Regardless of if you were born with a green thumb or not, indoor plants are easier to care for than you think. Some thrive being left alone in low light conditions and can withstand long periods of neglect. While outdoor plants have to constantly be cared for, monitoring changes in temperature, weather, and insect invasions, indoor plants have adapted to their predictable life inside, and hardly require any attention at all.
Adding a few pops of greenery to your home can really liven up a space. Don’t know what to do with an awkward corner of a room? Add a plant. Want to break up a crowded shelf? Add a plant. There’s an indoor plant for just about every surface or square inch of your home, and you’ll be amazed at how a live plant can be the perfect finishing touch to any space. Not only do indoor plants look great, but studies show they can also improve your mood and reduce both physiological and psychological stress. Working with plants has also been found to be therapeutic, increasing feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mental illnesses.
Not all indoor plants are the same, so before you pull the trigger on the indoor plant that catches your eye, it’s important to do your research. Carefully consider your space and the amount of direct or indirect sunlight it gets on a daily basis and look for a plant that thrives in that environment. For those who don’t get much sunlight in your home, there are plenty of indoor plants that prefer these shadier conditions. Pet owners need to take caution in keeping indoor house plants, as some plants can be poisonous when ingested by curious critters. If your home could use some greenery, take a look at some of our favorite indoor plants below.