Plants have conquered more and more homes due to their versatility, beauty and the series of expected benefits that contribute to everyday life. Incorporate them into the decorBeyond their aesthetic function, plants transform the environment, generate well-being, and improve the air quality in every room. Having plants in the home is a growing trend and has established itself as one of the most effective, healthy, and economical ways to revitalize any space. Discover below all the benefits, tips, myths, and advice to make the most of the transformative power of plants in your home's decor.
Why decorate your home with plants?
Decorating with plants not only enhances the beauty y vitality of any environment, but also provides tangible benefits for health, well-being and emotional comfort. Plants have become essential allies both in homes and offices, providing a natural touch and positive energy. Its presence is also synonymous with modernity, personality y sophistication, integrating into any decorative style: Nordic, minimalist, industrial or classic.
Beyond appearance, its usefulness ranges from air purifying until improving the capacity of concentration, absorbing noise, and creating more peaceful and productive environments. Below are the scientifically proven benefits, along with practical tips and decorative trends to get the most out of indoor and outdoor plants.
Main benefits of decorating with plants at home
- Air purification and natural oxygenation:
Through photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thereby increasing indoor air quality. Certain species, such as pothos (Epipremnum aureum), sansevieria (Sansevieria trifasciata), areca (Dypsis lutescens) or ficus, stand out for eliminating volatile compounds present in cleaning products, furniture and electronic devices. Learn about the best plants to improve the air quality in your home..
An environment with plants is fresher, lighter and cleaner.Ideal for people with allergies or respiratory illnesses. They also humidify the environment, naturally moisturizing mucous membranes and skin.
- Stress reduction and improved psychological well-being:
Studies have shown that the Proximity to plants reduces levels of anxiety, tension and mental fatigueThe simple act of caring for a plant has a therapeutic effect, relieving stress and promoting optimism. The color green has a calming effect on the brain and helps create relaxing environments.
Gardening at home, even if it's just watering, pruning, and observing growth, increases personal satisfaction and self-esteem. Plants promote mindfulness and help you disconnect from everyday worries.
- Noise reduction and greater acoustic comfort:
Plants act as natural noise barriers Absorbing, refracting, and dampening excessive noise from both inside and outside the home. Placing groups of plants or large planters in strategic corners can significantly reduce noise pollution, creating a more serene and comfortable environment.
- Improved concentration, productivity and creativity:
Incorporating plants in offices, workspaces or study areas not only decorates, but improves performance, efficiency and creativityThe presence of vegetation increases satisfaction and problem-solving skills and fosters a healthier work or academic environment.
The World Health Organization and various universities have proven that natural environments contribute to greater efficiency and lower absenteeism. Learn tips on how to take advantage of greenery to boost your productivity..
- Absorption of pollutants and bad odors:
Species like the spatiphile (Spathiphyllum), areca palm y curly fern They have the ability to absorb harmful particles and eliminate unwanted odors, such as tobacco smoke, cooking fumes, and musty odors. This will make your home more hygienic and pleasant for everyone in it, including children, the elderly, and pets.
- Regulation of environmental humidity:
Some plants release water vapor during transpiration, which helps maintain optimal humidity levels. This is especially useful in dry climates or during the heating season. A balanced atmosphere helps prevent throat problems, nasal congestion, dry skin, and allergies.
- Cultivation of aromatic and culinary plants:
Have a small selection of aromatic plants Herbs like basil, rosemary, mint, cilantro, or parsley are doubly useful in the kitchen: they decorate and add fresh flavor to your dishes. Even in small spaces, a mini herb garden provides functionality and a charming touch of greenery.
- Decoration, color and vitality:
Plants provide color and joy to the spaces, transforming dull environments into spaces full of life and personality. Planters in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes enhance the decorative character and make it easy to combine styles.
From a corner of the living room to a small bathroom, there's always a perfect plant. Flowers like hyacinths, lilies, and peonies also naturally scent the air.
- Education, responsibility and socialization:
Caring for plants is a great way to instill values of responsibility, perseverance and respect for nature For children and adults alike, setting up family gardening projects strengthens the bond between generations and provides practical and fun learning.
