If you’re anything like me then you’re a bit of a plant queen. From cacti and rubber and snake to succulent, every room in my home is filled with green goodness … my kitchen alone houses 42 potted beauties! I love the instant colour they bring, their lush leaves brightening up a corner or shelf, or adding texture when hung from the ceiling.
But while it’s true that plants add interest to your living space, they are also good for your physical and mental health too. There is certainly something very calming in being surrounded by houseplants and even scientists agree that they lift the spirits and soothe the mind, as well as acting as a natural filter to clean the air and absorb toxins and carbon dioxide for cleaner living spaces.
By tending to the plants in our home our stress levels decrease and blood pressure is lowered, meaning we feel healthier and closer to nature. If you’re currently working from home, place a few in your office space to boost productivity and creativity, and improve focus and memory retention.
Here are a few of my favourite house plants that I have found easy to look after.
Spider plants: These pet-friendly air cleansers are perfect for your work space and easy to grow and look after. They like light and sunshine; water when the soil is dry.
Cacti: Wonderfully hardy, cacti come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are perfect for modern or vintage Boho interiors. They need very little watering so are easy to look after.
Snake plants: I love the look of the tall dark green leaves with yellow edging – great for adding interest to a book shelf or table top. They’re also ideal for those who forget to water their plants!
Monstera: An Instagram favourite, they like a well–lit spot with plenty of room to grow. Water when they start to look dry and make sure you clean the leaves regular to remove any dust.
Aloe Vera: Known as the “immortal plant” these are a good choice for newbies. They love a sunny spot and prefers to dry out in between watering. Apparently, they can live for up to 100 years.
String of hearts: One of my absolute favourites; the name comes from the heart-shaped, patterned leaves and long trails. Because they are semi-succulent they are more tolerant of dry rather than wet soil.