The Health and Well-Being Benefits of Keeping Houseplants

There’s something undeniably grounding about having a living plant in your home. The small but consistent act of caring for a plant—watering it, watching it grow, and seeing it thrive—can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re like us and travel frequently or have demanding schedules, keeping houseplants might seem like a challenge, but with the right choices, it’s absolutely possible. In our home, we’ve found a balance by caring for three small but resilient plants: a Jade Plant (which we call Gaia. In Greek mythology, Gaia is the primordial goddess of the Earth ), a Dragon’s Tongue (which we call Khaleesi because, Game of Thrones), and a beautiful small Orchid. Each of these plants brings something unique to our space, and their presence contributes to both our health and well-being in ways we didn’t expect.

Why Houseplants Matter for Health and Well-Being

Keeping houseplants isn’t just about aesthetics. Studies have shown that having indoor greenery can provide significant mental and physical health benefits. From purifying the air to reducing stress, here’s why houseplants should be an essential part of any living space:

1. Houseplants Improve Air Quality

One of the most well-known benefits of houseplants is their ability to improve indoor air quality. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain plants can remove toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air. Our Dragon’s Tongue plant, for example, is known to help filter the air and is an excellent choice for small spaces. Unlike high-maintenance air purifiers, plants work naturally to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, creating a fresher indoor environment.

2. Plants Reduce Stress and Improve Mental Health

Spending time in nature has been linked to lower stress levels, and bringing a piece of that nature indoors has similar effects. Caring for plants has been shown to lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone), reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. There’s a calming rhythm to the process of watering, pruning, and observing new growth. Our Jade Plant, which continues to bloom and sprout new offshoots, serves as a small reminder of patience and renewal. Watching its steady growth is both grounding and meditative.

3. They Enhance Productivity and Creativity

For those who work from home or have creative projects, houseplants can make a noticeable difference in focus and inspiration. Studies have shown that having greenery in workspaces can boost productivity and concentration by up to 15%. The subtle presence of our Orchid, with its delicate blooms, adds an elegant touch to our space and provides a moment of visual calm between tasks. Orchids are known to symbolize resilience and growth, which is a lovely reminder to stay adaptable and persistent.

4. Caring for Plants Encourages Mindfulness

One of the most valuable aspects of keeping plants is the sense of mindfulness they encourage. When you have a plant, you naturally tune in to its needs—checking for signs of new growth, adjusting its placement for better sunlight, or giving it water when needed. These small moments of awareness help pull us out of the chaos of daily life and into the present moment. For us, tending to our Dragon’s Tongue—an easygoing, sword-like plant with striking foliage—has become a quiet, grounding ritual in our home.

Finding the Right Plants for a Busy Lifestyle

While the benefits of houseplants are clear, the reality is that not everyone has the time or ability to tend to high-maintenance greenery. If you travel frequently, work long hours, or simply forget to water your plants, the key is choosing resilient species that can handle a bit of neglect.

1. Low-Maintenance Houseplants for Travelers and Busy Lifestyles

Here are some great plant choices for those who are often away or have a packed schedule:

• Jade Plant (Crassula ovata) – This succulent thrives on minimal watering and does well in indirect sunlight. It’s incredibly forgiving and can survive long periods without attention. Ours continues to sprout new growth despite our frequent absences.

• Dragon’s Tongue (Hemigraphis repanda) – A hardy, compact plant that doesn’t require much water and can thrive in a variety of light conditions. It’s an excellent option for small spaces.

• Orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) – While they may seem delicate, orchids are surprisingly low-maintenance. They only need watering once a week (or even less) and prefer indirect light. Their long-lasting blooms add beauty with minimal effort.

• Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata) – Known for its air-purifying qualities, the snake plant is nearly indestructible. It can survive in low light and only needs occasional watering.

• ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) – This plant is famous for thriving on neglect. It stores water in its rhizomes, meaning it can go weeks without a drink.

• Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) – A trailing plant that can survive in various lighting conditions and only needs occasional watering. It’s one of the easiest houseplants to care for.

2. Watering and Care Tips for Travelers

If you’re frequently away but still want to keep houseplants, here are some strategies to keep them healthy:

• Use self-watering pots – These can provide moisture to the roots gradually over time.

• Try watering globes – These handy devices slowly release water into the soil, keeping plants hydrated while you're away.

• Opt for drought-resistant plants – Succulents, snake plants, and ZZ plants can go longer without watering.

• Move plants to a cooler, shaded spot – This slows down water evaporation and helps retain moisture longer.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to check in – If you’ll be gone for an extended period, a quick plant check-in from a friend can go a long way.

Bringing Nature Indoors, One Plant at a Time

Despite our love for travel and busy schedules, keeping a few resilient houseplants has added an unexpected sense of stability and connection to our home. Our Jade Plant, Dragon’s Tongue, and Orchid have become small but meaningful companions, each offering its own quiet beauty and benefits.

If you’re considering adding plants to your space but worry about the time commitment, start small. Even just one low-maintenance plant can enhance your living environment, boost your well-being, and bring a little more nature into your daily life. In a world that often feels fast-paced and chaotic, the simple act of nurturing a plant can be a grounding and rewarding experience.

Whether you’re at home or on the move, a little greenery can go a long way in making a space feel alive, peaceful, and welcoming. So why not give it a try? Your future self (and your air quality) will thank you.