Living house plants are a great way to add a touch of nature and beauty to your home. Not only do they purify the air and improve the aesthetic of your space, but they also have a range of physical and mental health benefits. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know about living house plants, from the benefits of having them in your home to how to care for them.
Table of Contents
Benefits of Living House Plants
Living house plants have a range of benefits that make them a great addition to any home. Some of the most significant advantages of having living house plants include:
Improved air quality: Living house plants are natural air purifiers, removing toxins and pollutants from the air and releasing oxygen. This can be especially beneficial for people who suffer from respiratory problems or live in areas with poor air quality.
Reduced stress and anxiety: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and anxiety levels, promote relaxation, and even lower blood pressure. This is due to the calming effect of nature and the sense of connection to the natural world.
Boosted mood: Living house plants can also boost your mood and overall sense of well-being. This is due to the release of endorphins, which are triggered by the sight and scent of plants.
Improved sleep: Having living house plants in your bedroom can even improve your sleep quality. This is due to the calming effect of plants and the removal of toxins from the air.
Choosing the Right Living House Plant
With so many different types of living house plants to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is right for you. Here are a few things to consider when selecting a living house plant:
Lighting: Different plants require different levels of lighting. If you have a dark room, you'll want to choose a plant that can thrive in low-light conditions, such as a Chinese Evergreen or Pothos.
Watering: Some plants require frequent watering, while others prefer to dry out between waterings. Consider your watering schedule and choose a plant that fits your lifestyle.
Temperature: Most living house plants prefer temperatures between 65-75°F (18-24°C), but some can tolerate warmer or cooler temperatures.
Maintenance: Some plants require regular pruning, fertilizing, or repotting, while others are low-maintenance and easy to care for.
Popular Living House Plants
Here are some popular living house plants that are easy to care for and provide a range of benefits:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata): This plant is known for its ability to purify the air and thrive in low-light conditions, making it a great choice for rooms with limited natural light.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are easy to care for and produce beautiful white flowers. They're also great air purifiers and can be propagated easily by dividing the plantlets that grow on the ends of their stems.
Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis): Aloe vera is a low-maintenance plant that's great for soothing burns and skin irritations. It's also a natural air purifier and can thrive in a range of lighting conditions.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii): Peace lilies are known for their elegant white blooms and ability to purify the air. They prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering.
Caring for Your Living House Plant
Caring for your living house plant is crucial to its survival and health. Here are some general tips to keep in mind:
Watering: Over-watering is one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for living house plants. Check the soil daily, and only water when it feels dry to the touch.
Lighting: Most living house plants prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can cause leaves to become scorched and faded.
Fertilizing: Feed your living house plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Dilute the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Pruning: Prune your living house plant regularly to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Remove any dead or dying leaves or stems, and cut back leggy growth.
Common Problems and Solutions
Even with proper care, living house plants can encounter problems. Here are some common issues and solutions:
Yellowing leaves: Yellowing leaves can be caused by over-watering, under-watering, or too much direct sunlight. Check the soil and adjust your watering schedule accordingly.
Pests: Check your plant regularly for pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. Isolate infected plants, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Fungal diseases: Fungal diseases can be caused by over-watering or poor air circulation. Treat with a fungicide, and improve air circulation around the plant.
Repotting Your Living House Plant
Repotting your living house plant is necessary to provide fresh soil and a larger pot as the plant grows. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Choose a pot that is only 1-2 sizes larger than the current one to prevent the soil from becoming too wet.
Use a well-draining potting mix to prevent waterlogged soil.
Handle the roots gently, and avoid disturbing them as much as possible.
Water the plant well after repotting, and monitor its condition closely for the first few weeks.
Propagation and Division
Propagation and division are great ways to share your living house plants with friends and family or create new plants for your own home. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
Stem cuttings: Take 4-6 inch stem cuttings from the tips of your living house plant, and remove lower leaves. Plant the cuttings in a pot filled with moistened potting mix, and keep warm and humid until roots develop.
