16 December 2023 , 10:00
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With the winter weather now firmly set in, the scarce sunlight and frosty commutes can have a big impact on your mental well-being.
Searches for ‘seasonal affective disorder’ are up 47 per cent in the past month as the dark, chilly conditions take hold of the country. However, there are ways to counteract the winter blues and create a calming sanctuary at home – and all you need is a couple of well-picked plants to do the job.
Whether you want to bring the beauty of the outdoors inside or are in search of natural aids for a restful sleep during the chillier nights, certain plants have powerful mood-boosting properties to get us through to springtime. To help you pick the perfect plants, has shared which low-maintenance flora you need to help boost your mood over the next few months.
Lavender
The scent of lavender has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve sleep, so having a few of these plants across your home, particularly in your bedroom, can be great for easing anxiety and brushing off the winter blues. Lavender is easy to grow and look after for any new plant owners, requiring just a spot that gets a lot of sunlight. It’s also a relatively inexpensive bedroom addition, costing between £5 and £20.
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Snake Plant
One of the easiest plants to look after, snake plants are great for this time of year. They can remove toxins from the air, and they also produce ample oxygen while adding moisture back into your home, which can help to reduce your risk of illness.
Snake plants also require very little maintenance, so if you forget to water them for a week, they will still be standing strong. A snake plant costs on average around £10, making it a low-cost way to purify the air in your home.
Aloe vera
If the typical winter skincare struggles are impacting your confidence, the gel in Aloe vera can help combat dry and irritated skin, as well as acne. It’s the perfect plant to be keeping over the winter.
To care for your plant, place it in a location that gets plenty of sunlight. You should also water it every two weeks – only when the soil is dry, to prevent overwatering and causing root rot. What’s more, this small plant shouldn’t cost you more than £20, which is a great price for all the benefits provided.
Peace Lily
One of our favourite-looking plants on the list, a peace lily is a great addition to the home at this time of year. Not only will it add moisture to a dry room, but it can also absorb mould spores in the air, keeping your home fresh this season. In winter, keep your plant away from doors and windows, as it needs to be sheltered from draughts and kept out of direct sunlight.
For a nice large plant, which could be the centrepiece of any room in the house, you can spend up to £30. Alternatively, there are also some smaller, cheaper options for those on a budget.
Gerbera Daisy
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The ideal plant to have in the bedroom, a Gerbera daisy removes toxins from the air and produces oxygen at night, helping you to get the best sleep you can this winter. The growth of these daisies can be started indoors, but when the weather begins to offer more sunlight, you may want to move them outside for a better bloom and greater longevity. Bear in mind, however, that Gerbera daisies are the most expensive plant on the list. These beautiful blooms start from around £25 and then rise to £60.