You Won’t Believe The Surprising Powers Of These 14 Colorful Houseplants
These 14 colorful houseplants are more than just pretty faces—they bring some seriously surprising benefits to the table. I never realized how much life they could add to a room until I gave them a chance to thrive.
From purifying the air to lifting the mood, these plants do more than just look good. Their vibrant hues aren’t the only thing that’ll catch your eye—they’ve got some hidden talents you’ll want to take advantage of.
If your home could use a little extra color and goodness, these plants are here to help.
1. Peace Lily’s Secret Toxin-Fighting Abilities
Hidden beneath those elegant white blooms lies a natural air-purifying powerhouse! Peace Lily plants absorb common household toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene through their leaves and roots, essentially functioning as living air filters in your home.
Many homeowners don’t realize that Peace Lilies also remove mold spores from the air, making them perfect for bathrooms and other humid spaces.
These stunning white-flowered plants thrive in low light conditions and only need watering when their leaves start to droop – nature’s way of telling you they’re thirsty!
2. Snake Plant’s Nighttime Oxygen Factory
Most plants release oxygen during the day, but the snake plant flips the script by pumping out oxygen while you sleep! This midnight miracle worker continues photosynthesis after dark, making it the perfect bedroom companion for better air quality throughout the night.
Snake Plants also filter indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene. The striking vertical leaves with yellow borders add architectural interest to any room while requiring minimal care.
Nearly impossible to kill, these sturdy plants tolerate neglect, low light, and irregular watering – perfect for busy people or those just developing their green thumb!
3. Aloe Vera’s Burn-Healing Magic
Got a kitchen burn or stubborn sunburn? The gel inside aloe vera leaves contains compounds that reduce pain, inflammation, and speed healing when applied to minor burns and skin irritations. Simply snap off a leaf, split it open, and apply the cool gel directly to your skin for instant relief.
Beyond its medicinal properties, the Aloe Vera plant makes a striking addition to sunny windowsills with its spiky, geometric form.
This succulent beauty stores water in its thick leaves, making it drought-tolerant and perfect for forgetful waterers. Keep it in a terracotta pot with well-draining soil, and you’ll have a living first-aid kit ready whenever minor skin emergencies arise!
4. Spider Plant’s Electromagnetic Wave Shield
Feeling drained after hours at your computer? Spider plants might be the answer! Research suggests these striped wonders can absorb electromagnetic radiation emitted by electronics, creating a healthier workspace environment. Place one near your computer station or home office to potentially reduce exposure to these invisible waves.
Spider Plants earn their name from the baby plantlets that dangle from the mother plant like spiders on a web. These offspring can be snipped off and rooted in water to create new plants – free gifts for friends!
With arching green and white striped leaves, they look stunning in hanging baskets where their babies can cascade dramatically. Almost impossible to kill, they’ll thrive even under the care of notorious plant-killers!
5. Lavender’s Anxiety-Busting Aromatherapy
Feel your stress melt away with just one gentle brush against lavender’s fragrant leaves! This purple-flowering beauty releases essential oils that have been scientifically proven to lower heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels when inhaled. Keep a pot on your desk or bedside table for instant calm during hectic days.
Lavender plants need bright sunlight and well-draining soil to thrive indoors. The delicate purple blooms aren’t just pretty – they can be harvested and dried for homemade sachets to tuck under pillows for better sleep.
Gently pinching the stems occasionally encourages bushier growth and more of those gorgeous stress-relieving flowers. A natural anxiety remedy that doubles as gorgeous home decor!
6. Golden Pothos’ Computer-Friendly Radiation Reducer
Working from home just got healthier! Golden Pothos plants absorb radiation from electronic devices while clearing the air of toxins like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide. Their trailing vines with heart-shaped leaves brighten up any workspace while silently protecting your health.
Golden Pothos plants grow quickly even in low light conditions, making them perfect for offices and apartments with limited natural sunlight.
Their cascading growth habit makes them ideal for shelves or hanging baskets where the variegated yellow-green leaves can dramatically spill over edges. Nearly indestructible, these plants can bounce back from neglect that would kill most other houseplants, offering beauty and benefits with minimal effort!
7. Boston Fern’s Natural Humidifier Powers
Forget buying an expensive humidifier! Boston Ferns naturally release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, increasing humidity levels in dry indoor environments. This can help prevent dry skin, static electricity, and respiratory issues during winter months when heating systems dry out your home.
Boston Ferns feature delicate, feathery fronds that arch gracefully from the center, creating a lush fountain of green. These classic beauties prefer indirect light and regular misting to keep their fronds looking fresh.
