It seems like every Tom, Dick and Harry returns from a shopping trip with a tray of fresh, hopeful seedlings that make you croon nursery rhymes into their tiny leaf-ears. If you think they’re cute now, just wait until they get a little bigger and start pumping health and vitality into your every waking moment.
The benefits of sharing our spaces with friendly, fragrant faces will leave you staring at your plants in awe and mentally drafting up a thank you card for them:
- They boost your house’s oxygen levels! Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. They’re a natural air purifier; at least, during the day when photosynthesis is occuring. But at night, when this process stops, most plants switch up their routine by absorbing oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide. No need to worry; all plants absorb more carbon dioxide than they emit. There are some exceptions to this; orchids, succulents, snake plants and bromeliads keep that oxygen flowing 24/7. Keep these in your bedroom to optimize air quality during your sweet slumber.
- They take approximately 87% of toxins out of the air, and turn them into plant food! Common toxins are found in certain furniture pieces, building materials, cigarette smoke, paper, and many other corners of the average home. Let your plant child sweep the premises and purify the air.
- They can be a substitute for your humidifier. Plants release roughly 97% of the water they take in, into the air. This can aid in soothing our dry skin and decreasing coughs and sore throats. Remember, however, that some plants (especially tropical plants) do require a more humid environment, so you’d need to provide them with more moisture in this case.
- They can calm anxiety and general sickness (cold, flu, headaches), and lower fatigue. Studies show that patients in hospital rooms containing plants actually heal faster. They ask for pain medicine less often, have lower heart rates and blood pressure, and get released sooner. Our plants love us, and truly want us to live our best lives.
- They can sharpen our concentration and boost our mood. This is especially encouraging for those of us working from home. Setting up a makeshift office can be as easy as putting a plant next to our computers and directing the occasional question to it; such as, “How do you operate at such an optimal efficiency?”
- And the best reason of all…they’re nice to look at.
Aloe Vera Plant 
Snake Plant 
Pothos Plant
If you take the time to get to know your plants, they will become easier to read. Those seeking guidance on interpreting their houseplants’ signals can check out our blog posts on houseplant care. For amateur plant owners, take a chance on more hardy plants. Succulents such as aloe vera are tough, not needing much water or sunlight (and you’ll enjoy the benefits of a natural skin soother; especially if you get burned!). Snake plant (also known as Mother-in-law’s Tongue, due to its long, pointed leaves and ability to last a long time) is another plant that is easy to care for. It doesn’t require much light, and doesn’t need to be watered very often. Depending on the humidity in its environment, it only needs watering a couple of times in winter. Pothos plants are a variety that grow in a long trail, perfect for hanging or draping around a bookshelf. They are comfortable in most lights, including artificial lights, and you can clip off a section to grow new pothos plants for your friends and sweethearts.
Incorporate these green breathing queens into your life and heart, and we swear you’ll never look back!
Until next thyme,
My Thyme Gardens