By Charmaine Peters
It’s Mental Health Awareness Month! That means it’s time to highlight the powerful connection between plants and our well-being. Some studies find that houseplants are beneficial to our mental health, and interacting with them can make us feel more comfortable and soothed.
Whether you live in a spacious house, or small apartment or condo – there’s always room to bring the healing touch of nature indoors! You also don’t need to be a gardening pro to care for your houseplants. Many of them are highly adaptable and can thrive with just a bit of tender loving care.
Here are five houseplants that are low maintenance, so you can relax more while seeing them flourish:
Cuddly Cactus
True to its name, Cuddly Cactus doesn’t have sharp spines, so you can touch it without getting pricked! That makes it ideal for households with kids and pets. It thrives in bright, indirect light, and, like all cacti, it needs minimal watering. Allow the soil to dry thoroughly between waterings, typically every two to three weeks. Use well-draining soil to prevent soggy roots. Keep an eye out for mushy stems or brown spots, which are signs of overwatering, and wrinkling, a sign of underwatering. This slow-growing plant typically reaches a maximum height of 15 inches, so you’ll only need to repot it every two to three years.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is another great houseplant to consider if you don’t spend much time at home. Even if unattended for a few weeks, it is resilient and can thrive well. It’s not too particular, you can place it in a bright or shady spot at home. It is also well known for its air-purifying properties and can keep your indoor space fresh and clean. Water it only when the soil feels dry, usually every two weeks. Its stunning sword-like leaves, usually dark green with lighter stripes, can provide a visually soothing focal point in your space. Give them a gentle wipe now and then to keep them dust-free.
Rosemary
A refreshing scent from herbs can evoke feelings of calm and relaxation, so adding Rosemary to your houseplant collection is a double thumbs-up! It is drought-tolerant and needs little maintenance. You can use the herb when cooking or for teas. Make sure that the plant receives plenty of sunlight, about six to eight hours a day. Use a well-draining potting mix and lightly mist some water once or twice a week. Prune the plant at least once a year to keep it tidy and encourage more leaves and flowers to grow.
Peace Lily
If you’re looking for a plant that brings calmness and peace, Peace Lily is an excellent choice. Although mildly toxic, it’s still one of the most popular houseplants. The plant’s elegant white flowers and lush green leaves add beauty to your entryway, corners, or home offices. If you don’t see any flowers, the plant needs more light. Place it in a location with indirect but bright sunlight. The plant will let you know when it’s thirsty; just look for drooping leaves. When it looks less lively, check the soil with your finger and water it when it feels dry. Keep the soil slightly moist but not overly saturated. Fertilize the plant every four to six weeks during its growing season in spring and summer.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a must-have at home as it has so many benefits to offer. Its succulent leaves contain a gel-like substance that can treat wounds or skin irritations, providing you with natural relief whenever you need it. You can place the plant on a windowsill, shelf, or bathroom. It is an extremely low-maintenance plant, which thrives on plenty of light, little water, and almost no fertilizer. Use well-draining soil and choose a clay pot to keep the soil dry. Water it once a week, and let the soil dry out between waterings. When the tips of its leaves turn brown, pluck them off with your fingertips to keep the plant looking its best.
Houseplants offer more than just aesthetic appeal. Caring for them fosters a sense of responsibility and accomplishment, which in turn can boost our self-esteem and overall mood. For many, they even become companions. Let’s cultivate a sanctuary of calmness and peace within our homes and prioritize what brings us happiness this Mental Health Awareness Month!