The Power of Plants

Think of the last time you walked into a greenhouse or hiked through a dense forest. Did you take a deep breath in, luxuriating in how the air felt in your lungs? Did you notice how a sense of calm washed over you? 

You can reap some of the same benefits from houseplants. A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers at the Department of Landscape Architecture at the National Chin-Yi University of Technology found that houseplants positively impact basic human functions, “particularly those of relaxed physiology and enhanced cognition,” to include a reduction in diastolic blood pressure. This is bolstered by findings (published in a 2015 issue of the Journal of Physiological Anthropology) that plant-related tasks can potentially reduce stress by suppressing the autonomic nervous system. Other studies and reviews have identified additional ways in which living with plants may support physical, mental, and emotional health, such as a speedier recovery from illness, decreased fatigue, increased feelings of happiness, and improved attention span. 

Houseplants also do wonders for their caretaker’s environment. Plants oxygenate the space around them, absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen during photosynthesis. Furthermore, they humidify the air during transpiration (the process of a plant releasing water vapor from its leaves as a byproduct of absorbing water from soil), which has been shown to alleviate dry skin, soothe sinuses, and reduce allergies. Clustering plants together increases these effects. 

If navigating the wild world of healthy houseplants is daunting, this guide to which ones to start with, how to nurture them, and more will help plant the seeds. It’s a jungle out there. Let’s explore.

Ready to Grow 

Tips for selecting the right plants to begin your home collection and how to care for them

Photos by stock.adobe.com: Kulbir

Philodendron Brasil 

This heartleaf philodendron variety is a fast grower and easy to care for. It drapes beautifully and offers color variation thanks to light-green variegation on most leaves. 

Photos by stock.adobe.com: Gulsina

Anthurium 

Most plant people have a story of heartbreak that involves an anthurium (or two). Though they have a finicky reputation, they do well if kept in cooler temperatures and planted in thicker soil that stays moist. 

Photos by stock.adobe.com: onyachny

Dieffenbachia

Dieffenbachias, or dumb canes, grow large and boast colorful foliage. There are more than a dozen commonly available varieties to choose from for the home.

Photos by stock.adobe.com: Justyna

Rhipsalis 

Also called mistletoe cactus, rhipsalis is similar to cacti but can tolerate low light. 

Honorable Mentions

Peek into any plant parent’s collection, and you’re sure to find ZZ plants, snake plants, and spider plants, all renowned for being hardy and supremely easy to care for.

Care Tips

Watering

If the plants are being housed indoors, water once per week. Water lightly but consistently. Remember, underwatering is better than overwatering. 

Lighting 

Most houseplants thrive in bright but not direct light. Many new plant parents hear the term “indirect light,” but it can mean different things to different people. For example, some may think indirect means low light, which is not ideal for any plant. If natural light is an issue, grow lights are a great option. 

Fertilizer and Pest Treatments 

Fertilize every month with Miracle-Gro or fish fertilizer and adhere to the instructions on the bottle to avoid going overboard. Two weeks after fertilizing, follow with a pest treatment (like watering plants with a dose of horticultural oil, which doubles as a topical leaf shine). 

Soil 

Cocoa husk is the secret to a balanced soil mix. It absorbs moisture and allows for airflow, which prevents root rot (a consequence of overwatering). Try mixing cocoa husk with regular potting soil. Additional options include nutrient-rich additives like worm castings or anti-bacterial ones like horticultural charcoal.

Herb’s the Word

Small but mighty, herbs pack a delicious and nutritious punch. Here are five unique options for a countertop herb garden.

Photos by istockphoto.com: c12

1. Bay Laurel

How to Grow: Leaves from this Mediterranean broadleaf evergreen tree are usually dried and packaged as bay leaves. Grow your own by planting bay laurel in a container with well-draining potting mix for edible plants and place in a spot that receives at least five to six hours of bright light through a window. 

Best In: Everything. From chicken soup to tomato sauce, stews, and roasted meats, bay leaves lend depth to whatever you toss them into. 

Main Benefits: Bay leaves contain immune-boosting vitamins C and E, as well as carotenoids that can help lower cholesterol. 

Photos by istockphoto.com: emer1940 / Manfred Ruckszio

2. Chervil

How to Grow: This parsley relative is essential in French fines herbes and can be grown from seeds in a large, deep container filled with well-draining soil for edible plants, watering regularly. Chervil enjoys cooler temperatures and shadier conditions, so consider keeping it away from harsh sun and maintain indoor temps between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Some people even recommend growing it in a wine fridge.

Best In: Béarnaise sauce, vinaigrettes, salads, and poultry, egg, and fish dishes

Main Benefits: Chervil contains calcium and potassium and is also rich in dietary fiber.

Photo by stock.adobe.com: DimaBerlin

3. Dill

How to Grow: Plant dill seedlings in a deep pot with well-draining, slightly acidic soil for edible plants. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours.

Best In: Homemade pickles, salmon dishes, and yogurt-based sauces, like tzatziki 

Main Benefits: Dill is a good source of vitamins C and A, as well as manganese.

Photo by stock.adobe.com: Idijatullina Veronika

4. Mint

How to Grow: Take mint cuttings and plant them in a deep pot with soil for edible plants that allows for water retention, but with enough air space to prevent sogginess. Place in a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day, or under a grow light for 12 to 14 hours. Mint grows best in milder temperatures, so keep indoor temps between 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Best In: Tea, watermelon salad, chutneys, ice cream, and, of course, mojitos 

Main Benefits: Mint can help relieve indigestion. Derivative menthol can also alleviate cold symptoms, like congestion. 

Photo by stock.adobe.com: Alexey Meandrov

5. Lemongrass

How to Grow: Lemongrass crops are easy to start from propagations. Place leftover stalks in a glass with 3 inches of water, and move to a window that receives five to six hours of sunlight per day. Replenish water if levels drop. Once roots sprout, plant the stalks in well-draining potting mix for edible plants, ensuring that the crown is covered by soil. 

Best In: Tea, stir-fries, and marinades

MAIN BENEFITS: Lemongrass contains quercetin, a flavonoid with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can slow cancer cell growth, lower cholesterol, and reduce one’s risk of heart disease.