Learning about the life cycle, watering, transplanting, and fertilizing helps everyone in the household better understand and appreciate the natural environment.
- Remedy for loneliness and sedentary lifestyle:
For older people or those who spend time alone at home, Plants become company and incentive for daily activityWatching plants grow, talking to them, or simply admiring them reduces feelings of isolation and encourages healthy habits.
Debunking myths about having plants at home
- Plants in the bedroom: It's often thought that having plants in the bedroom isn't advisable because they consume oxygen at night. However, the reality is that the amount of oxygen they absorb during their nighttime breathing is minimal and poses no risk to humans. Furthermore, some species even provide freshness, help you fall asleep, and purify the air while you rest. Learn about plants that improve your night's rest.
- Elimination of electromagnetic radiation: Another widespread myth is that cacti or other plants can absorb radiation from electronic devices. The reality is that plants don't eliminate this radiation, but their presence can reduce the feeling of dryness caused by electrical devices by reducing static electricity.
- Pain Sensitivity: There is a belief that plants experience pain similar to that of animals. Although they can respond to stimuli and injury in many ways, plants lack a nervous system, so they don't feel pain like humans or animals.
- Superpowers to eliminate chemicals or replace medications: Although some species effectively help purify the air, no home should replace regular ventilation, cleaning, or medical treatment with having plants in the house.
Tips for decorating each room with plants
- Receiver: Opt for species that tolerate low light, such as zamioculca, anthurium, pothos o yucca. Choose eye-catching planters to welcome home and you can also visit our article on ideal plants for the entrance of your home.
- Living room: If you have space, bet on XL plants such as monstera, parlor palm, or ficus. In smaller spaces, groupings of small and medium-sized plants can add dynamic atmosphere.
- Home office or office: Plants in your workspace enhance creativity and concentration. Choose hardy species like sansevieria, dracaena, or small fern.
- Bedroom: Plants like spatiphile, lavender essence o pothos They are ideal, thanks to their ability to purify the air and create a relaxing atmosphere.
- Bathroom: Choose plants that tolerate high humidity such as fern, ivy o adiantumHanging plants optimize space and create a cocooning effect.
- Terraces and exteriors: Bamboo, petunia, lavender, and bougainvillea withstand the sun and elements. Aromatics like lemongrass and mint help keep insects away.
- Kitchen: Place aromatic plants such as basil, thyme, parsley, or rosemary near a window but away from direct heat sources to ensure their freshness and longevity.
Recommended materials and types of pots
- Terracotta: Ideal for succulents and cacti. Allows breathability and prevents overwatering. Here you can learn about indoor cacti.
- Plastic: It retains moisture better, perfect for cuttings or plants that require moist substrate.
- Glazed stoneware: Resistant to temperature changes, recommended for outdoors or aromatic plants.
- Crystal: Essential for orchids that need light at the roots.
- Wood: Good option for outdoors, protects the roots from the cold.
- Concrete: Very resistant, perfect for hanging plants and modern environments.
- Baskets and boxes: They complement the aesthetics, but check that they allow drainage.
How and when to transplant your plants
Transplanting ensures healthy growth for your plant. It's key to do it when the roots are emerging from the base or the plant has stopped growing. Prefer spring and use a sufficiently large pot, nutrient-rich soil, and add pebbles to facilitate drainage. Watering should be moderate after transplanting to avoid waterlogging. To learn more, see our article on where and how to place plants at home.
Trends in decorative plants for the home
- Monstera Deliciosa (Adam's Rib): Large and showy leaves, a trend in interior decoration.
- Sansevieria (Saint George's Sword): Durable and decorative, ideal for beginners.
- Succulents: Variety of sizes and colors, easy to care for and very versatile.
- Ficus Lyrata: Impressive and elegant format, suitable for spacious and bright places.
- Common fern: Requires humidity, perfect for bathrooms and kitchens, adds decorative volume.
- Hall palm: Tropical and hardy, it brings freshness and a holiday feel.
- Ficus elastica: Bright green leaves, adaptable to different environments.
- Euphorbia cactus: Trend in modern and minimalist designs.
- Japanese flowers: They bring exoticism and oriental color to the most sober corners of the house.
