Do you like having fresh flowers in your home or office? Those are always nice to give and receive. However, any cut flower comes with a built-in “expiration date.” A few days after receiving them, those flowers are going to wilt away. What would stay longer is a houseplant? That might not be a romantic as a dozen red roses. When you consider the benefits of surrounding yourself with houseplants, you might start giving and receiving those.

Here’s what houseplants offer:

Clean Air

Houseplants are nature’s “air purifiers.” They give off oxygen in its pure form. They can also reduce dust in your home by removing the surface space where dust can fall. All of this means you’ll be breathing in cleaner air. Of course, that will require several houseplants to get the job done.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Medical researchers have found that houseplants have a way of reducing the lower systolic blood pressure. They found this out by studying hospital patients and putting plants in their rooms. A lot of other factors go into lowering your blood pressure but if those plants can lower it just by a point or two, then they are worth having around.

Reduces Illness Symptoms

Offices that have a flourishing amount of houseplants were found to have illness rate reductions of up to 60%. If your office is overrun with coughing and sneezing, then it might be time to bring in a plant for everyone’s desk!

Absorb Cooking Gases

When cooking you can sometimes release unpleasant odors and gases. That especially happens when things are burnt or overcooked. Plants have the ability to absorb those vapors through their leaves and soil. That is another way they improve air quality.

Reduces Stress

A lot of doctors prescribed a walk in nature to alleviate stress and anxiety. If you can’t get outdoors, then being around nature indoors can be a stress reducer, too. Around the office, that can lead to increased productivity.

Creates a Hobby

Cultivating your houseplants is an official hobby. You will need to spend a little time focused on them each day and perhaps research other plants to add to your collection. That will expand your knowledge base. All of this is working towards keeping your mind active and that’s always a good thing. It is a simple formula: The more houseplants, the more benefits.