Are you looking to take up a new hobby, or liven up your house a little? Buying some houseplants is a great way to start! Not only do they add character to your rooms, but houseplants have some amazing health benefits – and with so many to choose from, there’s one for everyone.

Houseplants in an office. *Source: Unsplash*

1. They can help to reduce stress

Keeping houseplants are a great hobby if you’re looking for something stress-free. While some plants do require more attention and upkeep, ones such as spider plants, air plants, English ivy and snake plants require very little care, and can almost be ‘forgotten about’ and will still thrive. Having one of these easy-care plants is great if you have a busy lifestyle and don’t have the time to care for more complex plants – being able to care for them when you can, brings a bit of relaxation and peace into the hobby.

Caring for a houseplant has also been shown to scientifically reduce stress levels, a study by Journal of Physiological Anthropology (2015) shows. The study consisted of two groups doing two separate tasks, one plant-based and one computer-based, before swapping the tasks over. The results showed that when the subjects were carrying out the plant-based task, they felt calmer and more comfortable than those on the computer task.

2. They can help to boost productivity

Having houseplants around your desk or workspace could improve your productivity. A study by the Horticultural Research Institute in 1996 recorded how subjects reacted to plants being added into a windowless workspace – a college computer lab. The results showed that the subjects worked faster, with an increased reaction time of 12 per cent on the computer task. A more recent study was conducted in 2019 by Dalhousie University which showed that students do indeed feel more productive around houseplants and greenery.

Small potted plants such as succulents or cacti would be perfect if you don’t have a lot of desk space, and they also can survive without much watering – they do, however, need quite a bit of light and warmth.

3. They can help your mental wellbeing

Houseplants, as well as looking pretty, can also help improve your mental health, especially if you suffer from anxiety or depression. A study by BJPsych International in 2015 shows that being around green spaces or taking up gardening can help you reach a therapeutic goal, which can help with anxiety. The Cavell Centre in Peterborough, England, is a mental health centre that also uses horticultural therapy, which includes a patient bringing a houseplant into their room as well as several other gardening activities. Patients seemed to respond well to the therapy, especially the off-site allotment group, with 83 per cent (of 75 responders), rating the group positively.

If you are feeling depressed or anxious, it is always best to talk to your doctor about these feelings as they will be able to give the best possible help for your specific situation. However, caring for a houseplant is great for your self-worth, reminding yourself that you have something to look after and care for. At the end of the day, you can also admire your work and see how well your plant has grown under your care, it is a very rewarding and relaxing hobby.

The Health Benefits of Houseplants