Leaf cuttings: Take leaf cuttings from plants like African Violets or Begonias, and plant them in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. Keep warm and humid until roots develop.
Division: Divide your living house plant when it becomes pot-bound, or the roots have filled the pot. Gently separate the roots, and replant the divisions in fresh potting mix.
Conclusion
Living house plants are a great way to add beauty, freshness, and health benefits to your home. By choosing the right plant for your lifestyle, caring for it properly, and troubleshooting common problems, you can enjoy the many benefits of living house plants. Remember to propagate and divide your plants to share with friends and family, and to keep your plants thriving for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of having living house plants?
Having living house plants can bring numerous benefits to your home and well-being. They can purify the air, improve indoor air quality, and even help reduce stress and anxiety. Additionally, they can add a touch of natural beauty and aesthetic appeal to your space.
What are the easiest house plants to care for?
If you're new to plant parenthood, don't worry! There are many low-maintenance house plants that are perfect for beginners. Some of the easiest house plants to care for include ZZ Plant, Snake Plant, Spider Plant, and Pothos. These plants are forgiving and can thrive in a variety of conditions.
How often should I water my house plants?
The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant, its size, and the environment it's in. As a general rule, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If the soil feels dry, it's time to water. Overwatering is a common mistake, so it's better to err on the side of caution and underwater slightly.
What is the best soil for house plants?
The best soil for house plants is a well-draining potting mix that is specifically designed for indoor plants. Avoid using garden soil, as it can compact and prevent proper drainage. Look for a potting mix that contains peat moss, vermiculite, or perlite to ensure healthy root growth.
How much sunlight do house plants need?
The amount of sunlight your house plants need varies depending on the type of plant. Some plants like bright, direct sunlight, while others prefer indirect or low light. Make sure to research the specific lighting needs of your plants to ensure they're getting the right amount of sunlight.
Can I grow house plants in low-light conditions?
Absolutely! There are many house plants that can thrive in low-light conditions, such as Chinese Evergreen, Pothos, and ZZ Plant. These plants are perfect for rooms with limited natural light or for those who don't have a sunny windowsill.
Why are my house plants getting pests?
Pests can be a common problem for house plants, especially if you're overwatering or not providing good air circulation. Check your plants regularly for signs of pests, such as spider mites, mealybugs, or aphids. Isolate infected plants, and treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
How do I propagate house plants?
Propagating house plants is a great way to share plants with friends and family or to create new plants for yourself. You can propagate plants through stem cuttings, leaf cuttings, or division. Research the specific propagation method for your plant type, and make sure to provide the right conditions for the new plant to thrive.
What are some common house plant diseases?
House plants can be susceptible to various diseases, such as root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew. These diseases are often caused by overwatering, poor air circulation, or high humidity. Identify the disease early, and treat it promptly with fungicides or by adjusting the plant's environment.
Can I use house plants to improve indoor air quality?
Yes! House plants are natural air purifiers and can help remove pollutants and toxins from the air. Some of the best air-purifying plants include Spider Plant, Peace Lily, and Dracaena. Place plants in areas where air quality is a concern, such as near a furnace or in a basement.
How do I fertilize my house plants?
Fertilizing your house plants can provide them with essential nutrients for healthy growth. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer), and dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid burning the roots.
Can I grow house plants in a basement?
Yes! While basements often have limited natural light, there are many house plants that can thrive in low-light conditions. Choose plants that are tolerant of low light, such as Chinese Evergreen or Pothos, and provide supplemental lighting if necessary.
How do I prune my house plants?
Pruning your house plants can help maintain their shape, promote healthy growth, and encourage blooming. Use clean, sharp pruning tools, and remove any dead or damaged leaves or stems. Prune plants during the growing season to minimize stress.
Can I grow house plants in a bathroom?
