Plants make for relaxed surroundings. 

In one study, 82% of people who worked in an area with plants and windows said they felt "very happy."

The Japanese practice shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing”) boosts the immune system and reduces stress hormone production, lowering heart rate and blood pressure and increasing feelings of overall wellbeing. 

If you or your kids are stuck inside working or homeschooling, why not introduce a little plant therapy into the classroom? 

These LEAFY plants are easy to take care of and help promote fresh air and focus - perfect for impromptu home classrooms.

So, without further adieu, here are some of the nicest plant “gifts for teacher” - especially if that teacher is you!

Every plant on our list likes low water and thrives in low to medium-light environments, perfect for close to shady windows, kitchen tables, living rooms, or otherwise “blah” corners.  

Why Plants are Great Back to School Gifts

Plants liven up an at-home learning environment just as much as they add life and color to an office. They enhance calm, beautify surroundings, and can help teach homeschooled kids about biology and responsibility. 

Plants make for a healthy environment, too.

All plants absorb gases, in particular, carbon dioxide. They need CO2 (as well as sunlight and water) for the photosynthesis process.

Photosynthesis allows plants to create sugar and oxygen. They rely on the sugars they make as their source of nutrition, and return oxygen into the environment. 

All other flora that undergoes photosynthesis takes CO2 from the air. However, a NASA study took it one step further and showed that they might also help remove other bad stuff in the air. So, it won't hurt to have a few of these pretty (and elegant-looking) greens in your at-home classroom. 

Sansevieria

You may know these better as "snake plants" or "mother-in-law's tongue." 

The leaves have edged rather than curved sides, and they stand tall and erect. They’re long, pointy, and look like they will cut you.

Sansevieria is a notoriously tough plant, thriving under neglect and requiring little water or sunlight.

In addition, snake plants appear to be one of the better plants for improving air quality.

There are several popular "cultivars" (variety) of the Sansevieria plant genus (class). Here's a quick look at three of them.

Sansevieria Laurentii

You're likely most familiar with Sansevieria Laurentii, arguably the most famous family member. It's the snake plant with yellowed-lined leaf edges and a center with zigzag green stripes, which grow tall, proud, and close to each other.

Sansevieria Superba

The Sansevieria Superba looks much like the Laurentii, but its leaves are a bit rounder, and the plant expands outward more, instead of the Laurentiis’ tall, thin stature. Like the Laurentii, you can also get these in smaller pots (as little as 4”) that even a tiny desk can accommodate.

Sansevieria Zeylanica

The leaves of the Sansevieria Zeylanica are much like those of the Laurentiis. They're tall, rigid, and tightly packed. However,  unlike its cousins, this Sansevieria is green, with no characteristic yellow outline to the leaves. 

ZZ Plant

The "ZZ" in the ZZ plant stands for Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

This Instagram favorite is a dazzler, with its dark green, glossy, and lustrous leaves. They look a bit like some citrus species, and while they don't bear fruit, they can produce flowers (but only rarely).

Like Sansevieria plants, ZZ plants are also top plant picks for the indoors, as it's easy to take care of them. They can grow in low-light areas, and you’ll only need to water it when the soil is dry.

A study done on several plants, including ZZs, have shown that they may also help boost air quality.

Birds Nest Fern

Looking to add some tropical flair to your at-home classroom or office? You may want to try a few potted Birds Nest Ferns, which are tropical perennial ferns. They are a rainforest species, but they can grow and thrive in colder climates, as well.

Birds Nest Ferns have long, wavy, glossy leaves that grow from a central rosette. The tips of the leaves branch out in a way that may remind you of lettuce. Indeed, some tribes in certain parts of the world, like Malaysia, do eat them.

Bird’s Nest Ferms do well in low-light conditions, but you need to keep the soil moist at all times. Remember, their ancestors are from the rainforest, so hydration is key to their health.

Aglaonema Lady Valentine

Want to add some pop of pink or red to classroom plants? Then you can't go wrong with the Aglaonema Lady Valentine.

As evergreens, the Aglaonema Lady Valentine requires less watering than the ZZ plant. You just have to hydrate these unique plants once you notice that the soil has dried out. As for the sun, they do well in low-light environments and grow well in better-lit areas, making them ideal for any location.

Lady Valentines are also excellent plant gift ideas, especially during the holidays. For starters, they work well with poinsettias, but with a color palette that extends well beyond New Year’s. 

You may also want to add Aglaonema Maria and Silver Bay to the classroom plant collection. The Maria variety has beautiful white patterns that dot its dark green leaves. The Silver Bay, on the other hand, has prominent and elegant silver-colored centers.

One last thing: researchers found that Aglaonema may also help improve air quality too. They say that these plants may have a "cleaning" effect that may benefit the environment.

Glam up Your At-Home Classroom With These Top Plant Picks

Bringing the outdoors into your home may be one of the best things you can do to improve its ambiance and help engage your kids as they complete lessons or homework at home. Looking at your flourishing plants may even be enough to invigorate you, too!

Besides, plants have the potential to help improve air quality, so it won't hurt to get more green into your happy home.