Snake plant (Dracaena trifasciata) – Oxygenate Your Sleep
It comes as no surprise that in the winter months we all feel more tired. With less daylight, and reduced sunlight exposure our natural rhythms are disrupted causing increased tiredness. To help us get the most out of our beauty sleep we look to Dracaena trifasciata. While most houseplants photosynthesize to produce oxygen during the day and respire CO2 at night, the snake plant utilizes the process called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM) swapping the order. At night fresh oxygen is released into the air, making this a perfect bedroom companion, and helping you achieve a deep and restful sleep.
MAINTENANCE: easy, beginner
LIGHT: bright, indirect light
WATER: only when the top layer is dry
TEMPERATURE: 18ºC – 23ºC
NOTES: While displaying low to no toxicity to humans, keep away from dogs and cats
Common Jasmine (Jasminum offininale) – The Housplant that Ensures you Relax and Refresh
If you’re not familiar with the sweet smell of this gorgeous plant, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Welcoming jasmine into your home provides soothing relief and is proven to have a relaxing effect. With sedative properties, this is another addition to your bedroom that will enhance your sleep. Additionally, jasmine is a natural air purifier that can even help eliminate bad odours. After a stressful day, unwind with a scent that has been cherished for thousands of years.
Did you know? The flowers have many benefits both cosmetically and medicinally. From healthy teas to powerful essential oils, these flowers are packed incredible compounds that are beneficial to both your health and wellness.
MAINTENANCE: medium
LIGHT: full sun to partial shade, south facing areas are best
WATER: water frequently to keep soil damp in the summer, allow slight drying in the winter
TEMPERATURE: 15ºC – 21ºC
NOTES: Require fertilizer twice a year and a good air flow, non-toxic to both people and pets
Polka Dot Begonia (Begonia maculata) – Bring Joy Via This Houseplant
Ordinary things can bring extraordinary happiness. Like houseplants and polka dots. You read that right, scientifically polka-dots bring us joy. With the Polka Dot Begonia you can make the gloom and grey feel brighter and better. Circles and dots are the most approachable shapes, with no sharp edges, something our brains appreciate. When paired with the abundance of dots like that found on the luscious foliage of this begonia, it will bring you joy.
MAINTENANCE: medium to difficult
LIGHT: indirect light, keep away from direct light which can burn the large leaves
WATER: water frequently to keep soil moist, provide additional humidity
TEMPERATURE: 18ºC – 22ºC
NOTES: Beautiful to look at but keep out of reach for children and pets as this plant is toxic
Raven ZZ (Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘Raven’) – Breathe Cleaner Air with this Houseplant
Ever heard of xylene and toluene? Both are air pollutants and along with CO2 something you don’t want to be breathing. Enter the dazzling Raven ZZ. This variety has stunning dark-purple color with shiny leaves, and the ability to filter out air pollutants. The benefit of cleaner air? It improves cognitive function which includes learning, thinking, problem solving, attention span and even decision making. We love a beautiful plant that has a beautiful function.
MAINTENANCE: easy, beginner
LIGHT: bright indirect light to partially shaded
WATER: regular watering and enjoys misting/humidity
TEMPERATURE: 15ºC – 26ºC
NOTES: Keep out of reach of both children and your furry friends as this plant is poisonous
Aloe (Aloe vera) – All Around Star
We love this plant for its striking architecture and its many health and wellness benefits. From working as an air purifier, to releases oxygen at night, to be able to help with minor burns and even acne. The best part of the aloe? It’s one of the easiest plants to care for; while other houseplants will die due to neglect, if you forget about your aloe for a while, it will usually be just fine.
MAINTENANCE: easy, beginner
LIGHT: bright indirect light, if you’re allow starts to brown it’s actually getting a sunburn and needs to be relocated
WATER: only when the soil is dry, every 2-4 weeks
TEMPERATURE: 16ºC – 24ºC
NOTES: Keep out of reach of pets, aloe can be mildly toxic so better to be safe than sorry!
We are looking forward to introducing some of these houseplants into our homes this month! With all the benefits they provide, they are truly the best home accessories. (Let us know in the comments if you have any of the plants that made our list or if you’re hoping to bring any home).
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