Green Plants: Types, Benefits, Care Tips, and Growing Guide

There is a saying that goes like, “Green plants are earth’s quiet way of breathing.” Agreeing to that, I believe that in this world of hustle and bustle, these green plants remind us of patience, hope, and that growth doesn’t announce itself; it is always silent but powerful. 

Growing green plants is like having a friend around the house. It not only increases the aesthetic of your home or balcony garden, but also provides an overall positive vibe. 

In this article, I will explain the different types, importance, and features of these plants. 

Green Plants: Overview, Benefits, and Essential Things to Know 

Green plants are considered the foundation of life on Earth. These plants contain chlorophyll and absorb sunlight, Carbon dioxide (CO2), and water from the environment to produce their own food by the process of photosynthesis. 

They are autotrophs or self-feeders and play a fundamental role in the Earth’s ecosystem, and also enhance the air quality. These plants are also a key source of oxygen, which supports life on Earth. 

Benefits or Uses of Green Plants

• Facilitates Air Purification: Green plants such as snake plants, spider plants, etc., purify the indoor air quality by filtering harmful toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air. 

• Enhances Mental and Physical Health: Studies suggest that being surrounded by indoor plants​ can reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue and increase productivity and concentration by around 15%. 

• Consists of Therapeutic Effects: Research suggests that indoor green plants can lower blood pressure, reduce skin dryness by 20%, increase pain tolerance, and help to recover faster from illness. 

• Nutritional and Medicinal Use: Some of these plants act as a primary food source, whereas others provide raw materials for medicines, such as aloe vera, tulsi, etc. 

• Uplifts Atmosphere and Aesthetic: These plants act as natural humidifiers and can decrease the outside noise, creating an aesthetically pleasing and vibrant space. 

Things to Know About Green Plants

• Green plants are autotrophic, eukaryotic organisms that use sunlight, water, CO2, and chlorophyll and transform them into energy. 

• These plants are important as they are the producers, which makes them the key aspect of the ecosystem. They filter the air, produce oxygen, and provide food and shelter to humans, animals, and insects. 

• The common types include: shrubs, herbs, trees, climbers, and creepers. 

• Key parts involve: Root, stem, leaves, flowers/fruits/seeds. 

• It works through the process of photosynthesis, by which they prepare their own food.

• Some of the good examples are: Snake Plants, Aloe vera, Boston Ferns, Basil, Pothos, etc. 

• For beginners, it is best to start with the Snake Plants, Pothos, or ZZ Plants, as they are highly adaptable and tolerant.  

• The most common mistake is overwatering. People often overwater these plants, leading to root rot and eventually killing the houseplant. 

Bonus Tip: Make sure to clean the dust off the leaves occasionally, so that they can breathe efficiently. 

Types and Benefits of Green Plants 

Green plants, also known as Viridiplantae, consist of herbs, shrubs, climbers, trees, indoor vines and creepers. They range from unicellular algae to large vascular plants. This category consists of various indoor plant varieties such as leafy vegetables, green flowers, medicinal plants, show plants, and so on. 

The wide varieties of Green Plants include:

