Which indoor plants are good
10 Best Indoor Plants to Improve Your Health and Home
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If some of the best indoor houseplants have taken over your interiors, seemingly sprawling across bookshelves, side tables and kitchen countertops, you're not alone. Sales of leafy green flora have soared over the past couple of years as many spend more time indoors; they've been a hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where there are more than 9 million posts tagged #HousePlants. While the greenery brightens up your space and certainly looks cute, experts believe your indoor plants may be good for your health, too.
Naturopathic doctors have long incorporated plant medicine into their practices, and generally spending time around plants offers a “whole-person positive impact,” says Amy Rothenberg, N.D., a naturopathic doctor and president of the Massachusetts Society of Naturopathic Doctors.
“When we talk about treating the whole person, we mean looking after the body, the emotions and the spirit; plants can touch each of those essential areas,” Rothenberg explains. Plants improve air quality, bring beauty into your home and boost emotional and spiritual wellbeing by giving you a chance to care for something. Plants in your bedroom could improve your sleep quality, while greenery in your kitchen helps brighten up your space if there's no window.
While any plant is good for the soul and can benefit your mental health and emotional wellbeing, here are some of experts’ top choices.
The healthiest houseplant is the one that matches your personal style as well as daily schedule and routine, says Alex Cromer, LPC, a licensed professional mental health counselor with Thriveworks in Richmond, Virginia. And, don’t worry too much if you don’t have a green thumb! Many of the best plants for your health are easy to care for, so you can enjoy their presence and reap the health rewards.
1
Spider Plant
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Spider plants, or Chlorophytum comosum, are extremely easy to grow, don’t require constant attention and thrive with little investment on your behalf. The plants have narrow leaves and get their name from the “small plantlets produced on long trailing stems that vaguely resemble spiders,” according to the University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension.
Spider plants are known to help purify the surrounding air. NASA research examined the leaves, soil, roots and microorganisms of several houseplants and found that plants can act as a natural air filter to reduce pollutants. The study indicates that spider plants removed 95% of toxic formaldehyde from the air in a sealed Plexiglas container over a 24-hour period.
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2
Peace Lily
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The name “peace lily” definitely evokes a sense of calm. These sturdy plants also “flower and are aesthetically pleasing” and may benefit your health over time, explains Trevor Cates, N.D, a naturopathic doctor in Park City, Utah, and author of Clean Skin From Within. A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences suggests that peace lilies have air-cleaning properties and help to remove carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the air.
Peace lilies can live for years and continuously produce broad white flowers that resemble a white peace flag, per materials published by MiracleGro. They’re easy to take care of and don’t need much light, so they’re perfect for shady spaces. Just keep them out of reach from pets and small children, as they can cause vomiting or tongue swelling if they’re ingested.
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3
Rubber Plants
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Rubber plants — also known as rubber trees or Ficus elastica — make for great indoor houseplants. They’re generally easy to take care of and only need to be watered every week or so, according to materials shared by The Sill. Research shows that rubber plants feature air-purifying properties. Just be sure to keep them firmly away from any pets and from young children, as they're known to be highly toxic when ingested.
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4
Elephant Ear Plants
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If you want to spend a little more time with your houseplants, Cromer recommends elephant ear plants. These are organized into a group of tropical, perennial plants instantly recognizable by their big, heart-shaped leaves. They need bright light and regular watering to keep the soil moist, and they can get big and may need extra space. Some species have been grown for their edible starchy tubers, which are a food staple in certain tropical regions. Medicinally, the leaves have been noted for their use in treating insect stings.
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5
Snake Plants
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Long known as “mother-in-law’s tongues,” the snake plant, or Sansevieria trifasciata, features tall leaves that grow vertically. They’re decorative and extremely low-maintenance. The plants only need to be watered when the soil is dry, grow in any kind of light, and generally “thrive on neglect,” according to experts at HGTV. The snake plant was included in the same sweeping NASA study of indoor plants, and has been shown to remove toxins from the air over time.
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6
Ferns
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A 2022 study published in Applied Sciences showed that Boston ferns performed best when it comes to air cleaning by naturally VOCs from the air. The plants grow easily and look the best indoors in hanging baskets or on plant stands, which allow their fronds to drape. They need medium bright light and consistently moist soil, so they might require a bit more of your time.
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7
Pothos
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When you picture a houseplant, the pothos, or Epipremnum pinnatum, is likely what comes to mind. Also known as devil’s ivy or golden pothos, the plants feature vibrant heart-shaped leaves that may be green or marbled green and yellow. They’re easy to grow, needing only indirect sunlight and infrequent watering. Research shows that the plants can lower indoor ozone levels, which can make it easier to breathe and reduce your risk for respiratory ailments, as well as remove VOCs from the air.
