House Plants are hot right now. Both seasoned gardeners and new plant parents are enjoying bringing nature indoors. There is a good reason they have grown in popularity over the last few years. House Plants have been proven to help you live healthier and happier.

According to studies conducted by NASA, Harvard University and the University of Michigan, House Plants provide numerous benefits to the mind, body and overall health and wellbeing.

Clean the Air

Plants provide essential oxygen to your home and remove Carbon Monoxide through photosynthesis, but plants also scrub the air of toxins (also known as VOC’s). Chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde can increase asthma symptoms and other respiratory illnesses. House plants clean the air of these chemicals and reduce respiratory illness symptoms.

For an added bonus, house plants reduce pollution. Having them around helps you breathe easier.

Boost Your Immune System

Plants increase humidity in your home, which in turn helps prevent colds, coughs, and sore throats. In some cases, an increase in humidity levels can reduce the transmission of the flu virus, keeping everyone healthier.

House plants have also been proven to promote healing. Patients who undergo minor surgery or illness are shown to have lower blood pressure, lower pain levels, reduced anxiety and less fatigue when plants and flowers are in their hospital rooms.

Improve Mental Health

Green spaces, or bringing nature in your home has a direct effect on your mental health and wellbeing. Surrounding yourself with plants has been proven to decrease stress levels, increase focus and concentration, reduce anxiety and improve your sleep.

Having greenery around you while you work can stimulate the senses and actually increase mental cognition and memory retention. Add one 8 or 10-inch potted plant per 100 square feet to reduce indoor pollutants and increase a room’s humidity.

Learn more about Living Healthier With House Plants.

For information on choosing the right plant for your home watch our video Top 9 Houseplants for Your Home’s Lighting or visit our House Plant page.  Visit any English Gardens location to get more tips on caring for your house plants.