A living space without green houseplants? Possible but not effective. Plants belong to the interior like the furniture. Some types not only enrich the office or the apartment visually, but also have practical uses. For example, their property of positively influencing the indoor climate or humidity makes these plants an indispensable piece of furniture. This guide reveals which species are particularly recommended and under which conditions they feel most comfortable.
Table of Contents
Aloe Vera
- Location: sunny and warm
- Watering: low water requirement
- Growth height: approx. 25 cm
Aloe Vera, which belongs to the lily family, is the ideal plant for beginners. Because their thick fleshy leaves store enough water, the gardener rarely needs to water them. Even with the rest of the care he can only do a little wrong. The look of these exotic indoor plants is all the more impressive. Although the pure aloe vera with its red blossom is a true rarity, the variety that is often sold in stores is in no way inferior to it in terms of beauty. Here, an orange bloom adorns the spiky, gray-green foliage, which is sometimes speckled through with a few speckles. Whether on the windowsill or in the conservatory, the low growth rate of aloe vera is even suitable for apartments or offices with little space.
Bambuspalme (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
- Location: sunny or shady, ideal for the windowsill or conservatory
- Watering: depending on the location, moderately to a lot
- Growth height: up to 3 m
The bamboo palm is one of the most popular indoor plants ever. Above all, their appearance inspires with the dark green trunk, which is decorated with light rings. The Central American plant also owes its name to this characteristic. Since Chamaedorea Seifrizii is frugal in almost any location, it is ideal for an empty corner of the room where it would be too dark for other plants. But even direct sunlight cannot harm it. Perfect conditions for the conservatory, where it often gets stuffy in summer. Here the bamboo palm regulates the humidity.
Bogenhanf (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Location: bright, also suitable for direct sun
- Watering: little
- Height of growth: depending on the variety, usually up to 1 m
Although the bow tie is visually reminiscent of a succulent, the houseplants belong to the asparagus family. The vernacular also refers to the upright growing plants as mother-in-law’s or snake’s tongues. A comparison intended to allude to the biting tongue of these unloved relatives. The bow hemp is actually a very worthwhile roommate. Not only do its oily leaves retain water, making maintenance extremely easy, they also release a lot of moisture into the environment, thereby increasing humidity.
Chrysanthemen (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
- Location: sunny to semi-shady
- Watering: medium water requirement
- Growth height: 20 to 50 cm
Chrysanthemums are the perfect houseplants for anyone who wants to add color to their home. However, very few people know that the colorful blooming flowers ensure freshness in two senses. The plants are able to filter various toxins from the air and thus improve the indoor climate. Only pet owners should be careful, four-legged friends can poison themselves from the flowers.
Tip: By regularly removing faded shoots, the gardener extends the flowering period of his chrysanthemums.
Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
- Location: lots of light, but no blazing sun
- Watering: Always keep the substrate moist
- Growth height: up to 1.5 m
Actually, the dragon tree is not a tree at all, but has visual similarities with a small palm tree. A seeming exotic that has been proven to improve the indoor climate. The Canary Dragon Tree (Dracanea Draco) is particularly attractive and practical. He impresses with his blood-red heart, which botanists call the dragon’s blood. This part of the plant is still used today to obtain dyes. Pretty paradoxical considering that the dragon tree absorbs and converts pollutants from wall paint and wallpaper.
Solid Leaf (Spathiphyllum)
- Location: semi-shady to shady
- Watering: medium water requirement
- Growth height: 40 to 60 cm
The single leaf is anything but simple as a plant that promotes the indoor climate in the home. This is proven by the numerous synonyms of the tropical plant, which is also known as leaf flag, peace lily or sheath leaf. The designations clearly reflect the appearance of the plants. The only leaf that adorns a mostly white flower in summer shines in a handsome dark green and keeps its color all year round. Indoor plants are popular because they are easy to care for. They also absorb chemical substances that filter dirt particles from the air and thus ensure a fresh atmosphere.
Common ivy (Hedera helix)
- Location: sunny to semi-shady
- Watering: also tolerates dry substrate
- Growth height: 2.5 to 5 m
It is a well-known fact that good things come from home. The best proof of this is the well-known ivy. On the other hand, it is somewhat unusual to cultivate it like indoor plants, as many people know the climbing plant as greening of walls or fences. However, the ivy is one of the most undemanding plants of all and filters many pollutants from the air. Although the gardener regularly has to keep his shoots short in closed rooms, this should not be a problem thanks to the high pruning tolerance. However, the gardener has to be patient for many years until fruit formation. The blue globules only appear in old age, accompanied by an impressive yellowing of the leaves.
Goldene Efeutute (Epipremnum aureum)
- Location: partially shaded
- Watering: depends on the size of the plants
- Growth height: 2 to 3 m
When it comes to improving the room climate or humidity, the golden ivy is a true all-rounder among indoor plants. In their homeland, the Australian or Asian subtropics, the maple tree grows up to 20 meters high. Tied to a moss stick, however, it is ideal for improving air conditions. In addition, the ivy neutralizes odors, which is why owners like to place them in the kitchen. But not only people benefit from a better indoor climate and more humidity through plants. The undemanding plants also thrive under water and clean the fresh water in the aquarium for the benefit of the fish.
Grünlilie (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Location: sunny to semi-shady
- Watering: moderate and regular
- Growth height: 30 to 40 cm
The spider plant is particularly undemanding and is therefore often found in offices. Because of this, it is also known as official grass. The effective plant originally comes from South Africa. Their ability to improve the indoor climate is particularly noteworthy. The gas formaldehyde is primarily responsible for bad air in living spaces. Overripe fruit, wooden furniture, disinfectant spray or cigarettes release the pollutant into the air. The green lily filters the suspended matter and ensures pleasant freshness.
Zwergdattel palme (Phoenix roebelenii)
- Location: sunny to semi-shady
- Watering: high water requirement
- Growth height: 60 to 80 cm
The dwarf date palm has several advantages. On the one hand there is the trunk with an interesting pattern, on which initially upright and later overhanging fronds grow. In contrast to other palm species, these are pleasantly soft, so that nobody has to worry about stinging themselves when cleaning the apartment. Despite its tropical origins in Laos or Vietnam, Phoenix roebelenii is surprisingly cold-tolerant. The palm tree gives off a lot of moisture through its large leaves and thus increases the humidity.
Cyprus grass (Cyperus)
- Location: bright, warm and humid, but no blazing sun
- Casting: a lot
- Growth height: up to 1 m
The Cyprus grass is a houseplant that brings a lot of joy to both humans and animals. First and foremost, it has made a name for itself as a dietary supplement for cats because it contains valuable folic acid, among other things. Experience has shown that house tigers are crazy about the taste. People not only benefit from the improvement in humidity and the indoor climate, but also enjoy an undemanding plant that is particularly suitable for beginners. Zypergras can be propagated with little effort and in this way offers inexperienced gardeners the opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new hobby.