Absolutely! Bathrooms can be a great place for house plants, especially those that thrive in high humidity, such as Ferns or Peace Lilies. Just be sure to provide good air circulation and avoid splashing water on the plants.
How do I repot my house plants?
Repotting your house plants can give them a fresh start and provide more room for growth. Choose a pot that is only one to two sizes larger than the original pot, and use a well-draining potting mix. Handle the roots gently, and water thoroughly after repotting.
Can I grow house plants on a balcony or patio?
Yes! If you have a balcony or patio, you can grow house plants in containers. Just be sure to choose plants that are tolerant of outdoor conditions, such as wind, sun, and temperature fluctuations. Bring plants indoors during extreme weather conditions.
How do I care for house plants during the winter?
During the winter, house plants require less water and fertilizer. Reduce watering to once every 4-6 weeks, and skip fertilizing until the growing season resumes. Provide extra humidity and protection from cold drafts to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Can I grow house plants in a kitchen?
Absolutely! Kitchens can be a great place for house plants, especially those that thrive in bright, indirect light, such as Herbs or Succulents. Just be sure to keep plants away from direct heat sources, such as ovens or stovetops.
How do I identify house plant pests?
Identifying house plant pests can be tricky, but there are some common signs to look out for. Check for tiny eggs, white powdery residue, or actual pests on the leaves or stems. Research the specific pest you've identified, and treat the plant promptly to prevent infestation.
Can I use house plants to improve my mood?
Absolutely! House plants can have a positive impact on mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Choose plants with calming scents, such as Lavender or Jasmine, to promote relaxation.
How do I care for house plants during the summer?
During the summer, house plants require more water and fertilizer. Increase watering to once every 1-2 weeks, and fertilize regularly to promote healthy growth. Provide extra humidity and protection from extreme heat to keep your plants happy and healthy.
Can I grow house plants in a living room?
Absolutely! Living rooms can be a great place for house plants, especially those that thrive in bright, indirect light, such as Philodendron or Dracaena. Just be sure to choose plants that fit your decor and lifestyle.
How do I deal with house plant allergies?
If you or a family member has allergies to house plants, there are steps you can take to minimize exposure. Choose plants that are hypoallergenic, such as Spider Plant or Pothos, and keep them out of bedrooms and living areas. Wear gloves when handling plants, and wash your hands thoroughly after pruning or repotting.
Indoor Plant Care A-Z
Adiantum Fragrans
Aechmea Blue Rain
Aechmea Fasciata
Aeschynanthus Marmoratus
Aeschynanthus Radicans Gesneriad
African Mask
African Spear
African Violet
Air Plant
Alocasia Amazonica
Alocasia Araceae
Aloe
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera Barbadensis
