Sick of Winter? Here Are Some Good House Plants To Improve Your Mood

NOVA News by Natasha Lingle

Real talk: “JanuFeb” can be grim. The holidays are a distant memory, and now you have to slog through a barrage of dark, frigid days until spring makes its glorious appearance.

To escape that persistent winter funk, shake off that heated Snuggie and take a trip to the garden center. Studies suggest that stocking your home full of humble houseplants can boost your mood, big time — not to mention make your space feel cleaner, brighter, and healthier.

The Power of a Flower

Scientists agree that houseplants likely improve your outlook. Research suggests that plants have a positive effect on stress reduction, pain tolerance, and physical discomfort — but environmental psychologists aren’t exactly sure why this happens. It could be that plants simply make a room more colorful and attractive. Or, an indoor brush with nature may provide the same natural high and stress relief people feel in the great outdoors. There’s even a name for the phenomenon — biophilia (a love for nature) — and entire buildings have been designed to recreate it.

Keeping all those green guys alive is good for you, too. Research has shown taking care of plants can increase a sense of well-being and reduce stress.

Nature’s Air Freshener

Winter means tightly closed windows and stuffy quarters. Plants reduce stale air by producing oxygen. But also, according to research done by NASA back in the late 1980s, certain plants will even filter harmful pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air. Some folks get headaches, asthma, or have chronic health issues from these VOCs (volatile organic compounds) — which could be off-gassing right this minute from your furniture, cleansers, and flooring! Just knowing that could make you pretty depressed.

To combat stale air, try some of these air-scrubbing horticultural heroes: Boston fern, English ivy, spider plant, bamboo palm, weeping fig, flamingo lily, peace lily, and cornstalk dracaena.

The Best Plants to Beat the Blues

What other plants can bring your spirits ‘round this winter?

• Anthuriums. These beautiful flowering plants are super easy to care for. “They do need a decent amount of light, but they bloom consistently — especially during the February-March doldrums,” says Rebecca Bullene, founder of Greenery NYC, a botanic design company experienced in indoor plant installations and living plant design. “They’re big and beautiful. Those with red, pink, or white flowers are most common.”

• Ferns, particularly the Kimberly Queen (Nephrolepis obliterata) and Boston (Nephrolepis exaltata) varieties. “They need a bit more water and a decent amount of light, but they put a lot of humidity back in the air and will help make your space comfortable,” Bullene says. Plus, the Kimberlys are a little easier to care for than the average fern. “If you forget to water for a day or two,” she says, “they won’t crash out.”

• Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema modestum). This hardy plant can handle the low light of winter. “It can be in a dark corner and still look amazing,” Bullene says. “The blackest of thumbs can take care of this plant.”

• Golden Pothos or Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum aureum). This plant is also a hardy one that’s hard to kill. Bullene recommends it for anyone without much experience with plants.

• Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Sword Plant, or Snake Plant (Sansevieria). This houseplant of many names is really drought-resistant. You can water it once a month and it grows in high or low light. “There are a lot of varieties that have cool shapes and colors,” Bullene says.

So when the weather outside is frightful, make way for some greenery and invite some friends over. Call it a Houseplant Happy Hour. You just may be surprised by how genuinely happy your greener home makes you all winter long.

Read the original article at https://www.houselogic.com/home-advice/plants-trees/plants-for-depression/

Related Articles

Why Your Listing Agent Should Attend the Appraisal — And How It Protects Your Home’s Value

Selling Your Home

When a home goes under contract, sellers often assume the hardest part is behind them. But one critical step can still jeopardize the sale price: the home appraisal. This article explains the role of a listing agent during home appraisal process.

Read More

Monarch Condos – Luxury Living in Mclean, VA

Inside McLean VA | Tysons

Monarch McLean: A Life Above It All Set above the evolving landscape of Tysons, VA, Monarch Condos is a rare kind of residence — private, beautifully designed, and quietly luxurious. With just under 100 homes, it offers a more intimate alternative to larger high-rises, while still delivering the lifestyle, service, and finishes discerning buyers expect. […]

Read More

Inside The Lowell Condos: McLean’s Newest Luxury Community

Inside McLean VA | New Construction Homes

In the heart of downtown McLean, Virginia, a new benchmark in luxury condominium living has emerged. The Lowell, a boutique collection of just 44 luxury residences, redefines elegance and modern comfort in one of Northern Virginia’s most sought-after zip codes. A Prestigious McLean Address Nestled at 6718 Lowell Avenue, The Lowell offers an unparalleled walkable […]

Read More

Waterfront Homes for Sale in Northern Virginia

Buying a Home

Waterfront homes in Northern Virginia are a rare find — and when they do hit the market, they don’t last long. Whether it’s a luxury estate on the Potomac River in McLean, a lakefront retreat in Reston, or a charming home along the Occoquan, these properties offer something truly special: views, privacy, and a lifestyle […]

Read More