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8
English Ivy
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English ivy, or Hedera helix, is a versatile plant that’s been shown to lower levels of carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and toxins in the air. They can be grown outside or indoors. As a houseplant, the ivy grows well in hanging baskets or pots, and can be trained to grow along a trellis or shape, according to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension. They grow best in direct sunlight and need to be watered thoroughly once the soil dries out.
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9
Succulents and Cacti
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Succulents and cacti “thrive on little to no care,” Cromer says. These plants are drought-resistant, meaning they don’t need regular watering; only just when the soil is completely dry. They also come in many shapes and sizes to decorate your space and can help clean the air. Some varieties, including the jade plant, can increase humidity in a room. Aloe vera plants, in particular, also have medicinal properties and can help heal cuts, burns, and other skin ailments.
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10
Herbs
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Small potted herbs not only look cute in your kitchen, but they may also inspire you to cook more often and eat healthier. Growing your own basil, parsley, or mint is also cheaper than purchasing herbs from the grocery store. Several herbs, like chamomile and lavender, have been shown to reduce anxiety, per Mayo Clinic officials. Herbs also contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are a boon for your dietary routine.
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How do house plants contribute to good health?
The beauty of plants and the act of caring for them can be truly healing. “Looking at something aesthetically pleasing can boost neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin,” Cates explains. Keeping plants primes your brain to look forward to interacting with the plant and receiving a hit of “feel good neurochemicals,” Cromer adds.
Plants offer immediate benefits by improving mood and stress management, Cates says. They also provide long-term benefits, such as improving air quality which may reduce instances of headaches — or by adding moisture to the air, which helps with dry skin, Rothenberg says. Handling soil, which contains microbes, can promote microbiome diversity in your home, which could benefit gut and skin health.
But, having houseplants alone isn’t a recommended treatment for any medical condition, Rothenberg adds. “Encouraging my patients to consider having houseplants is one part of a broader, individualized health care plan.”
What are the best indoor plants for air purification?
Research shows that plants can help with air purification, especially in areas where air quality may be in question. Breathing cleaner air also helps you think clearer, calms stress, and reduces the risk for asthma, Cates tells Good Housekeeping.
Houseplants absorb carbon dioxide, filter pollutants and release oxygen. “This is an important idea considering how much time people spend indoors,” Rothenberg adds. “By adding more oxygen, theoretically, you might have better focus, fewer headaches, and an improved mood.”
Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, ferns, and English ivy are some of the best indoor plants for boosting oxygen levels and purifying the air.
What are the mental health benefits of caring for a houseplant?
Being around greenery offers many mental health benefits. Horticultural therapy has long been used to treat mental health and other conditions. It helps improve memory, cognition and socialization. Humans also have an innate instinct to connect with nature, known as biophilia.
Caring for plants can reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood and concentration, and boosts confidence. “Plants provide a tangible, positive result for the caretaker which can help them feel more in control of their lives, something that can reduce anxiety and promote overall wellness,” Cromer says. “It gives the caretaker a sense of pride and accomplishment—being observant of how the plant is growing, looking, and to troubleshoot ways to solve problems.”
Watching them grow can be soothing, promote peaceful feelings, and provide a meditative experience, Rothenberg adds.
“Plants benefit health holistically because they are a non-stimulating partner that is accepting and tolerant, and are good listeners,” Cromer says. “Plants thrive with simple care and attention and are very visibly thankful for your efforts.”
If you are dealing with a mental health condition, you may need to speak with a professional. You can find help and learn more about anxiety by visiting the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
Erica Sweeney Erica Sweeney is a writer who mostly covers health, wellness and careers.
18 Best Indoor Plants: Low-Light and Easy Houseplants
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A mix of easy-to-care-for, air purifying and low-light picks any houseplant beginner would love.
By Monique Valeris and Katarina Avendaño
Houseplants have a special way of breathing life into a room and adding a calming vibe to any space. But beyond being a go-to choice for decor lovers, indoor plants can also improve your health. They can boost your home's air quality and enhance your overall wellbeing, whether you choose to place them on a windowsill or in a shady corner in your living room. But if you consider yourself a beginner and far from a green thumb, there's good news: the best indoor plants for your home are actually very easy to care for.
