiful plant with bold patterns interspersed with red leaves. This plant does best in a pot on a lower table.
The Jade plant is a succulent that is right on trend this year, with succulent plants being all of the rage in design quarters. This plant is very fast-growing and hardy. The Snake Plant is one of the easiest, low-maintenance plants as it doesn’t require replanting from its original pot. Just place in a decorative basket or pot (after lining it to capture water), and you’re ready to enjoy this plant that will add drama to any room.
Chris & Cheryl Park, REALTORS® – Scottsdale and surrounding areas experts.