S.no.	Name	Picture	Benefits
1.	Green bean plant		High in fibre and low in calories. Supports heart health. Helps in weight management. Boosts the immune system. Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. Improves vision. Aids in digestion. Good source of vitamin K. Strengthens bones.
2.	Green tea plant​		Lowers bad cholesterol. Improves brain functions. Helps in weight management. Contains high antioxidant content. Strengthens immunity. Helps to manage blood pressure. Reduces acne and fights skin ageing.
3.	Philodendron pink princess		This plant with pink and green leaves removes toxins and pollutants from the air. Purifies the indoor air quality. Adds a striking visual in the living space. Porous oxygenating leaves provide brightness and freshness.
4.	Green pepper plant		A rich source of vitamins A, C, K, and B6. Contains antioxidants like lutein and quercetin. Helps in fighting inflammation. Improves eye health. Aids in digestion and weight management.
5.	Chrysogonum virginianum or Green and Gold plant		Low-maintenance groundcover perennials. Helps in controlling soil erosion. Supports pollinators and provides them with a natural habitat. Are deer-resistant. Provides bright yellow spring blooms.
6.	Green hydrangea plants or Limelight		Transition from vibrant lime green to a white or pink hue provides extended visual appeal. Are low-maintenance and easy to take care of. They are pollinator-friendly. Great choice for a floral arrangement. Their unique colour enhances the aesthetic of living areas.
7.	Coleus		This green pink leaf plant helps in weight management. Lowers blood pressure and improves cardiovascular health. Aids in treating asthma, bronchitis, and congestion. Relieves skin conditions and insomnia. Reduces stress and improves memory.
8.	Green dragon plant		Are low-maintenance and highly durable. Purifies the indoor air quality by removing toxins. Promotes a calm and relaxing atmosphere. With proper care, they can thrive for decades. Symbolizes strength, resilience, and good fortune.
9.	Green Island Ficus Plant		Improves air quality by reducing toxins like formaldehyde and xylene. Ideal for bonsai, hedges, and indoor decorations. Provides calming and meditative ambience.
10.	Pothos Marble Queen		Filters indoor air pollutants. This striking plant enhances the aesthetic appeal of the living space. Provides a luxurious vibe. Are low-maintenance and highly adaptable.
11.	Croton		Acts as natural air filters. Removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the indoor air. The striking, colourful leaves break the monotony of the space. They help natural pollinators and insects.
12.	Syngonium		Are excellent at removing indoor air toxins and pollutants. Increases oxygen levels. Boosts humidity. In Vastu Sastra, they are known to bring good luck, fortune, balance, and positivity at home. Provides versatile decor.
13.	Anthurium		Are exceptional natural air purifiers. Filters formaldehyde, ammonia, xylene, and toluene. Boosts indoor humidity and oxygen levels. Creates a calm, positive, and inviting atmosphere. In Feng Shui, they are said to bring good luck, positive energy, and love.
14.	Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily		Highly effective at filtering household toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and carbon monoxide. Helps to combat moss by absorbing excess water. Reduces airborne spores. Absorbs acetone vapours.
15.	Money Tree		Removes toxins from the indoor air. Increases oxygen levels. Promote a healthier indoor environment. Helps in stress reduction and improving mood. Believed to attract positivity, wealth, and prosperity. Boosts indoor humidity.
16.	Snake Plants		Filters out indoor pollutants such as xylene, formaldehyde, toluene, and nitrogen oxides. Improves mental health and reduces stress. Unlike other plants, they release oxygen even at night. Improves indoor humidity level and relieves allergies. Provides a versatile decor.
17.	Basil		Rich in antioxidants, vitamin A and K, and essential oils. Offers anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and stress-relieving benefits. Supports cardiovascular health. Regulates blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, and decreases triglycerides. Helps in digestion, regulates blood sugar, and boosts immunity. It is a natural adaptogen that reduces stress and improves mental health.
18.	Spider Plant		Removes common indoor pollutants such as carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and toluene. Boost oxygen level. Increases the humidity of the room to alleviate dry air. Reduces stress, fatigue, and anxiety. Enhances indoor aesthetics.
19.	Bells of Ireland		They have exceptional ornamental value. Attracts pollinators like bees and butterflies. They are highly prized by florists for floral arrangements. Low maintenance and highly sustainable. Associated with good luck and fortune.
20.	Green Hellebore		Historically used to treat fevers and headaches. Medicinal use is now discouraged due to toxicity. Research suggests that they contain cyclopamine, which is a potential compound for treating cancer.
21.	Green Onion		High in vitamin K, C, and A. Improve gut health and reduce inflammation. Boosts immunity. Enhances bone health. Facilitates heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure. Low in calories and fat.
22.	Green Pepper Plants		Boosts the immune system. Improves eye health. Helps to prevent anaemia. Regulates blood pressure and enhances heart function. Excellent source of vitamin B6, vitamin K, and vitamin E. Aids in weight management. Promotes a healthy gut.
23.	Rosemary		It improves memory and enhances cognitive ability. Contains antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties. Supports the immune system. Contains anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties. Reduces hair loss and improves skin health. Helps in proper digestion. Facilitates reduction of stress and anxiety.
24.	Aloe Vera		Provides intense hydration to the skin. Helps to heal minor cuts, abrasions and burns. Reduces acne and minimises scars. It has anti-ageing properties. Helps with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Manages blood sugar level.
25.	Sage		Improves memory and focus, and reduces the risk of brain degeneration. Acts as a natural hormone balancer. Manages blood sugar level. Enhances oral and digestive health. Contains a high level of antioxidants. It is a good source of vitamin K, which supports bone density.