While they require more attention than some houseplants, their air-moisturizing benefits and stunning appearance make them worth the extra care, especially in dry climates or during winter when indoor air becomes parched.
8. English Ivy’s Mold-Fighting Superpowers
Bathroom walls looking suspicious? English Ivy might be your new best friend! Studies show this climbing vine can reduce airborne mold spores by up to 60% – a game-changer for damp spaces or allergy sufferers. Its ability to absorb mold particles makes it an excellent natural solution for bathrooms, laundry rooms, and basements.
English Ivy features elegant pointed leaves with distinctive white veining that adds classic charm to any space.
The trailing vines can be trained up trellises or allowed to cascade from shelves and hanging baskets. Beyond its mold-fighting abilities, this versatile plant also filters formaldehyde from indoor air.
9. Rubber Plant’s Furniture-Protecting Abilities
Who knew houseplants could protect your furniture? Rubber plants absorb and neutralize formaldehyde – a common chemical that off-gasses from new furniture, carpets, and paint. Their large, glossy leaves efficiently capture these harmful compounds, preventing them from circulating through your home.
Rubber Plants feature striking burgundy-green leaves that grow impressively large as the plant matures. These statement plants can reach ceiling height when happy, creating a dramatic focal point in living spaces.
Native to tropical regions, they appreciate bright indirect light and moderate watering. Their thick, leathery leaves store water, making them somewhat forgiving if you occasionally forget to water – a perfect combination of stunning looks and practical air-cleaning benefits!
10. Jasmine’s Natural Sleep Aid Properties
Struggling with insomnia? The sweet scent of jasmine flowers has been shown in studies to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels. Unlike harsh sleep medications, this gentle floral fragrance helps you drift off naturally while adding beauty to your bedroom.
Jasmine plants produce delicate star-shaped white flowers that release their strongest fragrance at night – perfectly timed to help you unwind. The climbing vines can be trained around a small trellis or allowed to trail from a hanging basket.
Place your jasmine plant near your bed where its soothing scent can work its magic as you prepare for sleep. Just one plant can fill an entire room with its gentle, sleep-inducing perfume!
11. Philodendron’s Emotional Intelligence Booster
Believe it or not, philodendrons may help sharpen your emotional intelligence! Studies suggest that people who care for plants develop greater empathy and sensitivity to others’ needs. The regular attention required by these heart-leafed beauties can actually strengthen your emotional muscles.
Philodendrons feature glossy, heart-shaped leaves in various shades of green, sometimes with stunning variegation patterns. Their trailing vines can grow several feet long, creating dramatic cascades from shelves or hanging baskets.
12. Rosemary’s Memory-Enhancing Fragrance
Studying for exams or need to remember important details? The scent of rosemary has been linked to improved memory and concentration in scientific studies. Simply brushing your fingers against the aromatic needles releases compounds that may help your brain form stronger memories.
Rosemary plants bring the Mediterranean to your windowsill with their woody stems and needle-like leaves that release an invigorating, pine-like scent.
Beyond memory benefits, this culinary herb adds fresh flavor to countless dishes – just snip a sprig whenever recipes call for it. Keep your rosemary in a sunny spot with well-draining soil, and this hardworking plant will provide both brain-boosting fragrance and kitchen herbs year-round!
13. Anthurium’s Electronic Device Protector
Guard your precious electronics with nature’s surge protector! Anthuriums have been observed to absorb electromagnetic frequencies from devices like smartphones and computers. Their distinctive waxy flowers and glossy heart-shaped leaves aren’t just striking – they’re actively shielding you from potential electronic stress.
Anthuriums feature stunning red, pink, or white flowers that aren’t actually flowers at all, but modified leaves called spathes that surround a spike of tiny blooms. These tropical showstoppers bloom year-round when happy, bringing a touch of exotic luxury to any room.
Place them near your home office equipment or entertainment center where they can intercept electromagnetic waves while adding a bold pop of color. Just keep them away from curious pets, as their leaves can cause irritation if chewed.
14. Bamboo Palm’s Natural Headache Prevention
Office headaches might have met their match! Bamboo palms filter out benzene and trichloroethylene – chemicals commonly found in office furniture and cleaning products that can trigger headaches and respiratory issues. Their feathery fronds work overtime to keep your air clean and your head clear.
Bamboo Palms create a tropical oasis with their graceful, arching stems and delicate, feather-like foliage.
Unlike some palms, they thrive in indirect light, making them perfect for brightening dim office corners or north-facing windows. Their impressive height (up to 7 feet tall!) makes them excellent room dividers or statement pieces.