The 18 Best Indoor Plants According To Environmental Psychology
The lifestyle of today’s society can be highly stressful. Although it varies depending on the person and the type of activities they do, we spend hours and hours in situations that require us to be attentive, proactive, efficient and constantly moving, many of them in closed and limited spaces. But there are different elements that can help us better manage stress, while purifying the environment and relaxing us.
Space layout, colors, decoration… everything influences, whether we are at home after a hard day or if we are working in the office. One of these elements can be found in indoor plants, which can have interesting properties. Therefore in this article you can find the best indoor plants according to environmental psychology
Most people buy houseplants because they are aesthetically pleasing or because they enjoy taking care of them and watching them grow. In some cases, it is also argued that it is good to have plants at home since they absorb carbon dioxide from the environment while releasing oxygen.
However, it may be a little less known that being surrounded by plants has a series of benefits, causing positive effects on people both physically and mentally.
In fact, it has been proven that something as simple as going for a walk in areas with abundant vegetation reduces stress levels more than walks through other types of natural environments. On the other hand, students who attend schools surrounded by forests perform better in their studies. The beneficial effect of plants is discreet, but it is there. And we can count on it to create spaces in our homes
To begin with, as we have seen before, plants absorb carbon dioxide, helping to purify the environment. And not only carbon dioxide, since depending on which species They can act as a filter against other substances harmful to health such as fumes from pollution or even harmful substances present in products such as paints and solvents.
In addition, they release oxygen and water vapor, so that they maintain a certain level of environmental humidity constant. Likewise, they help to form a barrier against sound and noise coming from outside, something very useful to have spaces in which to disconnect.
Physiological effects
At a physiological level, it has been shown that they help reduce blood pressure, and by purifying the environment, the quality of the air we breathe is better. And, by producing a certain level of moisture, the skin is more hydrated.
Psychological effects
At a psychological level, it has also been shown that plants have important effects on stress management, causing a reduction in discomfort and distress. By reducing stress, concentration level can be increased , thus its presence improves productivity and the level of satisfaction in the workplace. There has also been an increase in the feeling of well-being, improving general mood.
18 indoor plants that filter the environment and help you relax
Below we present 18 indoor plants with proven usefulness to purify the environment while relieving stress.
Some of them have been collected from reports carried out by NASA after various analyzes of their ability to purify the air, while others are frequently used in aromatherapy.
1. Ficus
The ficus is one of the most common indoor plants and it is common to find it in homes and establishments. There is a wide variety of ficus species, not all of them being indoor plants.
Among those that are The ficus benjamina and the gomero or rubber tree stand out The ficus absorbs formaldehyde and methanal, but it must be taken into account that the leaves of some variants can be toxic, so be careful in the presence of children and pets.
This plant is one of the few air-purifying plants that produces flowers. However, it is toxic if ingested, so It is not recommended to leave them within the reach of pets or children very small. This plant helps eliminate mold spores, as well as formaldehyde and trichloroethylene particles. It is usually used in bathrooms.
3. Dracena
This is a plant that is already used regularly in the offices of different companies. This small plant is useful because it is capable of filtering the air, absorbing chemicals and harmful elements such as smoke.
Especially recommended in recently painted places or reformed, since they absorb xylene and formaldehyde and even some components of varnishes and solvents especially well.
4. Ribbons/Love Bow/Malamadre
This indoor plant is very useful in eliminating substances produced by gas-powered appliances, also having the advantage that it does not require much care.
5. Chrysanthemum
These colorful plants They help absorb benzene and ammonia from the air , in addition to being aesthetically striking and inducing a feeling of well-being. They are useful in places where the use of cleaning products is frequent or where animals defecate.
6. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a highly known plant since ancient times. It was used as a highly effective medicinal element, especially in the presence of wounds.
Today its medicinal use is still valid , in addition to being included in hygiene and self-care products. In its natural state, this plant has a great capacity to increase the amount of oxygen in the environment, which is why it is a good idea to have it.
7. Tiger tongue
This plant absorbs chemical components such as methanal and nitrogen oxide, making it very useful to prevent toxins from personal hygiene and hygiene products reaching us.
8. Orchid
There are numerous species of orchid, not all of which are suitable for indoor use. The orchids They are one of the few plants that give off oxygen at night , so they can be suitable for resting places such as a bedroom. They also contribute to eliminating xylene.
Another of the air-purifying plants that blooms, the daisy is capable (especially the gerbera daisy) of absorbing trichloroethylene and benzene. Useful in places where there is usually smoke, ink or paint.
10. Common ivy
Ivy is a plant that helps eliminate various chemical components, being especially effective in eliminating mold particles. That is why They are sometimes seen near kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms Various research shows that this plant helps improve asthma and allergy symptoms.
11. Fern
Along with the ficus, one of the best-known indoor plants. This plant helps eliminate particles of formaldehyde, xylene and benzene in addition to raising the level of humidity in the environment. Useful for people with asthma and other respiratory problems
12. Areca Palma
Leafy and requiring little care, this plant helps eliminate formaldehyde, benzene and carbon dioxide.
13. Pothos
Carbon monoxide and formaldehyde are two of the substances that this plant helps eliminate, being very useful in places with gas-powered elements, such as in the kitchen.
14. Chinese palm tree
The Chinese palm tree is another of the indoor plants that largely absorb benzene and formaldehyde.
15. Lavender
This plant and the fragrance it gives off They have relaxing properties that help reduce stress, slowing down heart rate and blood pressure.
16. Gardenia
Plant with great relaxing properties, it is sometimes placed in bedrooms due to its great effect on relieving anxiety and relaxing both the body and the mind.
17. Philodendron
This plant can be toxic if ingested. However, it is capable of helping to eliminate some chemicals such as volatile remains from elements such as glues and cleaning products.
18. Jasmine
The aroma that this flower emits has relaxing and calming properties, helping to reduce the level of tension and anxiety.
