7 health benefits of real indoor plants: From improving concentration to boosting productivity, more

Indoor plants health benefits: Indoor plants beautify corners of a room and have a calming effect. They help soothe the mind and reduce stress (Image: Pexels)

If you are planning to use artificial plants in your rooms or office space, think again! While they may fill up empty spaces, their usage doesn’t go beyond that—unlike real plants, which not only beautify indoor spaces but also provide several health benefits you might not know of.

Take a look at what potted plants can do for you…

• Lower stress: Indoor plants beautify corners of a room and have a calming effect. They help soothe the mind and reduce stress. A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology supports this: participants were assigned two tasks: one which involved repotting a houseplant and the other a short computer-based assignment. The study found that gardening helped reduce stress indicators, while computer-based work increased them. Thus, engaging with plants provides both physiological and psychological benefits.

• Increase attention: While it’s easy to observe that real indoor plants create a shift in mental space, their effects on attention were analysed in a study where 23 students studied in different classroom arrangements: with fake plants, real plants, no plants, and photographs of plants. Result: Brain scans showed that participants who studied with real plants in the classroom were more attentive and relaxed than those in the other setups.

• Boost productivity and creativity: Indoor plants, especially those kept in workspaces or offices, are beneficial for productivity and can boost creativity. Studies have shown that people working in enclosed spaces with plants performed tasks more efficiently and quickly than others. They also help reduce stress and lower the number of sick leaves taken by employees.

• Support recovery from illness: Having plants around calms the mind, which goes a long way in healing from illnesses or other health woes. It’s said that nature heals, a claim backed by a review of a study in which it was noted that patients in a hospital required less medication and had shorter stays when surrounded by greenery in the form of plants or plant photographs.

• Bring job satisfaction: Another study proves that a work setup with natural indoor plants brings more commitment and job satisfaction than otherwise. This is a consequence of having real indoor plants, which cause a mindset shift and reduce stress. Hence, it’s not just a corner space with scenic views that helps, but also potted plants, which can work magic.

• Healing properties: Connected to its various benefits for the mind and body, indoor gardening can be therapeutic. Potted plants are good for the overall well-being of someone with depression and anxiety. The presence of such visual treats has been proven to be beneficial in many cases.

• Improve air quality: Indoor plants are also known to improve air quality. The first such study was conducted by NASA in the 1980s, where it was discovered that houseplants could help remove airborne toxins effectively when planted in significant numbers. Some of the popular plants that help do the job include dwarf date palms, areca palms, bamboo plants, and ficus trees, among others.

• Safety concerns: While indoor plants have many benefits, some may pose a safety threat to pets and children due to their toxicity. Select your plants carefully after consultation and ensure that safety measures are in place.