Want to keep your home clear of toxic trace chemicals? Consider the common mum. NASA studies analyzed a variety of houseplants and determined that mums have a stellar ability to absorb volatile organic compounds (VOCs), including formaldehyde, benzene, ammonia, and trichloroethylene, all of which are found in many household products.
Related: 11 Reasons Your Houseplants Are Dying
Aloe gel has antibacterial and antioxidant properties, shortens wound healing time, soothes burns, and moisturizes skin. Be sure to use this beneficial houseplant for external first aid only—and keep it away from pets!
Related: 9 Bright and Colorful Houseplants You Can't Kill
There are more than 600 varieties of mint, many of which do well in a pot on the windowsill. Mint is easy to grow, and because studies suggest that its peppy scent may boost memory and mood, it's doubly worthwhile to cultivate this hardy plant at home.
Related: 12 Easy Herbs to Grow on Your Windowsill
If you are one of the millions of Americans who suffer from insomnia, take a whiff of your gardenia plant before turning in. Researchers in Germany discovered that compounds in gardenia's fragrance have the same effect as prescription-strength drugs—without the side effects.
Related: 8 Plants Never to Grow Indoors
Does aromatherapy really work? Researchers at Ohio State found that lemon had a stronger measurable effect on mood than lavender oil. For houseplants that bring a lemony scent indoors, consider lemon trees, lemon verbena, and lemon balm.
Related: 10 Tiny Gardens You Can Grow on Your Windowsill
flickr.com via Jessie Hirsch
Do you want to purify your air but not have to worry about your houseplant being mistaken for salad? Try a spider plant! It's easy to grow and nontoxic if ingested. Spider plants have the additional benefit of removing trace levels of carbon monoxide from your home environment.
Related: The Best Plants for Every Room of the House
Detoxify your garage and other low-light rooms the natural way with houseplants that thrive in low light, such as golden pothos, ZZ plants, and areca palms. These varieties scrub the air of pollutants, a trait that's especially important in areas of your home that are exposed to car exhaust, paint fumes, cleaning agents, and other chemicals.
Related: Here’s What Your Favorite Houseplants Look Like in the Wild
These houseplants will only be beneficial for you if you can manage to keep them alive. Take note of their appearances if they look like they’re starting to suffer. A lot of times, houseplants are trying to tell you what’s wrong and what they really need!
With a pinch of effort and almost no upkeep, you can have the lush, beautiful garden of your dreams. The secret is to choose plant varieties that enjoy a little hardship. We’ve compiled the essential list of hardy flora, with tips for care and maintenance. Go now!
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