Having plants in your home or office can provide many benefits. Some key advantages of indoor plants include improving air quality, boosting mood, reducing stress, and increasing productivity. However, is it always necessary to have at least two plants? Let’s explore some key considerations.
Air Purification
One of the most touted benefits of indoor plants is their ability to purify indoor air. Plants can help filter out pollutants and chemicals from the air through their leaves and root systems. Some top air purifying plants include:
- Peace lily
- English ivy
- Chrysanthemums
- Snake plant
- Areca palm
Having at least two air purifying plants can help maximize air filtration in an indoor space. Different plants purge different toxins, so having multiple varieties ensures more comprehensive air cleansing. Just one plant in a large room likely won’t make a major dent in air pollutants.
Mood Enhancement
Being around plants has also been shown to elevate mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and boost overall well-being. The reasons for this include:
- Plants help create a more aesthetically pleasing environment which inherently lifts spirits.
- Caring for plants provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment.
- Plants can reduce mental fatigue and instill a sense of calm.
For these psychological benefits, having multiple plants can once again heighten the positive impact. The variety and colors of different plants create more visual interest. And being responsible for the care of more living things rather than just one can further boost that sense of purpose and achievement for the caretaker.
Focus and Productivity
Some research indicates that being around plants can actually help improve focus and productivity. Reasons for this include:
- Plants help keep the air fresh and oxygenated which boosts energy and concentration.
- The colors and presence of plants are calming and can help filter out visual distractions.
- Taking micro-breaks to care for plants helps provide mental resets.
To really optimize these benefits at home or the office, having multiple plants in different spots creates little oases of freshness and visual simplicity throughout the whole space. This allows for frequent micro-breaks no matter where you’re working in the room.
Cons of Multiple Plants
However, there are some potential downsides of having numerous plants that need to be considered:
- The more plants, the more overall maintenance and care they require.
- Having many plants could clutter a space visually or physically.
- Some people have allergies to certain flowering plants.
- Excess moisture from lots of plants can encourage mold growth.
Therefore, it’s best to carefully consider how many plants you realistically have time to care for. And choose varieties that fit your space and health needs when opting for more than one.
Ideal Number of Plants
So what’s the ideal number of plants for indoor spaces? Here are some general guidelines:
| Room | Ideal # of Plants |
|---|---|
| Small office | 2-4 plants |
| Large open office | 4-6+ plants |
| Studio apartment | 3-5 plants |
| 1 bedroom apartment | 5-8 plants |
| 2+ bedroom house | 8-12+ plants |
The variation depends on the exact square footage and layout. But in general, shooting for 2-3 plants per 100 square feet is a good range to aim for. So are there benefits to having just one plant? Absolutely.
Benefits of One Plant
Having just a single indoor plant can still provide advantages such as:
- Partial air purification for localized space
- Visual pop of greenery in room
- Focal point to enhance décor
- Opportunity to care for living thing
One plant is better than no plants at all in a space. But to truly maximize both the functional and aesthetic advantages, try to have at least 2-3 plants if feasible.
Best 2 Plant Combinations
Certain pairings of indoor plants complement each other aesthetically while also purifying the air in different ways. Here are some top two plant combinations:
Snake Plant & Peace Lily
The snake plant filters out formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, nitrogen oxide and more. Meanwhile, the peace lily targets ammonia, benzene, trichloroethylene and other pollutants. Together they purge a wide spectrum of chemicals.
Chrysanthemums & Aloe Vera
Chrysanthemums remove benzene, ammonia and formaldehyde. Pairing them with aloe vera, which filters out formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, creates thorough air cleansing.
Spider Plant & Philodendron
The spider plant tackles carbon monoxide, xylene and formaldehyde. Philodendron is great for formaldehyde, benzene and trichloroethylene. Together they make major air improvements.
Pothos & Peace Lily
Pothos excels at removing formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, benzene and more. Coupled with the peace lily, they cleanse the air of a wide range of pollutants.
There are many other great pairings, but these examples demonstrate how two plants that target different toxins can work better together.
Where to Place 2 Plants
Where you situate two plants in a space can optimize both their aesthetic and functional impact. Some tips:
- Flank entryway – Greet you as enter
- Living room – Balance visual focal points
- Kitchen – Freshen cooking odors
- Office – Border computer for clean air
- Bedroom – Peaceful plant pairs
Pay attention to plant needs too – indoor light, humidity preferences and growth habits. Arrange them appropriately in complementary containers.
Caring for 2 Plants
A few pointers for properly caring for two indoor plants:
- Know each plant’s individual water, light and soil needs
- Group plants with similar needs together
- Water on same day if possible for convenience
- Fertilize as needed per plant requirements
- Repot when root-bound into proper sized containers
- Dust leaves periodically
- Watch for pests and treat immediately if found
Caring for multiple plants does mean dividing your attention. But the benefits of having two or more plants generally outweighs the extra effort needed.
Two Plant Feng Shui
In feng shui, plants represent living energy that can help enhance chi, or life force. Two plants in particular bring powerful feng shui benefits.
Lucky Bamboo
The lucky bamboo plant attracts good fortune, prosperity and positive energy according to feng shui principles. Use two stalks for doubling those benefits.
Money Plants
Also known as jade plants, having a pair symbolizes a growing and mutually beneficial relationship – including financially. They promote fortune and abundance.
Position these two plants in particular feng shui locations to activate their full power – like by the entrance, living room, office desk or any money-related spot.
Choosing Plant Pots
For two indoor plants, carefully select complementary pots to create an appealing vignette. Choices like:
- Matching ceramic pots in different sizes
- Mixing materials like ceramic + rattan
- Coordinating colors or patterns
- Repurposing unique containers
Consider oval, round or square shapes. Angling the pots facing each other creates visual interest. Place them strategically throughout the indoor space to get the most décor impact.
Troubleshooting 2 Indoor Plants
With two or more indoor plants, be alert to potential issues that may arise and how to address them:
Plants Outgrowing Pots
If plants become root-bound or top heavy, re-pot them into larger containers or divide root ball.
Leaning Stems
Rotate plants and reposition so they grow straight. Stake stems if needed for support.
Discolored Leaves
This usually indicates improper watering. Adjust to plant’s moisture needs. Brown edges specifically can mean dry air.
Dropping Leaves
Can signal over or under-watering, temperature extremes or shock from relocating. Acclimate plants gradually.
Pests Like Insects
Isolate affected plant. Wipe or spray leaves with neem oil or insecticidal soap concentrate.
Catching and quickly solving issues keeps plants happy and healthy!
Two Plant Design Ideas
Incorporating two plants into a space can really elevate the interior design. Some inspiring approaches include:
The Plant Duo
Have two of the same plant in different sized vessels. This simple idea makes a statement and instantly brings more greenery.
High/Low Combo
Pairing a tall, vertical plant next to a trailing or short variety creates visual interest through contrasting heights.
The Complementary Couple
Choose two plants with differing shapes and textures, like spiky next to rounded leaves. This dynamic duo intrigues the eye.
Botanical Balance
Anchor furniture arrangements with plants on both sides. The weight of botanicals makes a professional impression.
Get creative with displaying and potting two plants to design a desk vignette, accent a bookcase, highlight the entryway or more.
Conclusion
In summary, are two plants always better than just one for indoor spaces? Generally, yes – having a pair optimizes many of the aesthetic, functional and psychological benefits. But start with realistically the number of plants you can properly care for based on your schedule and lifestyle. One plant brings advantages too. Simply adding another can elevate the experience while remaining manageable. With a harmonious plant duo, you can enjoy enhanced air quality, décor and overall tranquility in your interior environment.