This list includes a combination of low-light picks like the snake plant, plants for the office, tall varieties as well as visually appealing options — such as Monstera Deliciosa — that don't require much effort on your part to thrive. In other words, they can tolerate some neglect. If you've had enough of plants with intimidating care routines, you'll appreciate this assortment of affordable finds, including some of the top indoor trees for homes. There are even feng shui plants for those who want to manifest good health, wealth and luck, along with some that are especially great for bedrooms. Plus, all the plants are easy to order online.
Ready to bring a plant or two into your interior? Scroll down to start sprucing up your space with any of these popular houseplants. We're pretty sure you won't be disappointed.
Best Easy-to-Care for Indoor Plant
Peace Lily
cadifor
Now 54% off
$5 AT AMAZON
Best Medium-Light Indoor Plant
American Plant Exchange
Monstera Deliciosa
$34 AT AMAZON
Best Air Purifying Indoor Plant
American Plant Exchange
Spider Plant
$34 AT AMAZON
Best Indoor Plant for Bedrooms
Costa Farms
Snake Plant
Best Indoor Plant for Feng Shui
Hirt's Gardens
Mini Jade Plant
$20 AT WALMART
Best Indoor Tree
Costa Farms
Money Tree
$34 AT AMAZON
Best Indoor Plant for Kitchens
Asparagus Fern
Now 15% off
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Best Indoor Succulents
The Succulent Cult
String of Hearts
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Best Drought-Tolerant Indoor Plant
Philodendron
FollowTheFlow
Now 40% off
$24 AT AMAZON
Best Indoor Plant for Offices
Hirt's Gardens
Calathea Ornata
$18 AT AMAZON
Best Low-Light Indoor Plant
Rubber Plant
Alexander Walter
$25 AT AMAZON
Best Air Purifying Indoor Tree
Dragon Tree
elenaleonova
$17 AT AMAZON
Best Low Humidity Indoor Plant
plants
ZZ Plant
$114 AT THE SILL
Best Indoor Plant for Any Room
Air Plant
Geri Lavrov
$19 AT AMAZON
Best Slow-Growing Indoor Plant
United Nursery
Yucca
$44 AT LOWE'S
Best Full-Shade Indoor Plant
English Ivy
Amazon
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Unique Indoor Plant
Peperomia
Now 20% off
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Best Indoor Plant for Small Spaces
Happily Plants
Pothos
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$10 AT ETSY
Monique Valeris Senior Home Editor Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand's home decorating coverage across print and digital.
Katarina Avendaño Senior SEO Editor Katarina Avendaño (she/her) is the senior SEO editor for Good Housekeeping, where she writes and edits lifestyle content and contributes to SEO strategy.
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Top 10 Filter Houseplants - Decoretto Blog
Houseplants are the little garden in your home that adds an exotic touch to your home with a fresh and vibrant look. However, we all know that in addition to the aesthetic function, indoor flowers help improve air quality and reduce pollution in the home.
By the way, houseplants are able not only to release oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide, but also help to neutralize volatile organic compounds present in our homes.
Below is a list of 10 plants that are best for cleaning the air in your home.
- Ficus Benjamina
This is one of the most common indoor plants and can filter many air pollutants found in carpets and furniture.
Required light level: high
Watering: regular
2. Aloe vera
Anyone can grow this plant. It, like ficus, helps fight formaldehyde and benzene.
Required light level: high
Watering: regular
3. Sansevieria tristripe
This houseplant is also called "Team-in-Law". It is one of the most effective air purifiers. In addition, it can even be placed in the bathroom.
Required light level : any
Watering : moderate
4. Mulberry chrysanthemum
Chrysanthemum has colorful flowers that can brighten up your home or office. The plant perfectly filters benzene contained in paints, plastics, adhesives, and detergents.
Required light level : high
Watering : regular
5. Dracaena bordered
This flower will add color to your interior. The plant can grow up to several meters. It helps to fight the substances present in varnishes and coatings.
Required light level : any
Watering : regular
6 Ideal for trichlorethylene removal.
Required light level : high
Watering : regular
7. Scindapsus aureus
This plant also helps fight formaldehyde. Great for placement in a garage to deal with exhaust fumes.
Light Level Required : Any
Watering : Moderate
8
Light level required : high
Watering : regular
9. Common ivy
The necessary illumination level : moderate
irrigation : regular
10. Bambo Palma
This palm tree is capable of growing even in shady places and is one of the best natural filters of benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene.
Required light level : high
Watering : abundant
Thus, indoor plants are not only a living decoration, but also a great helper in protecting your health. Having a small garden in your home is useful and aesthetically pleasing.
