The Best House Plants to Boost Your Mood This Winter

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Succulents and indoor house plants may seem extra trendy right now, but these plants have more benefits than simply looking nice. House plants actually have many health benefits, such as reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing productivity and creativity.

House plants also help improve air quality. While studies show you would need 680 plants to fully purify the air of a 1500-square-foot space, any little bit helps. These plants help boost oxygen levels and remove pollutants and toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene.

So before you run to the greenhouse, or start your indoor garden, take a look at these eight house plants and how they can improve your living space.

Spider plant / Photo via Getty Images

1. Spider Plants

Spider plants have been found to remove 95 percent of formaldehyde in the air, in addition to improving oxygen levels and removing carbon dioxide and nitrogen dioxide. It’s also a hard plant to kill, making it a great choice for those that aren’t very attentive to their plants.

Pothos / Photo via Getty Images

2. Pothos

Pothos also removes formaldehyde from the air, in addition to xylene and toluene, both harmful air pollutants. Pothos are great for low light conditions, but be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Peace lily / Photo via Getty Images

3. Peace Lily

The Peace Lily is one of the best plants for removing chemicals in the air, including benzene, trichloroethylene, and formaldehyde. Keep in mind that this plant can be slightly toxic to humans and plants, so be sure to keep your animals away from it.

Aloe Vera / Photo via Getty Images

4. Aloe Vera

Aloe plants are a type of succulent that not only look good, but have medical benefits as well. The gel from aloe plants contains natural antioxidants and can improve dry skin, burns, and acne. Make sure you put your aloe plant in bright, indirect sunlight and let it dry in between waterings.

Snake plant / Photo via Getty Images

5. Snake Plant

Snake plants are beneficial for those with allergies because they add moisture to the air and release ample oxygen, making it easier to breathe. Snake plants are a great plant for beginners because they’re virtually impossible to kill and require very little care.

Lavender / Photo via Getty Images

6. Lavender

Lavender needs a lot of light and heavy watering, so be sure to place it near a window and water frequently. The scent of lavender is great for reducing stress and promoting sleep. If possible, try placing lavender in your bedroom to make the most of these benefits.

Boston Fern / Photo via Getty Images

7. Boston Fern

Try sprucing up your bathroom by adding a Boston Fern. These large, hanging plants do well in high humidity and should be kept constantly moist. Like many other indoor plants, they help to remove formaldehyde and xylene from the air.

Ficus plant / Photo via Getty Images

8. Ficus 

This plant is very low-maintenance and can grow up to ten feet tall as it filters out harmful toxins in your home. Ficus plants are a stylish addition to your home, but in the spring and summer they can also be taken outside to add some greenery to your patio.

Looking for a greenhouse in the Boston area? Try visiting Niche, Boston Gardener, or Micro Plant Studio.