In Harry Styles’ song “Kiwi,” he sings “when she’s alone, she goes home to a cactus.” And who can blame “her”? There’s just something so pleasing about having a little green friend to keep you company on your windowsill. But houseplants aren’t just for aesthetics. Did you know that some can actually improve your health?
1. Aloe Vera:
Courtesy: Healthline
Other than the obvious sunburn healing properties (perfect for summer beach days or sunny game days), keeping aloe as a houseplant has wonderful benefits. Use the gooey insides as a rejuvenating ingredient for a homemade face mask because of it’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. On top of all that, aloe is known to filter your indoor air and clear out any harmful pollutants, such as those found in cleaning supplies. This superhero plant also releases oxygen at nighttime, which could lead to better sleep. Is there anything it can’t do? An aloe vera plant is a MUST HAVE! To care for this little guy, make sure it is getting plenty of sunlight and DON’T over-water it.
2. Lavender:
Courtesy: Wallpaper Play
Known for its soothing scent and calming properties, lavender would be an excellent addition to your growing family of plant babies. The beautiful purple blooms are famous for reducing anxiety, which sounds perfect for college students! By slowing your heart rate, lowering blood pressure and subduing stress levels, this plant will help lull you to sleep. Lavender requires a lot of sunlight, so make sure to place this plant in your bedroom window!
3. English Ivy:
Courtesy: Pinterest
Perfect for darker rooms, this plant will survive wonderfully under fluorescent lights, which are common in dorm rooms. Keep it away from direct sunlight and make sure the soil is moist! Ivy is known to clean the air of allergens and mold spores. A recent study showed that in 12 hours the plant had removed over three-quarters of airborne mold from a room, making it a cheaper alternative to fancy air-cleansing machines. Because of its air-cleansing properties, you can put the English Ivy in your bedroom if you have asthma or difficulty breathing at night, and it will help you breath easier. Be aware that this plant is poisonous, so keep away from your sweet fur babies!
4. Rosemary:
Courtesy: Pinterest
You can always use this herb to make great Tuscan inspired dishes, but the main draw for us college students is the “memory-boosting compound” that has been used for centuries. Studies show that people who smelled rosemary tested better on questionnaires than people who hadn’t smelled anything. So, next time you are cramming for a test, break off a twig of your handy dandy rosemary plant and take a deep whiff! Taking care of this herb is simple, as it only requires bright sunlight and even watering. Make sure to water it less in the winter, and prune the plant once it has bloomed.
5. Golden Pothos:
Courtesy: Pinterest
Probably the easiest plant to care for on this list, Golden Pothos will look beautiful as the vines creep over bookcase shelves or hang from higher places. As long as it is getting a couple of hours of sunlight a day and is watered semi-regularly, this little guy will flourish. Golden Pothos made NASA’s list for its ability to purify the surrounding air. Keep this one out of the reach of your pets, too, because it’s leaves are mildly toxic.
Before you go out and buy some new lil’ buddies to spruce up your living space, consider some of the ones listed above! Not only are they low maintenance, but they could potentially improve your health!
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