There’s nothing like spending time in nature to recharge your body and mind. The fresh air and sunshine, and of course, the greenery! But in the middle of the cold season, not to mention an ongoing pandemic, it's not so easy to get out there and commune with mother nature, which is why it's so crucial to bring the outside inside!

Decorating your home with plants doesn't just make it look beautiful, lush, and alive, it has health benefits as well. Not only do plants photosynthesize (turn carbon dioxide and water into oxygen) but they can filter out harmful chemicals from the air. The porous surface of a plant's leaves can filter out gases like benzene and formaldehyde. I know you’re thinking “my home doesn’t have formaldehyde in it!” but unfortunately, a laundry list of cosmetics, detergents, and household cleaners contain (and emit) that lovely ingredient.

There are many ways to spruce up your home using greenery, and some essential things to consider before you do. Let’s get into it!

Which Plants Do Best Indoors?

The key to creating a lush paradise inside your home is making sure you pick types of foliage that will do well indoors. Luckily, there are plenty that do well in indirect light with minimal maintenance. Let’s face it; you have enough to deal with when it comes to taking care of yourself and your family without having to remember to fertilize the plants. Luckily many varieties don’t require a ton of attention, light, or water!

Here are five plants to look out for at your local nursery. You can even order plants online from Etsy and have them shipped right to your door.

Devils Ivy (Pothos)

Devil’s Ivy, also called Golden Pothos, can grow vines over ten feet long with heart-shaped leaves that don't require bright direct sunlight. Place it under a lamp or next to the filtered light from a window. You can let these plants go weeks without water, too, so even if you have a black thumb rather than a green, you should be good to go!

Dracaena

The Dracaena is known as a hardy plant that can withstand changing indoor temperatures, and they require less water than many other indoor plants. Like the Philodendron, there are many Dracaena varieties, and they come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, so you can shop around for the type you find most aesthetically pleasing. Best of all, they thrive in artificial light, so even if you live in a windowless room, you can still have a pop of green. Just make sure your indoor lighting is nice and bright, by calling a company like SALT Light & Electric, and you’ll keep your dracaena happy.

Philodendron

This genus of plant comes in many shapes and sizes. They have bright, waxy green leaves and come in upright or climbing varieties. The Philodendron originally comes from the tropics, so certain types thrive in a simulation of their original environment, which you can achieve with a big window or a bright lamp. However, the heart-leaf philodendron does splendidly in low light, and many other varieties in this genus are highly adaptable to low-light and other indoor conditions.

Spider Plant

The spider plant is aptly named for its long, creeping leaves like the legs of a spider. Don’t worry, though, that’s where the similarities end—they don’t bite, and they won’t climb into your mouth while you sleep! These jungle-like beauties require bright but indirect light, so long as you have a window, they will thrive. Do not set directly on the windowsill or anywhere without the filter of a curtain or shade.

Rubber Plant

The rubber plant can be maintained as a smaller desk plant, or you can place it in a corner to grow into a large indoor tree. Bright indirect light works best for these beauties, and be sure not to keep them soaking in soggy soil. During winter you only need to water your rubber tree once or twice a month; in summer (its growing season) it’s best to keep it moist by misting its leaves a couple of times a week.

There you have it! Five plants to adorn your home. Hang them from your ceiling, situate them in adorable painted planters, or let them drape over your bookcase. However you display them, they are sure to liven up your space.

Cheers!

Janelle