Florist Raysa Farah, the owner of online flower delivery service, LK Verdant said decorating the home with mood-boosting houseplants is a great way to improve wellbeing and overall happiness. Raysa said houseplants can oust toxins from the air and can even improve self-esteem. She said: “Connecting with nature as a way to combat feelings of low mood, anxiety and even depression can be really enriching.
“Plants freshen and eliminate toxins from the air, let us nurture them which improves our own self-esteem, and by being alive and sitting pretty in our homes, they make us feel good in ways we can’t explain.”
The houseplant expert has shared her plant top picks for bringing peace and comfort to a home, including the “popular” orchid.
Orchids
Raysa said orchids can “calm nerves” and even “lift spirits”.
Orchids are naturally beautiful plants with vibrant blooms that can last for weeks.
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The gel can be used to treat burns and sunburn and has antioxidant properties.
Raysa said the plant is “low maintenance” and is good for those with a “hectic lifestyle”.
She said: “The overall aesthetic of this spiky green plant is enough to put a smile on your face, and it’s known to help to purify the air from harmful toxins.
“Water your aloe vera every four-to-six weeks during winter, and two-to-three weeks during the spring and summer.
“Place it near indirect sunlight.”
Peace lily
Peace lilies are widely known to remove chemicals and toxins from the air and were even featured as part of a study by NASA in 1989.
It’s the perfect plant for “clean freaks”.
Raysa said: “Just knowing your plant is taking care of you in return is an amazing little pick-me-up.
“This elegant plant has show-stopping, glossy green leaves.
“Keep it away from direct sunlight but in an area that gets enough light.
“Water so that it’s wet to touch, but not soggy, around every two–to-three days.”
Boston Fern
Boston ferns can be tricky to look after but when they’re in the right conditions, they can thrive and look beautiful.
They famously love bathrooms, particularly enjoying the steamy conditions.
Raysa said the Boston fern varies in size so can be bought in larger and smaller sizes.
She continued: “It does best in plenty of indirect sunlight.
“Misting it will keep it healthy and happy and you should feed it one to two inches of tepid water every week.
“It’s also known to add moisture to the air, so even when your bathroom is free from steam, it will keep the quality of the air in great condition.”
Monstera Deliciosa
Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the Swiss cheese plant, is an exotic plant that can grow to fill a large space.
Raysa said a lot of people use these plants as feature pieces in their living rooms or hallways.
She continued: “Having something so big and bold living within your home, making everyone aware of its presence, is such a mood booster.
“Scientific studies have shown introducing houseplants into your home or workspace can help with anxiety, and the Monstera Deliciosa is a great plant to do that with.
“It thrives off of bright, indirect light and should be watered once a week. Allow the soil to dry fully before its next feed.”
Calathea Leopardina
With striking leaves and upright stems, this plant is beautiful to look at.
The plant folds its leaves at night and then opens up again in the morning.
Raysa continued: “It has vibrant green leaves with darker green, patterned markings.
“It’s a great natural dehumidifier, so if you have a small or stuffy bedroom, place it in there in low-level, indirect light or shade, so it can freshen your surroundings while you sleep.
“Water it roughly once a week – but be careful not to over water to avoid root rot and browning leaves.
“Allow the soil to dry out a little before watering again.”
