Peek into the home of any Millennial, and you'll probably find their humble abode littered with all sorts of greenery, usually in the guise of potted crawlers or cactuses. While having indoor plants is currently very fashionable in the world of home decor, it appears that they have benefits aside from just being pretty to look at.
In fact, scientists have asserted that we can reap many health benefits by bringing plants indoors. The presence of such greenery not only reduces stress and anxiety but it also helps with the removal of airborne pollutants. And researchers have even claimed that having plants on your bedside table can boost your health and aid a good night's sleep.
If you're sold on the idea, then you'll be glad to hear that NASA has complied a list of which houseplants are best suited to the bedroom, and luckily for you, you may already have some of them growing in your home.
1. Areca palm
This plant is incredibly effective at ridding the air of pollutants. And it's a great one to have around for cold and flu season, as it releases moisture into the air, in turn helping to eliminate sinus problems.
2. Aloe vera
Aloe Vera has been named as being one of the best plants for air purification by NASA.
3. English ivy
While you may associate this plant with Christmas, it could help improve your health all year round. Researchers at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology discovered that the creeper plant can remove 78 percent of airborne mould in just 12 hours.
4. Dwarf date palm
Aside from being virtually indestructible, dwarf date palms are exemplary at removing indoor air pollutants, especially xylene.
5. Boston fern
The fern takes ninth place in NASA's list of the 50 most air-purifying plants, and it's particularly good at removing formaldehyde.
6. Chinese evergreen
Not only is this plant incredibly easy to keep alive, but it also gets better and better at removing toxins the longer you keep it in your home.
7. Peace lilly
This plant can improve air quality by a whopping 60 percent. It also absorbs mould spores through its leaves and converts them into food.
8. Spider plant
If you have any form of dust allergy, you should get yourself a spider plant, stat. The plant can remove up to 90 percent of the toxins from the air in just two days.
9. Lady palm
Lady palm is one of the best plants at cleansing the air of formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene and toluene.
10. Weeping fig
This houseplant is the best at eradicating pollutants which are emitted from furniture and carpeting, like formaldehyde, benzene or trichloroethylene.
Well, I guess it's time for a trip to the local gardening centre...
