5 Reasons To Fill Your Home With Succulents

The Surprising Benefits of Growing Succulents in Your Home

We draw comfort from the presence of nature, which is why houseplants are a staple of most households. Many houseplants are grown for their aesthetics, but people may choose to grow plants such as herbs indoors for easy culinary access. There are some plants that have some surprising, lesser-known benefits to them, such as succulents. Beloved for their distinct, sometimes unusual appearances, there’s more to these unique plants than meets the eye. 

They Can Increase the Humidity in the Home

Through their natural respiratory and photosynthetic processes, succulents release moisture vapour, which in turn increases the humidity in the air surrounding them. Plants release almost all of the moisture they absorb, so by placing several together you can considerably increase the humidity in an area. Increased humidity is beneficial in preventing or easing respiratory issues, such as common colds, sore throats, and dry coughs. Increased humidity can also reduce the chances and severity of itchy dry skin. 

They Can Improve Air Quality

Certain succulents, such as snake plants and aloe vera, are able to remove volatile organic compounds (VOC) from the air due to the pores on their thick, fleshy surface. Some major VOC substances (such as ammonia, formaldehyde, and benzene) are found in grocery bags, cigarette smoke, rugs, and even books. Having numerous succulents in the home can aid in improving air quality, which is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from one or more kinds of respiratory distresses.

They Can Improve Focus

Having houseplants can help to improve attentiveness, concentration, and other mental capabilities when striving to study or work. This is particularly true for smaller plants like succulents, which is why some offices and libraries actually keep them on desks and tables. Succulent arrangements, such as these by Bloominbee, could be the perfect mental focus for the hardworking individual. 

They Have Medicinal Properties

Yucca and aloe vera are two succulents that have some impressive medicinal properties and as such, it only makes sense to have them in your home. Yucca has been used historically as a treatment for minor abrasions like scratches and cuts, and more recently it’s been used as a way to treat arthritis. This is due to the fact that it contains antioxidants and saponins, both of which are effective at easing joint pain caused by inflammation. While yucca is usually ingested as a supplement, it can also be cooked and eaten. 

Aloe vera is widely renowned for its health benefits, particularly for the skin and the digestive tract. Aloe vera juice is easy to find in health food stores and aids in reducing digestive tract inflammation, as well as other kinds of stomach issues. Aloe vera gel is a trusted treatment for sunburn, and in addition is used to combat eczema. The gel is also an ingredient in many types of face creams and body lotions. 

Growing an aloe vera plant or two in your home means you’ll have easy access to these remedies if ever you need. It’s fairly easy to make your own aloe vera juice, many swear by this home remedy for sunburn or other skin issues.

Practical and Aesthetic Use