The Surprising Benefits of Household Plants

African Violets are easy to care for and will continue to bloom throughout the winter months. They like normal indoor temperatures and do not need direct sunlight. They only need to be watered when the soil feels dry to the touch and like being watered from the bottom.

Aloe Vera plants are a great household plant, can have healing properties and can be a wonderful soothing aid for mild burns or abrasions. They have thick serrated leaves and are available in many sizes. Aloe Vera plants like a lot of sunlight and do not require a lot of watering. The soil can dry out before it should be watered.

Chinese Evergreens have interesting leaf patterns and can add an aesthetic appeal to any home or office. Only water when the soil is slightly dry with room temperature water. Chinese Evergreens are sensitive to cooler temperatures and dislike anything cooler than 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity is their friend. If the growing conditions have low humidity, mist the leaves with warm water.

Peace Lilies like medium to low light and do not need to be watered very often. Direct light can harm the leaves causing burns. If you notice yellow leaves, this is usually a cause of too much sunlight and the plant should be placed in a darker room. Peace Lilies like humidity. Brown leaves indicate that conditions are too dry. Move your peace lily into a place with higher humidity or mist the leaves with warm water. They like to have the soil dry between waterings. If you notice wilting plants, this is an indication that it needs water.

Bamboo Palms are a larger plant that can reach up to six feet. It likes moist soil at all times, but dislikes sitting in water. Bamboo palms like to be pruned; leave that are turning colors or wilting should be removed with a pruning shears at the base of the leaf.

Jade Plants are easy to grow and have an interesting appearance. They only like to be watered when the soil is dry. Jade plants like smaller pots to avoid excess water sitting in the soil and only needs to be repotted every few years.

Cactus Plants require very low efforts to maintain. They like bright areas, smaller pots and little watering. Keeping your cactus plant by a south facing window is best. A typical watering schedule for a cactus plant is to water when the soil is dry, about once a month.

Snake Plants make a great starter plant due to the low maintenance. They have leaves that grow upright and can reach four feet. Snake plants can adapt to almost any light, but prefer bright light and temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. They like to have the soil dried out before watering and in winter months should only be watered about once a month.

Spider Plants are very hearty and grow in most conditions, making an excellent choice for new growers. They can expand up to thirty-six inches and are ideal for hanging baskets. Just place your plant near a window in an area that won't receive direct midday sunlight. If you notice the plant rotting in the center, it's receiving too much water. Let it dry out before you water again. Spider plants are very easy to transfer outside in the spring, especially in a hanging pot.

Boston Ferns are a large potted plant that is ideal for indoor growing. Ferns have extensive root systems and may need to be repotted often. After repotting, place the plant in the brightest area of your home out of direct sunlight, then move it after a week to its permanent home. The plant doesn't like extremes, so try to keep a consistent moisture level throughout the year. Ferns are extremely vulnerable to chemicals, so don't use cleaners or pesticides on or near your fern. This plant can be taken outside in the summer, but should be kept on a covered porch or patio.