By the way, you can decorate a corner with houseplants with interior stickers in the form of butterflies or birds. So you will give it an even fresher and more original look:
TOP 15 indoor plants that you can keep at home
There are many answers to the question: what indoor plants can be grown at home? We will list the names of colors that bring the greatest benefit to the physical and psycho-emotional health of a person.
- Ficuses
- Succulents
- Lavender
- Cacti
- Dracaena
- Kalanchoe
- Lemon tree
- Bamboo
- Monstera
- Anthurium
- Spathiphyllum
- Yucca
- Violet
- Strelitzia
- Ivy
We are often asked what can be grown without much hassle. There are several types of indoor flowers that are easy to plant. They grow quickly, and some, with proper care, bloom for a long time and beautifully.
Ficuses
So, what plants can be kept at home? Of course, ficuses. These hardy plants, grown in beautiful pots, refresh the interior. They do not like direct sunlight, they can be planted even in partial shade. Ficuses purify the air from benzene, formaldehyde, ammonia and dust.
Specimens with glossy leaves should be wiped down regularly or washed in a warm shower. At moderate temperatures, watering once a week is sufficient. Indoor ficuses are presented in any variation - from ampelous grassy to huge trees for the greenhouse.
Succulents
Are you looking for the best plants to plant in small pots and grow on the southern windows of your house or apartment? Succulents love sunlight and are not afraid of burns. Put a lot of miniature succulents in colorful pots on one windowsill - they will create a delightful composition.
Plant different species in one box for a great mix.
Succulents release oxygen at night, so they are good to keep in the bedroom. In summer they are watered 2-3 times a week, in winter one watering is enough. They absorb dangerous chemicals, disinfect and decontaminate the air.
Succulent species:
- agaves;
- hymnocalyciums;
- crassula;
- haworthias;
- echeveria;
- euphorbia;
- aloe;
- gasteria;
- crosses;
- stonecrops;
- ripsalis;
- sansevieria;
- tillandsia;
- epiphyllums;
- alluody;
- sedums.
Lavender
What flowering houseplants do you keep at home? Popular non-capricious shy lavender with beautiful delicate flowers of white, purple, blue, pink will become your favorite. It is undemanding to care, but the place should be well lit, the ground should be moist, but not waterlogged.
In winter, water the lavender once a month with settled water, sprinkling the leaves as well. The emitted essential oils destroy germs in the room. The aroma of lavender calms the nervous system, relieves stress.
Cacti
These are tropical inhabitants, covered with sharp thorns or delicate downs. Cacti are represented by the most numerous family, more than 5000 species. Since ancient times, they symbolize health and longevity, they are considered an "energy shield" that does not allow negativity to enter the home.
Cacti activate brain activity, help in making the right decisions. The prickly fleshy trunks absorb the harmful blue rays emitted by computers or televisions. The cactus will grow well on south and east windows. Care for him consists in daily moderate watering in the summer and reduced in the cold season to once every 15 days.
Dracaena
Dracaena are not poisonous and help their owners by neutralizing dangerous chemical combinations such as formaldehyde. A flower planted in a room with linoleum on the floor will clear the air of the benzene that releases the coating. Dracaena improves the emotional state of a person, restores peace of mind, helps to get rid of headaches and toothaches.
Dracaena look beautiful, reminiscent of tropical palms, like a bush with many branches, trees with branched or several trunks. They look unusual with two-, three-color leaves, gray or burgundy foliage.
Dracaena is easy to care for. It painlessly tolerates mild drought, but dies when water stagnates. Be sure to periodically clean the leaves from dust. In summer, it is good to expose the pot to fresh air, in partial shade. In winter - arrange a dracaena once every 1-2 weeks a warm shower.
Kalanchoe
These are hardy plants that can be planted and grown easily at home. Kalanchoe with beautiful small flowers will decorate any room. The green pet does not like bright lighting and grows well on the western and eastern windows.
In winter, he needs to extend daylight hours to 12 hours. Watering with warm, soft, settled water is best done through a pan, avoiding moisture on the stems. If the earth ball dries out, the leaves will fall off.
There are more than 200 types of Kalanchoe. In the art of Feng Shui, they are used to correct the energy field. One flower in a pot is enough, and the negative energy will go away, and the vital energy will increase.
Kalanchoe purifies the air of microorganisms, improves immunity. If the room doctor grows in your room, then the risk of contracting viral diseases for you will be significantly reduced.
Lemon tree
There are fruit plants that can be grown at home. One of them is the lemon tree. This tree, growing up to 1.5 m in height, will surely please you with useful fragrant fruits. A native of Southeast Asia, the lemon tree does well indoors. It is easy to provide him with proper care. Enough to create diffused sunlight. It is optimal to grow and keep the plant on the south side of the house.