Angel Wings Cactus
Anthurium Andraeanum
Anthurium Crystallinum
Arabian Coffee
Areca Palm
Aroid Palm
Arrowhead Ivy
Arum Lily
Asparagus Densiflorus 'Sprengeri'
Asparagus fern
Asparagus Setaceus
Aspidistra Elatior
Asplenium Antiquum
Asplenium Nidus
Athyrium Filix-Femina
Austrailian Ivy Tree
Austrocephalocereus Dybowskii
Austrocylindropuntia subulata
Azalea Plant
Baby Doll Ti
Baby Rose
Baby Tears
Baby Toes
Baby's Tears
Bamboo Palm
Banana Palm
Banana Plant
Banana Tree
Barbados Aloe
Begoniaceae Maculata
Bengal Fig
Benjamin Tree
Benjamin's Fig
Beringin
Bilbo Cactus
Bird Of Paradise
Bird's Nest Fern
Bird's Tongue Flower
Birds Nest Fern
Blue Pothos
Blue Rain Bromeliad
Blue Rain Plant
Blue Sansevieria
Blue Torch Cactus
Bonsai Ficus
Boston Fern
Boston Fern
Boy Flower
Brighamia insignis
Bromeliad
Buddha's Hand
Bunny Cactus
Burrageara Orchid X Oncidium
Burro's Tail
Butterfly Palm
Cabbage on a Stick
Cabeça-branca
Cactus
Caladium Lindenii
Caladium Magnificum
Calathea
Calathea Marantaceae
Calla Lily
Cambria
Cambria Orchid
Canna Leaved Strelitzia
Cape Jasmine
Cape Primrose
Cast Iron Plant
Cathedral Cactus
Cathedral Plant
Cereus Peruvianus
Ceropegia Woodii
Ceropegia Woodii 'Marlies'
Chain of Hearts
Chain of Pearls
Chamaedorea Elegans
Chinese Ape
Chinese Money Plant
Chinese PLant
Chinese Taro
Chlorophytum Comosum
Christmas Cactus
Christmas Kalanchoe
Cladophora
Cladophora Ball
Climbing Asparagus
Codiaeum Variegatum Var. Pictum
Coffea Rubiaceae Arabica
Coffee Bean
Coffee Plant
Common Purslane
Common Yucca
Cordyline Fruticosa
Corn Plant
Crab Cactus
Crane Flower
Crassula Arborescens
Crassula Hobbit
Crassula Ovata
Croton
Crystal Anthurium
Ctenanthe
Ctenanthe Pilosa Golden Mosaic
Curly Locks Cactus
Curtain Fig
Cycas Revoluta
Cylindrical Snake Plant
Date Palm
Day Flower
Delicious Monster
Devil's Ivy
Devil's Tongue
Devils Backbone
Dieffenbachia Araceae
Donkey's Tail
Dracaena
Dracaena Fragrans
Dracaena Fragrans Golden Coast
Dracaena Fragrans Janet Craig
Dracaena Fragrans Steudneri
Dracaena Magenta
Dracaena Marginata
Dracaena Sanderiana
Dragon Plant
Dragon Scale Alocasia
Dragon Tree
Dumb Cane
Dwarf Arrowhead Vine
Dypsis Lutescens Chrysalidocarpus
Easter Cactus
Elephant Bush
Elephant Ear
Elephant Yucca
Emerald Palm
English Ivy
Entangled Hearts
Epiphyllum Anguliger
Epiphyllum guatemalensis
Epipremnum Aureum
Epipremnum Aureum Neon
Epipremnum Pinnatum
Epipremnum Pinnatum Aureum
Eternity Plant
Euphorbia Enopla
Euphorbia Trigona
Euphorbia Trigona Rubra
Eves Pin Cactus
False African Violet
False Shamrock
Ficus Benghalensis 'Audrey'
Ficus Benjamina
Ficus Elastica
Ficus Elastica 'Ruby'
Ficus Ginseng
Ficus Microcarpa
Fiddle Leaf Fig
First Aid Plant
Fishbone Cactus
Five Holes Plant
Flaming Katy
Flaming Sword
Flamingo Flower
Flamingo Lily
Flamingo Plant
Florist Kalanchoe
Flowering Cactus
Freckle Face
Freckle Plant
French Peanut
Friendship Plant
Garden Ivy
Garden Rose
Gardenia Jasminoides
Giant Bird Of Paradise
Golden Cane
Golden Neon Pothos
Golden Pothos
Goldfish Plant
Guiana Chestnut
Guzmania
Guzmania Bromeliaceae
Happy Leaf Pothos
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hardy Elephant's Ear
Hawaiian Ti Plant
Haworthia
Haworthia Rafiki
Heart Leaf
Hedera Helix
