House plants bring a natural feeling to your home, but they also do much more. The plants below share wonderful qualities from purifying your air, making great gifts, and being amazing pain relievers. A plant, with the right care, can be much more than just a decoration.

Asplenium nidus:

The Crispy Wave Plant is a wonderful addition to your home. Not only are they nice to look at but one of the best air-purifying plants. According to a NASA study, these plants remove considerable amounts of toxins from the air while also creating new clean oxygen. Fun fact, Asplenium is derived from the Greek word Asplenon which means spleen herb. In the Middle Ages, this fern was ground up and turned into a drink that was used to heal people with disorders of the spleen.

Care: These ferns do best in shaded sunlight at room temperature. Direct sunlight will lead your plant to wilt. Placing near but not directly in front of a window is best. Be sure there are no dramatic temperature changes. Keeping your plant in a place like a garage will result in the leaves turning brown from temperature shock. The plant’s roots require a large amount of aeration and coarse particles. Cactus or succulent mix works best. The ferns come from a humid environment meaning you should keep the soil moist but not drained. Light watering every 3 days or so with proper draining is ideal. These plants are also pet friendly.

Pilea peperomioides:

Pilea peperomioides is an Asiatic perennial herb that is native to Yunnan Province in Southern China at the foot of the Himalayas. Recently, these plants have become an internet sensation and greatly rose in popularity. They are also known as; Chinese Money Plants, Pancake Plants, and the Friendship Plant. While the other nicknames are self-explanatory, they are referred to as friendship plants because they grow “pups” or baby plants. You may propagate these small pancake plants and share them with a friend.

Care: These plants do best at room temperature and common household humidity. They thrive in medium-indirect sunlight. However, they can handle a few hours of intense sun. Placing in front of a window that receives direct sun for a few hours a day is best. Water every 1-2 weeks, allowing the soil to completely dry in between waterings. MiracleGrow potting soil mixed with orchid bark for aeration is best. These plants are also pet friendly.

Aloe vera:

An Aloe vera not only looks nice in your home but

is very useful. Keeping one in your kitchen or in your room can help with burns, whether it's from a pot of boiling water or a long day at the beach. Fun fact, aloe was first used in medicine in Ancient Egypt. Properties of the plant increase blood flow to the area they are applied which can increase your body's natural healing process. These plants are also extremely hardy, and even the worst plant owner should be able to care for them.

Care: Indirect sunlight is best. A place near but not directly in front of a window is ideal for your Aloe vera. The plant’s roots require proper drainage. Cactus or succulent mix works best. Water your plant every 3-4 weeks. Ensure the soil is completely dry between waterings. Watering too often can lead to root rot and a mushy plant. So all together, ignore your aloe except for one day a month!