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So you’re ready to become a plant parent. But the garden section at Lowe’s has you feeling overwhelmed and unprepared, and you’re trepeditous about keeping a living thing alive. May we suggest a succulent? Not only are succulents gorgeous — making the perfect centerpieces — but they’re hard to kill and beneficial to your health. From purifying the air, to simply reducing your stress levels, succulents make the perfect house companion. Here are five benefits of keeping a succulent in your home (as if this beautiful centerpiece or this gorgeous planter didn’t already convince you...). They purify the air Plants are natural purifiers, some boasting the ability to cleanse your air, according to this NASA study. Toxins like benzene and formaldehyde are common indoor pollutants, stemming from cleaners, wood floors, furniture, cooking fumes and other household outputs. They can leave you feeling sluggish and more prone to disease. Luckily, certain plants have the ability to purge the air of these toxins and others. The most effective plants — succulents. NASA named both aloe vera and certain species of cacti as the best air purifying plants. They help you sleep Unlike traditional plants, succulents release oxygen, and “suck up” carbon dioxide, throughout the night. Along with the succulent’s aforementioned great air purifying abilities, this release of oxygen and a plant’s ability to muffle outdoor noise, keeping a potted succulent in your bedroom will make you wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day. They make you happier While immersing yourself in nature is known to help you focus and increase brain activity, simply looking at a plant can reduce stress. This 2016 National Geographic article reports that greening up your life — from spending more time outside to increasing the number of plants you keep in your house can make you happier. It makes sense — humans adapted to a life surrounded by greenery, and now that we spend more time indoors we should bring that greenery with us. They heal ailments For thousands of years humans have relied on succulents for their healing properties (Egyptian queen, Cleopatra is thought to have used succulents in her beauty routine). Two popular healers include agave americana and aloe vera that if applied to the skin can ease the severity of burns, cuts and bites and, if ingested, can help with digestion. They teach responsibility (without requiring much responsibility) Being a plant parent can be great for the soul. Studies have found that taking care of a plant can work wonders: lowering blood pressure, improving memory and concentration and creating a sense of accomplishment. But only if you can keep your plant alive. Succulents don’t require the finesse other plants do. Even the most “brown-thumbed” of us all can keep a succulent alive (hopefully). So what are you waiting for? It’s time to make a succulent the newest member of your family. If not for the health benefits — at least think of the decorating opportunities.

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