The Calming Houseplant That May Naturally Improve Your Health Over Time

Despite the many health benefits of going outdoors, it's admittedly tough to find time to venture outside. This is especially the case if you work indoors or if the weather or air quality is not ideal. To help offset some of the negative effects of spending too much time inside your home, you might consider adding some houseplants that are perfect for growing indoors. Not only can houseplants add some natural flair to your home, but they can also help improve air quality, boost your mood, and possibly improve cognition. One such houseplant that might purportedly support your health is the calming peace lily (Spathiphyllum), but it's also important to know both the science behind such claims as well as some important caveats.

Peace lilies are perennials that are commonly planted indoors because of their dislike of direct sunlight. This preference for shady conditions also makes peace lilies among some of the easiest houseplants to grow. At the same time, these plants still thrive best in warm temperatures, and the general recommendation is to keep them in spaces that are 68 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They should not be placed in conditions below 60 degrees. If placed outdoors for any period of time, note that the plants are considered hardy in zones 11 and 12. Peace lilies also need large pots to grow in, along with moist soil. Overall, these houseplants are easy to grow and maintain, and they may even offer some health benefits, so long as you avoid common mistakes that can kill peace lily plants. Once established, the plants can produce pretty white or cream colored flowers along with attractive glossy green leaves.

The ability of peace lilies to improve indoor air quality in confined spaces, and in conjunction with air filtration mechanisms, has also been established by NASA's Clean Air Study. In particular, the plants may help remove certain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as formaldehyde and benzene, as well as carbon dioxide. Aside from better indoor air quality, you might, more generally, also experience greater well-being from simply having an indoor plant like a peace lily. This can promote increased relaxation, accompanied by less stress and anxiety overall. Just keep in mind that peace lilies are best regarded as complements to other best practices for health and well-being. You can think of these beautiful houseplants as small steps to cultivating a healthier home.

Ironically, despite some of their possible health benefits, peace lilies can be poisonous. Peace lily leaves contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can be toxic when ingested. This can particularly pose problems if you have curious children, cats, or dogs that might accidentally eat the plant's foliage. While the risk is greatest when a large number of leaves are eaten, this is an important caveat of the peace lily to consider before bringing the plant into your home. Depending on who lives in your household, the risks of peace lilies may outweigh any potential benefits. You'll also want to check out the list of houseplants you should never grow in a home with pets before bringing in any new plants for aesthetics or air quality.