10 Perfect Indoor Plants That Aren’t Just For Looks
The Style Diary is supported by its readers. We may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through links on this website. Learn more.Injecting some greenery into a room breathes life to it. Plants are not only beautiful to look at, but they almost always blend in well with any colour scheme, and you can swap out the planter whenever you like.
Image | Patch Plants
Aside from their refreshingly good looks, indoor plants can do much more than just enhance the appearance of a room, but a clean air study by NASA in 1989 revealed that some plants can even help to improve indoor air quality by removing volatile pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Other studies have also shown that plants can:
Boost mood & creativity
Reduce stress levels
Increase concentration & productivity
With most of us spending much more time at home than usual, staying positive and healthy is more important now than ever before!
If you’ve never been a plant mum before then finding the best plant may seem tricky. The right lighting, room temperature, positioning, and frequency of food and water can make a house plant either thrive or wither away, but don’t worry - there are some low maintenance options on this list that will make you feel ‘green-finger’ certified.
1. SNAKE PLANT (SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA)
These plants are great for those who can be (unintentionally) neglectful since they require minimal care.
QUICK FACTS:
Removes harmful cancer-causing pollutants like CO2, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.
Releases oxygen converting CO2 (carbon dioxide) to O2 (oxygen).
Helps to fight allergies by releasing moisture in the air and lessening airborne allergens.
Pictured: Snake plant from Beards & Daisies (From £14.99)
2. STRETLITZIA NICOLAI
Commonly described as White Bird of Paradise; Wild Banana, this plant loves the sun!
QUICK FACTS:
Likes a moist environment - mist him regularly to keep his leaves happy.
Can grow up to 2 metres tall.
Air-purifying qualities.
Toxic to pets if ingested.
Bathrooms and kitchens are the ideal locations.
Pictured: Nicolau (Strelitzia Nicolai) from Patch (From £60.00)
3. ARECA PALM (DYPSIS LUTESCENS)
The Areca Palm is native to the Madagascan tropics, this plant is sometimes referred to as the Golden Feather Palm or Butterfly Palm
QUICK FACTS:
Resembles a palm tree, great for creating a holiday feel at home!
Loves bright indirect light.
Helps to relieve dry skin.
Safe around cats and dogs.
Pictured: Areca Palm from The Stem (From £12.00)
4. MONSTERA DELICIOSA (SWISS CHEESE PLANT)
This plant is native to the tropical rainforests of Southern Mexico and Panama. Its Latin name ‘monstera deliciosa’ translates to ‘delicious monster’.
QUICK FACTS:
Toxic to pets if ingested.
Likes to be kept moist, but not soggy.
Its leaves are often seen as a graphic image on anything from wallpaper to cushions.
Pictured: Chaz (Swiss Cheese Plant) from Patch (From £14.00)
5. ALOE VERA
Aloe Vera originates from the Arabian Peninsula, but it also grows wild in tropical and semi-tropical climates around the world.
QUICK FACTS:
Widely used for medicinal purposes since the 16th century.
The gel contains bio-active compounds including vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, and amino acids.
Toxic to pets if ingested.
Pictured: Aloe Vera Plant from Bakker (£12.99 incl pot)
6. DEVIL’S IVY (EPIPREMNUM AUREUM)
The origin of this almost un-killable plant stretches across Northern Australia, China, Japan, and India.
QUICK FACTS:
Is fine in most light conditions, but grows faster in a brighter area.
Likes lots of humidity so is perfect for a kitchen or bathroom.
Air-purifying.
Toxic to children & pets if consumed.
Pictured: Rapunzel (Devil’s Ivy plant) from Patch (£15.00)
7. PEACE LILY (SPATHIPHYLLUM)
As its name would suggest, the Peace lily represents peace, prosperity, tranquillity, solitude, and purification.
QUICK FACTS:
Great air-purifier.
Doesn’t like cold draughts.
Likes regular misting.
Removes harmful toxins such as ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
Low maintenance.
Pictured: Peace Lily from The Stem (From £12.00)
8. BASIL (OCIMUM BASILICUM)
Yes…the herb you may already have in your kitchen. Not only does it smell amazing, but this Southeast Asian native can also do wonders for your mood.
QUICK FACTS:
Often used in aromatherapy due to its high linalool content.
Reduces stress and anxiety.
Likes moisture, but not soaking wet.
Thrives best in a south-facing spot.
You can eat it! (obviously).
Pictured: Basil Plant from Cavendish Home (£18.50)
9. BOSTON FERN (NEPHROLEPIS EXALTATA)
Also known as the “Sword Fern”, the Boston fern can be found in the forests and swamps of Central and South America, the West Indies, and Africa.
QUICK FACTS:
Removes harmful toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Often displayed in a hanging basket.
Really loves humidity, so would be great for the bathroom.
Pictured: Boston Fern from Leaf Envy (From £10)
10. RED CHINESE EVERGREEN (AGLAONEMA CRETE)
This plant is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia.
QUICK FACTS:
Introduced to the UK in the late 1800s, it has become a very popular houseplant due to its low maintenance.
The red-accented leaves would give a lush and vibrant feel to any space.
Tolerant of all light conditions (except direct light.)
Pictured: Chinese Evergreen from Hortology (£18.99)
Have I missed any great indoor plants? Let me know in the comments.
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Chanel x
