Brina Blum on Unsplash
From Devil’s Ivy to Fiddle Leaf Figs, it’s no secret leaf love is where it’s at right now.
But the appeal of indoor plants goes far beyond their ability to make a space look Pinterest Perfect. While some varieties can help clean the air of harmful toxins, recent studies show they also have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing, too.
According to a recent survey commissioned by Yates, six in 10 adults believe indoor plants have calming abilities. Four in 10 credit greenery with making them happy and 55 per cent believe it’s an essential part of making a house feel like a home.
“Indoor plants have so many benefits and it’s encouraging to see Aussies recognising the power of greenery inside their homes,” Angie Thomas, Horticulture Consultant to Yates said of the findings.
“Often gardening is only associated with large outdoor spaces, but you can get many of the same holistic health benefits from gardening indoors as you do outside.”
With that in mind, we asked Angie for her top five plant picks and some foolproof tips on caring for them too.
1. Fiddle Leaf Fig
With its bold and glossy appearance that instantly adds king sized greenery into indoor spaces, it’s no wonder that the Fiddle Leaf Fig is one of the most popular plants used in homes and offices.
Pro tip: Fiddle leaf figs thrive in a brightly lit room, protected from direct sunlight and cold draughts. Strategically place your fig so you can admire its impressive size.
2. Rattlesnake Plant
Going for a colourful tropical vibe? No worries! Rattlesnake (or peacock) plants grow to around 60cm tall and have vibrant or patterned foliage. Loving humidity, they’re perfect for growing in a brightly lit bathroom.
Pro tip: Keep the potting mix moist, especially during the warmer months, and feed regularly with Yates Thrive to promote lots of lush and colourful foliage.
3. Aloe Vera
If you’re after a low maintenance plant for your desk, try this drought resistant succulent. It’s known for its health and beauty benefits too – so there’s more to aloe vera than looking pretty!
Pro tip: Aloe vera should be grown in a very brightly lit spot but out of direct sunlight. Let the potting mix dry out in between waterings.
4. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue
How about going with something bold and fierce? Mother-in-Law’s Tongue has distinctive upright sword like patterned leaves and these plants are very effective at improving air quality
Pro tip: These plants are wonderfully tolerant of neglect and will handle dimly lit rooms and lack of water. Choose a pot with good drainage holes and use a quality potting mix.
5. Swiss Cheese Plant
Originating in tropical forests, the Swiss Cheese plant (also called Monstera), is sure to bring a jungle-like feeling indoors with lots of lush holey leaves and climbing stems. They can grow into sizeable plants and are great for filling a brightly lit corner of a room with greenery.
Pro tip: Swiss Cheese plants will benefit from a monthly feed of liquid fertiliser, to encourage lots of leafy growth.
This article originally appeared on Women’s Health.
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