Gardening Tips

Best 5 Types of Patio Plants That Will Brighten Up Your Space

March 23, 2023

Top 5 Types of Patio Plants That Will Brighten Up Your Space

When it comes to outdoor living spaces, patios are a popular choice for many homeowners. They provide the perfect setting for relaxation and entertainment. With the right decor, your patio can become an extension of your home.

One simple way to elevate your patio’s aesthetic appeal and make it feel more inviting is by adding plants. Plants not only add color and texture to your patio but also bring numerous benefits that can improve your overall well-being.

Some have second thoughts about growing plants because they have a misconception about their maintenance. It’s true for some plants only. If you’re a beginner, start with low-maintenance patio plants first.

Health Benefits of Plants at Home

Plants provide tons of benefits. When you add trees to any space, it can boost neighborhood and property value. Fruit trees can be an additional source of income. You can have a bountiful harvest when you provide it with proper care. They are self-pollinating, so they don’t require much maintenance. But more than monetary benefits, having plants at home also gives you health benefits. Here are some of them.

Air Purification

Plants are known to be natural air purifiers. They remove toxins and pollutants from the air and provide fresh oxygen. This is crucial for improving your overall health. The American Lung Association states that exposure to poor indoor air is even more dangerous than outdoor air. Poor indoor air quality can cause several health issues, such as asthma, infections, and lung cancer since people get exposed to microorganisms in high concentrations.

NASA conducted a study that found certain plants can remove up to 87% of indoor air pollutants in just 24 hours. Examples of air-purifying plants include the spider plant, snake plant, and peace lily.

Stress Reduction

Plants have a calming effect, which is critical for reducing stress and anxiety levels. Studies have shown that looking at plants can reduce stress and lower blood pressure.

One study during the height of the pandemic found that those with indoor plants are less likely to experience depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Improved Sleep

Certain plants can help improve the quality of your sleep. Plants like the snake plant and English ivy release oxygen at night, promoting better sleep. A study found that lavender can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety levels.

Increased Productivity

Having plants in the workplace or home can increase productivity and concentration levels. Researchers found that productivity levels increased when plants were added to the work or school environment. Plants like the bamboo palm are great for improving concentration and productivity.

Boosted Mood

Plants can improve your overall mood and well-being. Studies have shown that plants can reduce depression and increase feelings of happiness and satisfaction. Experts found that being around nature can improve memory and attention span. Plants like the peace lily and spider plant are great for boosting mood and creating a positive atmosphere.

Plants to Adorn Your Patio

Adding greenery to your patio enhances your space’s aesthetic quality. Plants make it more inviting. They add a pop of color and provide numerous health benefits, such as air purification and stress reduction, as discussed above.

Here are some that you can add to your patio.

1. Flowering Plants

Flowering plants are popular for patios as they add vibrant colors and beautiful scents. They are also low maintenance and easy to care for. Add flowering plants to have a pop of color in your space.

Some examples of flowering plants that you can add to your patio include petunias, marigolds, begonias, and impatiens. Choose the ones that will flower throughout the year. Remember, these plants require moderate sunlight and well-draining soil. They bloom throughout the summer months and can last until fall.

2. Succulents

Succulents are another option for those who want low-maintenance plants that add texture and depth to your space. If you’re up for it, you can combine different cacti and succulents in plant boxes.

Some popular succulents for patios include aloe vera, jade plant, and cactus. Succulents are drought-resistant and can thrive in full sunlight or partial shade.

3. Ornamental Plants

Ornamental plants have been bred for their unique appearance. They are perfect for adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to your patio. For some unique foliage, you can go for tropical plants. However, only do so when you can mimic their natural habitat.

Some examples of ornamental plants that you can add to your patio include ferns, hostas, and hydrangeas. These plants require moderate sunlight and well-draining soil.

4. Hanging Plants

Hanging plants are an excellent way of adding greenery to your patio without taking up too much space. They are great if you don’t have much floor space. You can hang them on hooks, brackets, or even trellis. Include ferns, ivy, and spider plants on your patio to add depth and aesthetics to your space.

Hanging plants provide additional aesthetics to your porch since you also adorn your vertical space with greenery.

5. Fruit Trees

Fruit trees are great plants to place on your porch. They provide not only beauty but also bear delicious fruit. They come in various sizes and types, and some can even be grown in containers. Not only will you have an unlimited supply of fresh fruits, but you will also protect the local wildlife in the area.

Some examples of fruit trees that you can add to your patio include dwarf citrus trees, apple trees, and peach trees. Take note that fruit trees require full sunlight and well-draining soil.

Key Takeaways

Adding plants to your patio can brighten your space and bring a host of other benefits that can enhance your overall quality of life. From boosting your mood to improving air quality, plants are a great addition. They can transform your patio into a beautiful, healthy, relaxing outdoor haven.

Choose from these five plant types to improve your patio.