Hedera Helix Variagata
Hedera Hibernica
Heptapleurum Actinopyllum
Hobbit Jade
Horrida Plant
Horse's Tail
House Plant Cuttings For Propagation
Hoya Carnosa
Hurricane Plant
Hylotelephium Sieboldii
Hypoestes Phyllostachya
Inch Plant
Irish Ivy
Jade Plant
Jade Plant
Java Fig
Java Tree
Java Willow
Jelly Bean Plant
Jungle Boogie
Jungle Bush
Kalanchoe Blossfeldiana
Kalanchoe Delagoensis x Daigremontiana
Kleinia stapeliiformis
Korean Rock Fern
Lace Fern
Laceleaf
Lady Fern
Lake Ball
Lamb's Tail
Lemon Geranium
Leopard Lily
Lipstick Plant
Little Hogweed
Love Plant
Lucky Bamboo
Madagascar Jasmine
Maidenhair Fern
Malabar Chestnut
Malayan Banyan
Maranta Kerchoveana
Maranta Leuconeura
Maranta Marisela
Mason Congo Sansevieria
Measles Plant
Medicinal Aloe
Medicine Plant
Mexican Breadfruit
Milk Barrel Cactus
Miltonia Orchid
Ming Aralia
Mini Philo
Mini Swiss Cheese Vine
Missionary Plant
Mistletoe Cactus
Money Plant
Money Tree
Monkey Jars
Monstera
Monstera Adansonii
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Minima
Moss Ball
Moss Rose
Moth Orchid
Mother In Law's Tongue
Mother Of Thousands
Musa
Musa Basjoo Tropicana
N'Joy Pothos
Nemantanthus Gregarius
Nematanthus gregarious
Neon Devil's Ivy
Neon Pothos
Nepenthes Alata
Nephrolepis Exaltata
Never Never Plant
Night Blooming Cactus
Octopus Tree
Odontoglossum Orchid
Oilcloth Flower
Old Man Cactus
Oncidium Orchid
Opuntia Microdaisy Albata
Orchidaceae Phalaenopsis
Oxalis Triangularis
Pachira Aquatica
Pancake Plant
Pansy Orchid
Parasol Plant
Parlor Palm
Parlour Palm
Pass-it-along Plant
Passiflora Caerulea
Passionflower
Patio Rose
Peace Lily
Peace Lily
Peacock Plant
Pearl and Star Plant
Pelargonium Zonal
Peperomia Deppeana × Quadrifolia | Peperomia Tetraphylla
Peperomia Polybotrya
Peperomia Prostrata
Peruvian Apple Cactus
Philodendron
Philodendron 'Monkey Mask'
Philodendron Hederaceum
Philodendron Minima
Philodendron Scandens
Phoenix Canariensis
Pickle Cactus
Pickle Plant
Pilea Depressa
Pilea Mollis
Pilea Peperomoides
Pilocereus Azureus
Pincushion Euphorbia
Pink Jelly Beans
Pink Pork and Beans
Pink Splash
Pink Violet
Pitcher Plant
Polka Dot Begonia
Polka Dot Plant
Polyscias Fruticosa
Polystichum Tsussimense
Portulaca Umbraticolata
Portulacaria Afra Mediopicta
Pot Belly Fig
Pothos
Prayer Plant
Provision Tree
Purple Rain Plant
Purple Shamrock
Purple Wood Sorrel
Rabbit Ears Cactus
Rabbit's Foot
Rabbit's Tracks
Radiator Plant
Raindrop Money Plant
Raindrop Pilea
Rattlesnake Plant
Red Rhipsalis Cactus
Red Rubber Plant
Rhapidophora Tetrasperma
Rhipsalis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Agudoensis
Rhipsalis Heteroclada
Rhipsalis Horrida
Rhipsalis Occidentalis
Rhododendron Inga
Ric Rac Orchid Cactus
Ric-Rac Cactus
Rosa
Rosary Plant
Rosary Vine
Rough Fern
Rubber Plant
Saba Nut
Sago Palm
Saint Barbara's Sword
Saint Paulia
Saint Paulia
Sansevieria Ehrenbergii
Sansevieria Trifascia
Sansevieria Trifasciata
Sarracenia
Satin Pothos
Savannah Geranium
Schefflera Arboricola
Schlumbergera Bridgesii
Scindapsus Pictum Argyraeus
Scindapsus Pictus
Sedum Morganianum
Sedum Rubrotinctum Variegata
Senecio
Senecio Herrianus
Senecio Rowleyanus
Senecio Stapeliiformis
Shark Fin Plant
Shark's Tooth Philodendron
Silver Dollar Plant