A lemon tree can be grown from seed planted in a pot, but it will take a long time. The tree is useful, it maintains a comfortable microclimate. Leaves emit phytoncides - volatile substances that positively affect the emotional state, mood of people and strengthen their immune system.
Bamboo
Do you know which exotic plant is easy to grow at home in a pot? Give preference to the evergreen indoor bamboo - Sander's dracaena.
Its slender stems twist into unusual spirals of various sizes, giving the room an enigmatic air. Bamboo will grow no higher than a meter and may bloom with white flowers. The talisman tree will bring happiness, prosperity, health to the house.
Bamboo grows well in a container of water or potting soil, in a well-lit, warm place, away from heaters. Water must be changed completely once a week. Watering is carried out as the soil dries. The temperature regime should be + 13- + 30∞С. By removing side shoots from the stem, you can give the tree any shape.
Monstera
Some people think that this flower should not be included in the list of indoor plants for growing at home. They justify such a judgment by the fact that the monster cannot be kept indoors. In fact, it is not poisonous, absolutely safe, interesting.
Aerial roots are located on the trunk, because monstera is a liana that grows up to 5 m. Huge leaves with beautiful cuts can reach one meter in diameter. Before the rain, drops of water, “tears”, should appear on them. So excess liquid exits through the tunnels along the edges of the sheet.
Monstera should be kept in diffused light or partial shade. Temperature in summer - 20-23∞С, in winter - 16-18∞С. Watering should be done so that the soil does not dry out. To increase the humidity of the air, monstera must often be sprayed with warm water, wipe the leaves with a damp sponge and polish.
Anthurium
It is called the flamingo flower and male happiness. It symbolizes strength, courage, love and passion. Luxurious flowers of red, white, pink, purple and black color shine like varnished and delight the eye almost all year round.
Rules for growing anthurium:
- Watering after the earthen clod dries out.
- Better underfill than overfill.
- Pruning leaves when yellow spots appear.
- Temperature regime +18-+28 degrees.
- Bright lighting without direct sunlight.
Spathiphyllum
There are "female" plants should be kept at home. The main one is spathiphyllum, popularly called women's happiness. It delights with white beautiful flowers and benefits by purifying the air in the house. Growing it in a pot is easy. Leaves and buds on long stems grow directly from the ground.
Spathiphyllum needs soft diffused light, moisture and frequent watering, combined with spraying or rubbing the leaves with a damp sponge. Water is better to defend in advance during the night. Touch the ground. If the top is dry, it's time to water.
Yucca
Which slow growing perennial plant should I choose to grow at home? Indoor yucca is a compact small tree. In nature, it grows in arid regions, therefore it is undemanding to watering. It is carried out when the soil dries well to a depth of 3 cm, approximately once a week - 10 days.
With excess moisture, the tips of the leaf blades become dark. Yucca well perceives and loves the direct rays of the sun. It is better to plant it on the south side of the house. Dust from the sheets should be cleaned regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
Violet
Which flowering plants are often planted at home. The modest saintpaulia or uzambar violet blooms all year round. The color of flowers occupies a huge palette of tones, shades. It should be planted in a small pot and kept on a window facing west or east. For flowering, air humidity at the level of 55-60% is important, therefore capillary watering is the most rational.
When watering, do not allow water to get on the leaves, stems, growing point, so it is better to do it through the pan. After 40-45 minutes, the excess liquid is drained. The soil in the pot should not be wet. Overflow is detrimental to the root system of violets.
Strelitzia
This luxurious indoor flower is the closest relative of the banana. Strelitzia is called the "bird of paradise" for the resemblance of its bright colors to a bird's head, decorated with an intricate crest. It is easy to plant and grow, but requires conditions close to natural to bloom.
Strelitzia can be kept on any window except the north one. In order for flowering to begin in spring, from late November to February, it must be in a dormant period. The pot is placed in a bright, cool place, reducing watering to a minimum. The earth ball should be wet only in depth.
Ivy
What kind of decorative and deciduous indoor plants to keep at home for interior decoration? Hedera is the favorite flower of florist designers. Beautiful hanging stems with spectacularly colored leaves look chic on the walls. They make incredible compositions and ensembles.
Indoor ivy is very fond of moisture. In addition to regular watering, he needs water procedures - spraying the leaves and bathing. In summer, it is good to keep a heder in the fresh air, on a terrace, in a gazebo.