The Best Indoor Plants to Have

Did you know that air pollution inside our homes can be several times higher than the pollution outside? According to a 2004 study, scientists identified over 300 toxins in indoor air, which can lead to indoor air pollution with symptoms ranging from dizziness to throat irritation. Thankfully, making small changes around your home, such as opening windows or having indoor plants, can help reduce air pollution. Now more than ever, Americans are spending an excessive amount of time inside. The good news is, those working with small spaces, limited sunlight, or a limited budget can still increase indoor air quality by owning the right plants for your conditions. When deciding on the best plant for you, you'll want to think about:

• The time you want to spend taking care of the plant
• The amount of sunlight your space gets
• Potential outdoor space if the plant grows too large
• How much space you have to work with
• Budgeting for other materials like soil, pots, gloves, etc.

Plants for Small Spaces

The first step to mastering plant ownership in a small space is to think outside the box. Limited shelf space can be solved with hanging plants. Cramped floor areas can be worked around if you have open windowsills. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need a palm tree in your kitchen. Succulents and other slow-growing plants might be the perfect solution. According to Matt Kostelnick, a Senior Horticulturist at Ambius, the following plants not only tolerate low light and humidity, but they're also less likely to deal with pests or grow too quickly:

• Aglaonema
• Aspidistra-- This plant needs limited water, which makes it an excellent option for those who like to travel frequently.
• Succulents-- Slow growing but still need bright light.
• Dracaenas
• Philodendrons
• Hedera Helix
• Devil's Ivy

It's important to remember that not all indoor plants are entirely hands-off. For those new to indoor plants, don't forget to keep the potting soil moist, make sure the plant pot has drainage holes (and a tray for extra water), and research your species of plant, so you know how to best take care of it.

Plants that Improve Air Quality

Indoor plants not only provide visual benefits to your home, but they also decrease harmful toxins that tend to build up over time. Just a few of these toxins include, but aren't limited to:

• Trichloroethylene-- dizziness, headaches, nausea, and vomiting
• Formaldehyde-- irritation to nose, mouth, and throat and in severe cases swelling of the larynx and lungs
• Benzene-- irritation to eyes, dizziness, headaches, confusion
• Xylene-- irritation to mouth and throat, heart problems, headaches

So, which indoor plants can you count on to help eliminate these toxins? Weeping Figs, Bamboo Palms, and English Ivy are just a few easy to manage plants that will get the job done.

Food Plants that Can Start Inside

Do you know your plant hardiness zone? If you're new to plants, you've probably never heard of this before. According to the USDA, there are 11 separate planting zones based on outdoor planting conditions. If you're considering a small garden, but aren't in the right circumstances yet, or you're interested in growing food primarily inside, there are options just for you. Many common vegetables can be planted inside and easily transitioned outside for those with the room to grow outdoors. However, if you live in an apartment or other small living space without access to large yards, you'll need to get creative. We recommend using a window box for indoor plants and balcony boxes for outdoor plants. The upside of growing food primarily indoors is the fact that you can grow year-round. These foods tend to do well in indoor spaces:

• Lettuce Greens
• Carrots
• Kale
• Microgreens
• Tomatoes
• Ginger
• Arugula

In addition to the vegetables listed above, you can find out which other plants work best for an indoor to outdoor transition in your state here.

Are you dreaming of more outdoor gardening space? We can help. Contact us today for more information about homeownership.