As the allure of indoor greenery continues to captivate homeowners, the benefits of incorporating plants into your living spaces are becoming increasingly evident. At BELL Home Team, we recognize the value of indoor plants in enhancing both the aesthetic appeal and overall well-being of your home environment. Drawing inspiration from expert sources, we've curated a comprehensive guide to help you select the best plants for your home.

Indoor plants not only add visual interest to your interiors but also contribute to a healthier indoor environment. According to health experts at Healthline, indoor plants have been shown to purify the air by filtering out harmful toxins and pollutants, promoting better respiratory health and overall well-being. By introducing houseplants such as snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants into your home, you can enjoy cleaner, fresher air and reduce the risk of indoor air pollution.

In addition to their air-purifying properties, indoor plants offer a myriad of other benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and increased productivity. Check out the full list below of all the health benefits you can reap from decorating with house plants.

Now that we've covered the benefits, let's talk about where to place your houseplants. It's essential to consider factors like light levels, humidity, and temperature when choosing the perfect spot for your green friends. For example, low-light plants like peace lilies and ferns are ideal for shady corners, while succulents and cacti thrive in bright, sunny windowsills.

The anywhere and everywhere house plants (these plants will thrive almost anywhere indoors!):

Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Known for its striking upright leaves and low maintenance requirements, the Snake Plant is an excellent choice for beginners. It thrives in low light conditions and helps purify the air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): With its arching leaves and air-purifying qualities, the Spider Plant is a popular choice for hanging baskets or tabletops. It's known for its ability to remove pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene from the air, making it a great addition to any room in your home.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): Pothos is a versatile plant that can thrive in various lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light. Its trailing vines make it perfect for hanging baskets or shelves, adding a touch of greenery to any space. Pothos is also known for its air-purifying properties, making it a must-have for indoor environments.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): The ZZ Plant is prized for its glossy, dark green foliage and ability to thrive in low light conditions. It requires minimal watering and is highly tolerant of neglect, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners. Plus, it's known for its air-purifying abilities, helping to keep your indoor air clean and fresh.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): With its elegant white blooms and lush foliage, the Peace Lily adds a touch of beauty and serenity to any room. It thrives in low to medium light conditions and is known for its ability to remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and ammonia from the air. Plus, it's easy to care for, making it a popular choice for indoor gardeners.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): The Rubber Plant is prized for its large, glossy leaves and ability to thrive in low to medium light conditions. It's known for its air-purifying properties, helping to remove toxins like formaldehyde from indoor air. Plus, it's easy to care for, making it a great choice for beginners.

Philodendron: Philodendrons are beloved for their lush, trailing foliage and low maintenance requirements. They thrive in low to medium light conditions and are known for their air-purifying properties. Whether you choose a heart-leaf Philodendron or a trailing variety like the Philodendron Brasil, you can't go wrong with this versatile plant.

 Show me the light indoor house plants (ideal for window sills and hanging in front of windows):

Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is not only a popular medicinal plant but also a stunning addition to any sunny spot in your home. Known for its fleshy, spiky leaves and soothing gel, Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It's easy to care for and requires infrequent watering, making it an ideal choice for busy homeowners.

Succulents: Succulents come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them versatile and visually appealing additions to any sunny windowsill or tabletop. These drought-tolerant plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight and require minimal maintenance. Some popular varieties include Echeveria, Haworthia, and Jade Plant.

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata): With its large, glossy leaves and sculptural silhouette, the Fiddle Leaf Fig is a statement-making plant that thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. It's known for its air-purifying properties and ability to add a touch of tropical elegance to any space. However, it requires consistent watering and well-draining soil to thrive.

Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): The Bird of Paradise is a stunning tropical plant with large, banana-like leaves and vibrant orange flowers. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and prefers warm, humid conditions. While it requires regular watering and occasional pruning, the beauty it brings to any room makes it worth the effort.  Think of placing these in your large bay windows, sun rooms in the summer, or if you’ve got a bright bathroom, this could be an excellent.

Croton (Codiaeum variegatum): Croton is prized for its colorful, variegated foliage and ability to add a pop of color to any sunny space. It thrives in bright, indirect sunlight and requires regular watering to keep its soil evenly moist. With proper care, Croton can grow into a lush, vibrant plant that enhances the beauty of your home.

