Houseplants are in fashion once again and its easy to see why. They can brighten and add colour to virtually any space in the house and the physical and physiological health benefits are enormous. They have been shown to improve mood and reduce stress as well as reducing the levels of carbon dioxide and purifying the air.

Things to consider when choosing the right houseplant:

Amount of natural light. Light levels of different locations are very important, too much light and the leaves of some plants can get scorched and discolour not enough light and some plants will struggle to grow. 

Temperature. Room temperature can vary season to season so its important to consider what plants will thrive in the colder environments.

Humidity. Bathrooms and kitchens will have a high humidity where as central heated rooms will have very dry air. Orchids prefer a higher humidity and will struggle in a very dry atmosphere.

Orchid

Orchids are very easy to grow and are one of the longest flowering houseplants. The plants are watered by plunging weekly, make sure not to leave the pot standing in water.

Orchids do well in centrally heated homes, spray regularly with orchid mist to keep humidity high.

Orchid Phalaenopsis

Peace lily

Peace lilys prefer indirect sunlight, they do not require much water and prefer free draining soil. 

Peace lilys will help purify the air and maintain a healthy environment in your house.

Kalanchoes are unusual house plants. They prefer medium to high sunlight with free draining soil.

Kalanchoe

Kalanchoes can be placed outside in the summer, but need prtection from direct sun.

They are part of the succulent family there for they do not require much watering.

Terrarium 

Terrariums are usually small sealable glass containers containing soil and plants, they have a small opening for maintenance.

They are a good alternative if you don't have access to a garden