Plants & flowers

Do indoor plants need sunlight?

Indoor plants need sunlight - however not all of them need the same amount. It helps to consider the environment from which the plant has originated. Plants that thrive in desert climate will typically need a lot of direct sunlight. Some plants which thrive in dense forests environments, meanwhile, may only need a few daily hours of partial sunlight to survive.

If you’re looking for plants that don’t need any sunlight whatsoever, you can find these at IKEA too – we’re talking about artificial plants! Browse plastic plants that replicate the real thing, from fake flowers to artificial hanging plants. While these fake blossoms aren’t as fragrant, they look splendid and require no maintenance at all. You’ll even find artificial outdoor plants that are suitable for your patio or balcony.

Do indoor plants improve air quality?

Plants can absorb gases and produce oxygen. But to achieve an air purifying effect with home plants, you would need to fill up your home with many more plants than you’re likely able to fit. Sadly, you can’t rely on plants alone to improve air quality in your home. But plants could boost your health in other ways. Many people find that plants relieve their stress and improve their mood simply thanks to their refreshing fragrance and beautiful colours.

What are the best flowers and plants for homes?

There’s no such thing as the best indoor plant – plenty of plants can thrive in your house or outdoor space, so it comes down to exploring your personal preference. If you want a low maintenance plant, succulents are a good choice as they rarely need watering. A lack of direct sunlight in your home could call for a plant like the dragon tree. For decorative purposes, you may consider impressive climbing vines, while a fruit tree will produce edible summer treats. There’s a hugely diverse range of indoor plants and flowers that you can bring into your home. Discover your personal taste when it comes to colours, fragrances and levels of maintenance required.

An additional factor to consider is how safe a plant is around pets. For some pets, ingesting the leaves or flowers of certain house plants will make them very sick – so it’s worth double checking that your preferred indoor plants won’t cause harm to any curious pups or cats sharing your home.