Choosing The Perfect Indoor Plant

From the pebble-like leaves, trailing stems or ribbed spiny bodies of others, cacti and succulents show great diversity of form, size, texture, and colour. They create a striking display of arresting shapes; others have waxy or hairy leaves that can be combined for subtle contrasts - cacti bring natural beauty to any space.

Cacti and succulents make a refreshing change from conventional house plants. Before deciding where to put them, bear in mind their practical needs of light, temperature, and humidity.  Consider the size of the cactus. They come in a range of sizes, from small desktop varieties to large plants that can fill a room. Choose one that fits your available space. 

Reasons to buy house plants:

Enhance Air Quality

House plants play a vital role in improving indoor air quality by releasing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide. Certain varieties, like spider plants, are particularly effective at filtering out common pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene, making the air cleaner and healthier to breathe.

Elevate Mood and Boost Productivity

Having plants around can significantly enhance your mood and increase productivity. They help reduce stress levels and foster a more positive work environment, leading to improved concentration and memory retention.

Lower Stress Levels

Plants are known to help lower stress by producing negative ions, which counteract positive ions. These negative ions are associated with improved mood and reduced anxiety. Research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology indicates that indoor plants can create a more comforting and soothing atmosphere. In a study, participants engaging in tasks with plants showed notable decreases in stress-related biological markers, such as heart rate and blood pressure.

Support Healing

Indoor plants can promote healing by improving air quality and lowering stress levels. They also help absorb sound, contributing to a more tranquil environment. Various studies suggest that patients in hospital rooms adorned with plants experience lower blood pressure, enhanced pain tolerance, reduced anxiety, and decreased fatigue compared to those in plant-free spaces.

Foster a Sense of Well-Being

Bringing plants into your home creates a deeper connection to nature, which can greatly enhance your overall sense of well-being.

Lastly, consider care needs. Some cacti are low maintenance, while others require more attention in terms of watering and sunlight. Choose one that suits your lifestyle.

Indoor Cactus Watering:
Water your indoor cactus every 2–4 weeks or when the soil is completely dry to avoid overwatering. Keep an eye on your plant, as factors like temperature, humidity, and potting mix can affect soil drying time. Adjust your watering schedule based on these conditions to keep your cactus healthy.

Plants listed below are plants suitable for indoor areas that can flower easily.

• Agave victoriae-reginae
• Astrophytum - all species
• Cephalocereus senilis
• Cleistocactus strausii
• Conophytum - all species
• Echeveria - most species
• Echinocactus grusonii
• Echinocereus rigidissimus v rubrispinus
• Echinocereus subinermis
• Echinopsis chamaecereus
• Echinopsis oxygona
• Espostoa - all species
• Euphorbia mammillaris
• Euphorbia milii
• Euphorbia obesa
• Faucaria tuberculosa
• Gymnocalycium baldianum
• Gymnocalycium bruchii
• Gymnocalycium quehlianum
• Haworthia - most species
• Kalanchoe tomentosa
• Lithops - all species
• Mammillaria - most species including:
  • Mammillaria bocasana
  • Mammillaria candida
  • Mammillaria hahniana
  • Mammillaria prolifera
  • Mammillaria rhodantha
• Melocactus matanzanus
• Oreocereus - all species
• Pachyphytum oviferum
• Pachypodium lamerei
• Parodia - all species
• Rebutia - all species
• Sansevieria, most species
• Senecio haworthii
• Senecio rowleyanus
• Senecio stapeliiformis
• Stenocactus - all species
• Thelocactus, all species