This is your sign to get a plant for your room!
If you are looking to add some life to your not so alive room, but don’t want to get a pet, the best option for you is to get a plant. Plants are like low maintenance pets. They can offer number of benefits, in return of a little care. Although there are hundreds of Indoor plants, I am just picking the top five personal favorites for this article.
1) Snake plant (Sansevieria)
If there is an award for being the most tolerant plant, snake plant would definitely get the first prize. Sansevieria is distinguished by its upright, evergreen sword-shaped leaves that mimic artificial foliage. For this sharpness of its leaves, it’s also widely known as Mothe in Law’s Tongue. The snake plant is well known for its air purifying ability that can filter and remove toxins from the air. It is also one of the fewest plants that can convert CO2 to O2 at night.
Care: Although some sun light and shade are ideal, it can cope with direct sun and low light situations as well. It is not required to keep the soil damp because this plant is a succulent that stores water in its leaf. Once a week, water the plants. Overwatering can cause the root and base of the plant to decay, so be careful. Snake plant can be kept in average temperature.
2) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
As the name hints, this absolute beauty will add peace and hope to your surroundings. Peace lilies are tropical plants with glossy dark green leaves. This plant with leaves directly rising from the soil produces lightly fragrant white “flowers” which resemble calla lilies. Peace lily also filters the air and removes volatile compounds such as acetone from the air. It also removes mold spores and prevents mildew formation. For these reasons studies have shown that peace lilies tend to improve sleep quality, so you should try getting one for your bedroom!
Care: When it comes to watering peace lilies it is important to keep it consistent. Even if peace lilies can tolerate dry soil, you should check for soil dryness and water whenever the soil is dry. As they are tropical plants keep them in temperatures above 16°C. Keep Peace lilies in brightly lit rooms but away from direct sunlight.
3) Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis)
If you are looking for an indoor plant with health benefits look no further, Aloe Vera is your best bet. This tropical plant has characteristic spiky succulent and erect leaves arranged densely in a rosette. Aloe Vera is widely known for its healing and medicinal properties and have been used in medicine and cosmetics since Ancient Egypt. Some health benefits of aloe vera include sunburn relief, wound healing, and heart burn relief. The aloe gel inside the thick leaves is used in cosmetics for skin and hair. When applied topically, it gives a hydrating and soothing effect and prevent itching and redness.
Care: Water Aloe vera plants deeply but allow the soil to dry before you water again. So, you can water your aloe vera plant every 2 weeks. Place the aloe vera plant in a bright room but away from direct sunlight.
4) Money plant (Araceae)
Also known as golden pothos and devil’s ivy, it is an easy to acre simple plant. If you are new to plants, then money plant maybe the one for you! This plant with evergreen thick, waxy, green, heart-shaped leaves with splashes of yellow can be grown in water as well.
Care: If kept in soil you should check the soil and water when it feels dry. If grown in water change the water every 2 to 3 weeks and when needed, refill it. You can place your money plant in medium to well-lit rooms and preferably away from direct sunlight.
5) Monstera Delicosa
If you have a lot of empty space and want to fill it up aesthetically, Monstera is for you! Frequently considered as a luxury looking and interior designers favorite, monstera is an easy-to-care for plant which possesses leaves that have unique perforations and holes “punched” through them.
Care: Monstera also requires medium to well-lit rooms but away from direct sunlight. Monsteras prefer soil that is lightly moist. Monstera prefers humid environment but tolerates normal room humidity and temperature.
Written by Mohamed Shifaq
