Indoor plants are plant species that you grow inside your living area. They add beauty and color to the space and also keep the air clean and fresh. They provide aesthetic appeal and absorb noxious chemicals and gases.

Common indoor plants are dieffenbachia, aglonema and philodendron. Indoor plants need humidity and indirect sunlight for growth.

Suitable indoor plants can be found for any style of décor and any situation. NASA was testing plants to purify air aboard a space shuttle. NASA research showed that some indoor plants are more efficient in filtering out toxins when compared to others. Spider plants and philodendrons can remove formaldehyde. Chrysanthemums and Gerbera daisies remove benzene effectively.

Indoor plants serve as our link to nature. Plants contribute to make the occupants healthier and happier. Indoor plants are often given as gifts among friends. The plants then acquire connotations associated with people, memories, and places.

It is said Americans on an average spend $150 on indoor plants every year. Indoor plants reduce symptoms of dry skin, cough, fatigue, depression, and headache. The poinsettia is a famous indoor flowering plant. Other popular indoor plants are African violets and Gardenias.

The indoor air quality improves when plants are present. Toxins like volatile organic compounds (VOCs), cyanide, and carbon monoxide get absorbed by plants. Indoor plants can protect you from inhaling VOCs emitted from paint and cleaning supplies. There are also some studies that say indoor plants contribute to noise reduction.

Though indoor plants are loved by many people, check to see none of your family members are allergic to setting up indoor plants. Kids especially need to be asked if it is OK to put indoor plants inside. Choose non-poisonous indoor plants where kids are concerned.

Select only those plants that are known to be resistant to diseases and insects. You can browse through photos of tons of plants at PlantCare.com. Select indoor plants that are well potted, shapely, and well-covered with leaves.

Light, water, humidity, temperature, soil, ventilation and fertilization are all the factors that could affect the growth of indoor plants. The potting soil is the media in which the indoor plant grows. It should be porous enough to allow for aeration and drainage. It should also be capable of retaining water and nutrients. There are commercially available mixes that contain no soil. They may contain slow release fertilizers.

You also need to choose a good container for your indoor plant. It should be large enough to provide space for roots. It must have proper drainage and look attractive. Containers may be made of ceramics, wood, fiberglass, plastic, brass, etc. Clay pots usually provide the best aeration for plant roots. In recent years, there has been a growth of indoor plants growing in plastic and fiberglass containers. They are inexpensive and quite attractive. Plastic pots are also easy to clean and tend to accumulate far less salts.

There may occasionally be pests that infect your indoor plants. Use mild pesticides or insecticidal soap solution to treat pest-infected plants.

Over time, indoor plants become your friends and companions. They will share your joys and sorrows. Psychologically, they will generate trust and warmth in your home. I hope I have piqued your interest enough so you would want to grow indoor plants if you are not already doing so.