Did you know?

What is green velvet boxwood planting?

Green velvet boxwood planting is a compact, rounded, evergreen shrub known for its dense, deep-green, year-round foliage. These are best suited for borders, hedges, or foundation planting.

Benefits & Varieties of Artificial Green Plants

Artificial green plants are an imitation of the natural ones, which are used for indoor decoration. These artificial plants, although not as much as the original ones, also have a lot to offer when it comes to green aesthetics. 

Benefits of Artificial Green Plants

Certain benefits of artificial green plants include:

• These artificial plants are more cost effective as compared to the natural ones.
• They require less maintenance. Only need to be dusted when there is dust piled up on the leaves. 
• You can get a large number of choices due to the availability of a vast range of artificial plants in the market these days.
• The greenery provided by them can enhance the mood, morale, focus, and productivity.
• Many people like greenery but are allergic to plants; these artificial varieties can help in avoiding this issue. 

Varieties of Artificial Green Plants 

S.no.	Variety	Examples	Picture
1.	Tall Floor Plants	Artificial Areca palm, Fiddle Leaf Fig, Giant Banana plant, Olive tree, Bird of Paradise, and Coconut tree.
2.	Table Top or Shelf Plants	Mini potted succulents, ferns, artificial Bonsai (Bismarckia or Fiddle leaf), and Anthurium.
3.	Hanging and Trailing Plants	Artificial pothos, hanging Bougainvillaea, and ivy garlands.
4.	Specific Greenery Plant	Artificial Eucalyptus stems, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Monstera Deliciosa, and Croton.

Practical Examples or Applications of Green Plants

These plants are not just mere decoration, but have a number of practical examples and applications in our day-to-day life. Some of those include:

• Environmental and Ecological Application: They act as excellent air purifiers, filter toxins, absorb CO2, and also control soil erosion.

• Food and Nutritional Application: These plants are a great source of food, supporting all the living beings on Earth. Some of them also have medicinal properties that benefit health and cure many diseases,

• Industrial and Raw Material Application: Many of these plants produce certain products that act as a raw material for clothes, ropes, bags, etc., facilitating the industrial market. 

• Health and Therapeutic Application: Green indoor plants in offices and homes can enhance focus, concentration, productivity, and reduce stress and anxiety. 

• Architectural and Design Application: Public parks, gardens, offices, and houses use these green plants to create an aesthetic appeal and a relaxing vibe throughout the place. 

• Advanced Application: Extracts for certain plants, such as rosemary, are used in “green chemistry” in order to produce nanoparticles. 

Best Care Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

To grow and keep these plants alive for a long time, there are certain tips or practices that I would like to provide that can help in avoiding the most common mistakes. 

Best Care Tips for Thriving Plants  

• Water early in the morning to let the foliage dry and prevent fungal growth. 

• Use a porous, nutrient-rich mix (such as 40% cocopeat, 30% compost, 20% perlite, 10% vermicompost).

• Usually, indirect, bright light works the best for house plants, but for the best results, research your plant beforehand. 

• Clean the leaves of the plants regularly with a damp cloth to remove the dust particles.

• Use organic fertilisers, rather than the chemical ones. 

• Repot every 12–18 months to provide fresh nutrients and space for roots.

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Growing Plants

• Do not overwater, as it’ll lead to yellowing, mushy leaves, and root rot.

• Avoid using improper, heavy or compact soil.

• Make sure not to ignore proper drainage. 

• Over-fertilising can cause brown and burnt leaf edges. 

• Ignoring pests can be a huge mistake. Inspect the plants every week. 

• Too small pots can restrict the growth of the plants. Therefore, it is important to choose the right size of pots.

• Overcrowding should be avoided, as it restricts airflow and nutritional access.

• Use water at room temperature, instead of cold water, as it can shock the roots of the plants.

•  Clean the dust from the leaves from time to time, as it can clog the pores and cause difficulty in the process of photosynthesis. 

• Over-pruning or wrong pruning can be very harmful to the plants.

Conclusion 

Green plants are self-sustaining and an essential part of the ecosystem. Acting as the primary food factory of our planet, they convert solar energy into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. 

Green plants are crucial for our life as they provide oxygen, food, and environmental balance. Certain varieties also contain several medicinal and nutritional qualities, and are used to treat different sorts of diseases. Since they also offer us mental health benefits, eventually became an integral part of our daily lives.