In a world dominated by screens and concrete jungles, biophilic living offers a refreshing escape by reconnecting us with nature. Rooted in the concept of biophilia—our innate affinity for the natural world—this lifestyle integrates elements of nature into our living spaces, improving our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. From boosting air quality to enhancing mood and productivity, indoor plants are an essential element of biophilic design.
But where do you start? What plant to pick? And where to place it? Not all plants are created equal, and some thrive better in specific areas of your home. Let’s explore how to incorporate ideal plants into each room to create a harmonious, healthy living environment.
Living Room: The living room is often the heart of the home, making it a perfect space for vibrant, air-purifying plants.
Snake Plant.
(Dracaena Trifasciata)
Known as the ultimate air purifier, this hardy plant removes up to 87% of harmful toxins at night, including formaldehyde and benzene. Its dry-condition preference makes it low-maintenance and ideal for a central living area. Plus, according to Vastu Shastra and Feng Shui, it invites prosperity and positive energy.
Rubber Plant.
(Ficus Elastica)
This elegant plant does more than add a modern aesthetic—it’s a powerhouse for removing air toxins like mold spores and bacteria while also producing oxygen. They can also remove up to 60% of air toxins, making them the perfect plant for your living room. In Vastu, it’s believed to attract good luck and prosperity.
Kentia Palm.
(Howea forsteriana)
Non-toxic and visually stunning, the Kentia Palm filters air pollutants and symbolizes growth and harmony in Feng Shui. The kentia palm symbolizes expansion and advancement, nurturing personal growth and facilitating professional progress. By resonating with the Wood element, the kentia palm enhances family harmony, promoting understanding and peaceful coexistence.
Bedroom: Your bedroom is a space for rejuvenation, and carefully chosen plants can enhance air quality, promote peaceful energy and also soothe any financial insecurities.
Peacock Plant.
(Calathea Makoyana)
This decorative, pet-friendly plant purifies air and adjusts its leaves according to the sun’s cycle, creating a calming rhythm that encourages a natural sleep-wake routine. This plant not only helps with a cleaner environment, but it reduces stagnancy in the air too.
Money Tree.
(Pachira Aquatica)
It’s considered to be the luckiest plant. Symbolizing financial prosperity and positive energy, this low-maintenance plant is a perfect bedroom companion. Safe for children and pets, it’s believed to reduce stress and attract financial stability. It’s different from the money plant, which is of Chinese origin (money tree’s origin is Central and Southern America), however, they both promote prosperity and are believed to strengthen financial health.
Bathroom: Bathrooms are often humid spaces, making them ideal for plants that love moisture.
Pothos/Money Plant.
(Epipremnum aureum)
Easy to grow and thriving in low light, Pothos absorbs negative energy while regulating humidity. Its adaptability and low maintenance make it a bathroom essential. The best thing about the money plant in the bathroom as per Vastu is that as the element of Air, it thrives in the humid and warm conditions of the bathroom.
Boston Fern.
(Nephrolepis exaltata)
Boston ferns are ideal for bathrooms since they flourish in moist settings. Through their fronds, they naturally absorb moisture, which helps to lessen excessive humidity. Because of these air-purifying properties, the Boston Fern is said to offer real health benefits to those who suffer from dry skin or irritably dry noses or throats.
Kitchen: Kitchen plants can be both practical and decorative, creating an inviting and vibrant cooking space.
Rosemary.
(Salvia Rosmarinus)
Beyond its culinary uses, rosemary’s scent calms the body and energizes the mind. Its neuropharmacological properties have long been linked to improving memory and cognition as well as reducing stress. It thrives in the arid conditions of a kitchen, making it the perfect herb to grow on your windowsill!
Spider Plant.
(Chlorophytum Comosum)
This resilient plant cleans the air and thrives with minimal care, making it a practical addition to a bustling kitchen. Studies have shown that spider plants are quite effective in cleaning indoor air by absorbing chemicals, and it’s safe for pets and children.
Succulents.
If there’s any place you’d like to place your cutesy succulents, it would be in the kitchen! This is because the kitchen is where we utilise fire, making it dryer than the rest of our house. Succulents thrive in dry, arid conditions, making them a perfect fit for your kitchen. Most succulents are high light succulents, which means they want at least six hours of sunlight per day: making a south or west windowsill the best place to keep them.
Balcony: Balconies are the perfect spot for plants that love sunlight and fresh air.
Tulsi (Holy Basil).
(Ocimum tenuiflorum)
Revered for its spiritual and health benefits, Tulsi purifies the air and is believed to attract prosperity and abundance. It is believed that worshipping Tulsi with devotion can bring wealth and financial stability to the family. This plant needs a good amount of daylight, making it perfect for your balcony.
Jade Plant.
(Crassula Ovata)
With its compact size and vibrant green leaves, the Jade plant symbolizes wealth and thrives in bright, indirect sunlight.
Quick tip! A lot of urban balconies are shrouded in shadows if they're flanked by tall buildings or have an overhang. More often than not you can solve this problem by placing sun-loving plants towards the balcony's perimeter, where the sun shines more; and the plants requiring indirect sunlight in the shadowy parts of your balcony.
Study: Plants in your study or workspace can enhance concentration and reduce stress, creating an environment conducive to productivity.
ZZ Plant.
(Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)
This low-maintenance plant purifies the air and eliminates toxins like xylene, toluene, and carbon dioxide. The plants help reduce stress and have a positive effect on health. The presence of this houseplant enhances mood and boosts creativity and focus, making it the perfect choice for a home study or office.
Peace Lily.
(Spathiphyllum Wallisii)
Known for its air-purifying properties, the Peace Lily aligns perfectly with the needs of a focused workspace. The Peace Lily is an important indoor plant in Vastu Shastra, known for promoting peace, harmony, and prosperity. It purifies air and enhances energy flow when placed in key areas like the living room, bedroom, or office; making it the perfect plant for your study.
Final Thoughts.
By incorporating plants into every room, biophilic living allows you to bring the outdoors in, creating a healthier, more harmonious home environment. These living elements not only beautify your space but also help elevate your overall well-being, reminding us of our deep connection to nature. Whether you're seeking to improve air quality, reduce stress, or simply add a touch of greenery, there’s a perfect plant for every corner of your home.
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