Fun & Curious Facts About Indoor Plants

Written By luis liu

Discover the surprising, magical world of houseplants

By Twenty One Plants

Plants have a way of bringing life, color, and calm into any home—but beyond their beauty, indoor plants are full of incredible abilities and fascinating secrets. At Twenty One Plants, we love sharing the deeper stories behind the greenery we offer. From the way plants communicate to how they improve your environment, here are some fun, curious, and mind-blowing facts that will make you appreciate your indoor plants more than ever before.

1. Plants Can Communicate—In Their Own Way

It might sound unbelievable, but plants do have ways of sending messages. They communicate using chemical signals released into the air or soil.
For example:

  • When attacked by pests, some plants release chemicals that warn surrounding plants to boost their defenses.

  • Roots can exchange signals underground through fungi networks, often called the “Wood Wide Web.”

It’s a hidden world of communication happening right inside your home!

2. Some Plants Release Oxygen at Night

Most plants release oxygen during the day and switching at night, but special plants like:

  • Snake Plant

  • Aloe Vera

  • Orchids

use a nocturnal photosynthesis called CAM. This means they continue producing oxygen while you sleep, making them perfect companions for bedrooms and nightstands.

3. You Can Grow an Entire Plant from a Single Leaf

Propagation is one of the most exciting aspects of plant care—and also one of the most surprising.

Plants like:

  • Pothos

  • Snake Plants

  • Succulents

  • Peperomias

can be multiplied from a single leaf or small cutting. It’s an affordable, fun way to expand your plant family and share plants with friends.

4. Indoor Plants Reduce Dust and Clean the Air

Plants act as natural air filters. They trap dust on their leaves and absorb toxins through their roots, helping purify the air.

Common indoor plants known for this include:

  • Peace Lilies

  • Pothos

  • Rubber Plants

  • Spider Plants

Studies have shown that homes with plants can have noticeably cleaner, fresher air.

5. Plants Help Regulate Humidity

Indoor plants naturally release moisture through a process called transpiration.
This helps:

  • Increase humidity in dry homes

  • Reduce dry skin and throat irritation

  • Create a more comfortable environment

Plants like Ferns, Calatheas, and Areca Palms are especially good at this.

6. Overwatering Is the #1 Cause of Plant Death

One of the most curious facts: plants are more often overloved than neglected.
Most people think plants always need water, but the truth is:

Underwatering is far less dangerous than overwatering.

Especially for:

  • ZZ Plants

  • Cacti

  • Jade Plants

  • Snake Plants

These plants thrive on occasional watering, making them perfect for beginners or busy households.

7. Gently Touching Plants Can Help Them Grow Stronger

Plants naturally strengthen their stems when they experience movement—just like they would outdoors with wind.
A light touch or gentle brushing can encourage sturdier growth. This process is known as thigmomorphogenesis.

Just be sure not to overdo it—soft, occasional contact is enough.

8. Indoor Plants Boost Creativity, Memory & Productivity

Having plants in your workspace or study area can improve:

  • Concentration

  • Memory retention

  • Productivity

  • Mood

Greenery helps your brain stay relaxed yet alert. This is one reason many modern offices have embraced biophilic (nature-inspired) design.

9. Pothos Plants Are Some of the Fastest Indoor Growers

Pothos plants are favorites at Twenty One Plants for a reason—they grow quickly, beautifully, and with minimal care.
With enough light, their vines can reach over 10 feet indoors, making them ideal for:

  • Hanging baskets

  • Wall hooks

  • Shelf displays

There’s a reason they’re often called “beginner-proof.”

10. The Oldest Indoor Plant in the World Is Over 240 Years Old

A Cycad kept in Kew Gardens in London has been alive since 1775.
To put that in perspective—it’s older than:

  • Cars

  • Electricity

  • Airplanes

  • Photography

With proper care, some plants can last generations.

11. Some Houseplants Bloom Indoors All Year Long

Many people assume flowering plants need outdoor sun, but several indoor varieties can bloom continuously, including:

  • Peace Lilies

  • Anthuriums

  • African Violets

Their long-lasting, colorful blooms brighten homes without needing a garden.

12. Certain Plants Naturally Repel Pests

Not only do plants make your home look beautiful—they can also help keep unwanted guests away.
Plants like:

  • Mint

  • Rosemary

  • Basil

  • Lavender

naturally repel mosquitos, flies, and even some household insects.

13. Indoor Plants Can Reduce Stress & Improve Mental Health

Research shows that interacting with plants—watering, pruning, or simply observing them—reduces cortisol, the stress hormone.
Plants promote:

  • Calm and relaxation

  • Lower anxiety

  • Better mood

  • Mindfulness

This makes them valuable additions to bedrooms, offices, and meditation spaces.

Final Thoughts: Nature’s Magic, Inside Your Home

Indoor plants aren’t just decorations—they’re living companions full of fascinating behaviors, surprising abilities, and natural beauty. They can clean your air, reduce stress, grow new life from a single leaf, and even bloom year-round.

At Twenty One Plants, we believe every home deserves the joy, curiosity, and well-being that plants provide. Whether you’re starting your indoor jungle or expanding it, there is always something new to learn and love about the plant world.

Explore our collection and bring home your next fascinating plant today!

luis liu
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The Importance of Indoor Plants in Your Home.