Indoor Plants- Types, Advantages, and Methods

Getting in touch with nature has its benefits because humans are known to have an innate instinct to connect with nature. Bringing plants into a space can significantly improve the various aspects of it by establishing this connection.

What are Indoor Plants?

Plants that are adapted to grow indoors - usually ornamental and require minimal sunlight and grow in warm and dry conditions are called indoor plants.

What is Plantscaping?

• Interior landscape design, also called plantscaping, is the strategic placement of plants and selecting the right plant species to enhance an interior space. 
• Introducing plant-based spaces within interiors - like in courtyards and rest areas within buildings and generally bringing in plants within a space improves the overall atmosphere of a space.

Benefits of Indoor Plants 

Plants placed within an interior space not only benefit the environment and improve ecology - they also bring about many physical and psychological impacts to the people utilizing a space. Some of these benefits are mentioned below:

A) Increased Productivity

Presence of plants in spaces like offices and classrooms, where people are required to be motivated, noticeably improve the productivity in a space. Several studies have proved that introducing green spaces and plants in an area tend to achieve the best outputs and increase concentration.

This is not only due to the aesthetic quality that plants bring into a space, they also add to the other multisensory experiences for users.

B) Improves Well-Being 

Indoor plants stimulate the innate biophilia of human beings, and our senses.

Visual - Add to the aesthetic quality of a space, a little bit of green allows us to connect with nature even in interior spaces.

Acoustic – Reduce the amount of undesirable noise generated by acting as a buffer.

Smell – Not restricted to flower-bearing plants, even freshly cut grass is a pleasant smell that we love. 

Feel – Plants improve the thermal comfort and maintain moisture levels for occupants to feel comfortable.

Studies have also proved that greenery decreases the probability of sickness of users that occupy the space, both physically and mentally.

C) Improves Air Quality 

Indoor plants recycle the air within a space and improve air circulation within a building. Therefore, placing them in bedrooms will enhance sleep quality due to increased oxygen levels. Some plants even help to eliminate toxic substances and airborne pollutants from the air we breathe. 

They maintain humidity levels and keep the air cool and fresh in a space. Plants may also recycle the air and eliminate odor – this makes it ideal for them to be placed in spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.

Types of Indoor Plants with Examples

A) Small and Common Houseplants

Spider Plant

• With sharp leaves and contrasting green and yellow leaves, the spider plant is a go-to indoor plant. They are great air purifiers and recycle air within spaces.
• It requires little to no maintenance and can care for itself.
• They require very minimal watering and cannot survive under direct sunlight.

B) Flowering Plants

Peace Lily

• Known for their unique flowers, peace lilies are best known for their refreshing fragrance, and decorative and air purifying qualities. 
• Requires occasional watering and very little sunlight.

C) Foliage Plant

Snake Plant

• Named after their large leaves, Monstera is an indoor plant that can be maintained easily.
• They require moderate amount of water and can tolerate only morning or indirect sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may burn the leaves.

Ferns

• They grow in bunches and hence add a good volume of green and enhance the unused areas within a space.
• They are also known to effectively purify the air within a given space.
• Ferns are slightly high maintenance – they require high quality moist soil to thrive and survive on a very minimal amount of sunlight.

D) Cactus

Golden Barrel Cactus

• This desert style sphere-shaped cactus is ribbed and flowers seasonally.
• Since it is a cactus, it requires little to no water and maximum sunlight – so it is advisable to place them near windows or balconies.

E) Indoor Palms

Parlor Palm

• Slow and steadily growing plants that are popular and easily available. 
• They can reach a height of 3 feet and produce flowers when they are provided with the right amount of water and sunlight.
• They are easy to maintain and can adapt to various climates.

F) Climbers

Money Plant 

• The most commonly found houseplant that can be grown in both water and in soil. 
• Requires minimal sunlight and maintenance, while being adaptive to various weather and topographical conditions.
• These plants climb along window grills and balcony railings to create a pleasing green wall.

G) Succulents

Jade

• Named after its small, shiny oval shaped leaves, the Jade plant has a long-life span and can be propagated easily.
• They require good amount of sunlight and little water, making it fairly easy to maintain. 

How to look after Indoor Plants?

Different species of indoor plants have specialized requirements that will allow them to thrive. They are required to be cared for and protected more carefully than outdoor plants which easily adapt to their surrounding climate. The following things should be taken into consideration while growing indoor plants:

• Amount of sunlight and water required.
• Soil or water change for plant nutrition.
• Placement of the plant within a space such that it receives the required amount of sunlight.
• The required temperature and climate for the given plant.

Indoor plants provide innumerable benefits for the occupants for a space and give us the satisfaction of cultivating a living species. A small potted plant placed near your kitchen sink or window that you would walk past and water everyday would boost your mood and bring a smile to your face.