Houseplants can provide many benefits, whether you fill your home with a collection or just add one or two specimens.

Houseplants can even fulfill intellectual and psychological needs.

Research on the psychological benefits of plants show that in the workspace, plants make employees more physically, cognitively, and emotionally involved with their work. As more people work remotely, adding a houseplant to the home workspace is a great idea and can be good for your overall well-being.

To be sure you are successful with houseplants, here are some considerations before purchasing one.

Growing conditions

It’s all about the right plant for the right place.

Know the conditions where you want to place the plant and then select a plant that will do well under those conditions. Light and humidity levels are the most important conditions.

Indoor light is brightest in front of a south-facing window. Northern exposures have the lowest light level. You can provide supplemental lighting by placing plants under a lamp.

Houseplants vary in their need for humidity. A fern likes higher humidity then a cactus. Low humidity levels can be raised by adding a humidifier, misting the plant, or placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water.

Before purchasing a houseplant, read the tag information to be sure your room conditions match the plant’s needs.

Suggested plants

Succulents come in a variety of shapes and sizes and are low maintenance. They are the perfect choice for that indoor location with the most light such as a southern exposure.

Snake plants, pothos, and philodendrons thrive in high, medium, and low light conditions and need to be watered only when the top inch or so of soil is dry to the touch.

There are houseplants that can satisfy your sense of smell and touch; the aroma from a scented geranium or a lemon cypress tree can provide a sense of calmness. Blooms from a Meyer lemon tree can scent a room.

Indoor herbs can be useful in the kitchen as well as making for a nice houseplant.

Enclosed mini-gardens such as glass terrariums are also a great choice. In fact, buying all the materials and plants and designing your own terrarium is not only rewarding, but can be a great project the whole family can enjoy.

If you have pets or small children, be sure to do a little research before buying a houseplant as some varieties can be toxic or cause allergic reactions.

Possibilities for an indoor garden are better than ever, from traditional plants to the newest varieties. With all the benefits houseplants can provide, why not add a houseplant to your home or office this year.