Silver Jade Plant
Silver Pothos
Silver Vase
Small-Leaved Fig
Small-Leaved Rubber Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Plant
Snake Tongue
Spanish Moss
Spathiphyllum
Spathiphyllum wallisii
Spear Sansevieria
Spider Plant
Spider Plant
Spiderwort
Spineless Yucca
Split-leaf Philodendron
Spotted Begonia
Star Plant
Stephanotis Floribunda
Stick Yucca
Stranging Fig
Strelitzia Alba
Strelitzia Nicolai
Strelitzia Reginae
Streptocarpus Saxorum
String of Beads
String of Hearts
String of Pearls
String of Tears
String of Turtles
Strings
Surprise Miltoniopsis
Sweetheart Plant
Sweetheart Plant Brazil
Swiss Cheese Plant
Swiss Cheese Vine
Sword Fern
Syngonium Erythrophyllum
Syngonium Nephphytis
Tailflower
Tears Pilea
Thanksgiving Cactus
Ti Leaf
Tiger Tooth Philodendron
Tillandsia
Tillandsia Ionantha
Tradescantia Albiflora
Tradescantia Commelinaceae Multiflora
Trailing Jade
Tropical Laurel
Tropicana Palm
Trout Begonia
True Aloe
Trumpet Lily
Trumpet Pitcher Plant
Trumpet Plant
Turtle Strings
UFO Plant
Umbrella Tree
Urn Plant
Variegated Chain of Hearts
Variegated Entangled Hearts
Variegated Laurel
Variegated Rosary Plant
Variegated Rosary Vine
Variegated Rubber Plant
Variegated String of Hearts
Vriesea splendens
Vuylstekeara Orchid
Wandering Dude
Wandering Jew
Wax Plant
Weeping Fig
Weeping Laurel
Whale Fin Plant
White Bird Of Paradise
White Crane Flower
White Flowered Wild Banana
Wild Banana
Wild Cape Banana
Yellow Palm
Yucca Elephantipes
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia
Zantedeschia
Zanzibar Gem
Zebra Basket Vine
Zebra Cactus
Zebra Lipstick Plant
Zebra Plant
Zebrina Pendula
Zigzag Cactus
Zuzu Plant
ZZ Plant
ZZ Plant
Harley Jennings
Harley Jennings is a renowned indoor plant expert with over 15 years of hands-on experience working with some of the UK's top botany and garden centers. Harley's passion for indoor plants blossomed early in his career, leading him to become a trusted authority in the field. He has spent years nurturing plants, researching the best care practices, and sharing his extensive knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts.
Harley is the author of the comprehensive guide "The Complete Guide to Indoor Plant Care," where he combines his wealth of experience with a deep love for greenery. This guide provides readers with everything they need to know about indoor plants, from selection and placement to watering, feeding, and troubleshooting common issues.
In addition to his writing, Harley plays a pivotal role in the development of the Botanic Beam app, a revolutionary tool that offers plant lovers a wealth of information in one convenient place. The app simplifies plant care, providing tailored advice, reminders, and expert tips to help users create thriving indoor gardens.
Outside of his professional life, Harley enjoys urban beekeeping, finding a unique connection between nurturing plants and supporting local ecosystems. His relatable, down-to-earth approach makes him a favorite among both novice and experienced indoor gardeners. Whether through his guide or the Botanic Beam app, Harley Jennings continues to inspire and educate, helping people transform their homes into green sanctuaries.