Houseplants are an inexpensive way of beautifying your home esthetically as well as therapeutically.

It is common knowledge that plants clean the air by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen as part of photosynthesis. Experts list the dragon tree, ivy, ficus, philodendrons, spider plants, peace lilies, ferns, chrysanthemums, palms, and the rubber plant as some of the best to have in your home.

According to the American Horticultural Therapy Association, plants have cognitive, psychological, social, and physical benefits. Some of the psychological benefits include:

• Increased self-esteem;
• Improved mood and sense of well-being;
• Reduced stress, anxiety, and depression;
• Increased feelings of calm, relaxation, and optimism; and
• Increased sense of stability and control

Indoor plants have also been linked to a boost in creativity. In a study from Texas A&M University, workers who were in a room with two potted plants and a bouquet of flowers generated 13 percent more ideas than workers in a room with sculptures.

When decorating with indoor plants, keep in mind the larger the room, the bigger and more numerous the plants can be. Tree-like plants like dracaena, philodendron or the banyan tree can fill up a sparsely furnished room or an entrance hall.

In a small room, large plants can take up too much space. To get the best effect, you should choose mid-size or small plants with large delicate leaves. Put the plants where they are going to be visible – just don’t put too many in a small space or it will look crowded.

Finally, make sure your decorative scheme takes into account the way light enters your room. If you put the plants in front of a bright, sunny wall, their shadows can create interesting and unusual patterns on the wall, ceiling or even plain carpeting.

For better health and inexpensive decorating ideas, bring more greenery into your life and home!

Related Reading:

“Rooted in Design”, by Tara Heibel and Tassy deGive

“Decorating With House Plants” – Sunset Books

Real Simple Magazine: Decorating With House Plants