Kitchen indoor plant must-haves:

Any of the anywhere and everywhere house plants work excellent in kitchens, but don’t forget about those herbs!

Herbs: Fresh herbs not only add flavor to your dishes but also serve as beautiful and functional kitchen decor. Common kitchen herbs like basil, mint, rosemary, thyme, and parsley thrive in sunny windowsills and are convenient for cooking.
 

Idyllic plants to boost your bathroom (perfect in low light, humid environments):

Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): Boston ferns are lush, leafy plants that love humidity and can thrive in bathrooms. They require indirect light and regular watering to keep their soil moist.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Peace lilies are elegant plants with glossy green leaves and white flowers. They thrive in low light conditions and enjoy the humidity found in bathrooms. Peace lilies also have air-purifying properties, making them a great addition to any bathroom.

Other great choices: Snake Plant, Spider Plant, ZZ Plant, Pothos

Calming bedroom plants to create serenity:
Lavender (Lavandula): Known for its soothing fragrance, lavender is a popular choice for bedrooms. Its aroma has been shown to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety, helping you unwind after a long day.

Jasmine (Jasminum): Jasmine plants are prized for their sweet fragrance, which is believed to promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. Place a jasmine plant near your bed to enjoy its soothing scent.

English Ivy (Hedera helix): English ivy is known for its ability to filter out airborne toxins and mold spores, making it beneficial for those with allergies or respiratory problems. It also thrives in low light conditions, making it suitable for bedrooms with limited sunlight.

As always, other great choices include: Snake Plant, Spider Plant, ZZ Plant, Pothos

 

Outdoor Greenery Considerations

In Central New York State, where rainfall can be abundant, selecting outdoor plants that thrive in moist conditions and have deep root systems to absorb excess water is essential for protecting your home's foundation and landscape. Here are some of the best outdoor plants to consider:

Japanese Spurge (Pachysandra terminalis): This evergreen ground cover features dense foliage that efficiently absorbs moisture and helps prevent erosion. It's an excellent choice for areas prone to water pooling.

Red Twig Dogwood (Cornus sericea): This versatile deciduous shrub features striking red stems in winter and attractive foliage with clusters of white flowers in spring. It thrives in a variety of soil types and can tolerate wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for managing excess water.

River Birch (Betula nigra): River birch trees are known for their adaptability to wet soil conditions. Their extensive root systems help stabilize soil and divert water away from foundations, making them ideal for planting near homes.

Siberian Iris (Iris sibirica): With its graceful foliage and striking blooms, Siberian iris is not only visually appealing but also effective at absorbing excess moisture. It thrives in damp soil and can be planted along the edges of wet areas or rain gardens.

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): This native grass species is prized for its resilience and ability to absorb water. Switchgrass forms dense clumps with deep roots, making it an excellent choice for erosion control and water absorption.

Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta): These cheerful perennial flowers are tolerant of moist soil and can help soak up excess water around your home's foundation. They add color and visual interest to rain gardens or other damp areas.

Astilbe (Astilbe spp.): Astilbes are shade-loving perennials that thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Their feathery plumes of flowers not only add beauty to the landscape but also contribute to water absorption.

Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor): Another iris variety, blue flag iris, is well-suited to wetland environments and can thrive in consistently moist soil. Its striking blue-purple flowers make it a standout addition to rain gardens or waterside plantings.

By incorporating these outdoor plants strategically around your home, you can effectively manage excess water, reduce water pooling, and protect your property from potential water-related damage. Always consider factors like sunlight exposure, soil type, and drainage patterns when selecting and placing plants for optimal results.

Creating a green oasis indoors with houseplants is just the beginning of enhancing your living space. By strategically incorporating outdoor plants around your home, you can also protect your property from potential water-related damage and create a harmonious outdoor environment. From absorbing excess water to stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, the right outdoor plants play a crucial role in safeguarding your home's foundation and landscape. So whether you're greening your indoor spaces or landscaping your yard, BELL Home Team is here to support you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your home greening goals, both indoors and outdoors!