Mend your health that is. With the pandemic, it seems like houseplants have moved their way back to being a home decor trend. You all know I love all things plenty and outdoors, so having a lot of greenery in our house has just been part of our family’s lifestyle. Whether you are new to plants or haven’t ever considered finding your green thumb, what better bandwagon is there than one that adds beauty to your home and your life?
Here are the top reasons you should jump on the houseplant bandwagon…
With many more of us working from home and staying home with the kids due to the ongoing pandemic, these next points should have you grabbing your keys and heading to your local plant shop to add some more greenery to your home.
They can help increase concentration
Plants can help stimulate your mind and help keep you alert. I always have a green view where I am working. Looking at plants provides a point of interest in a work space. According to a research study conducted in the U.K., plants can improve productivity and well-being by 47%.
Seriously, try it. Add some plants to your at-home or office workspace.
They can add oxygen & humidity to your home
The winter months can be dry, but by adding plants to your space, you can increase the humidity. The humidity in the air can help relieve dry skin, soothe irritated sinuses, soothe a dry throat, and help with allergies. I have even placed some plants in my son’s room to help mend his nosebleeds.
So, listed below are a few plants that provide the most transpiration along with their light requirements and best watering practices.
Humidity Producing Plants
Rubber Plant
Low, indirect light
Water: bottom water when soil has dried out
Peace Lily
Bright, indirect light
Water: keep soil moist but not soggy
Golden Pothos
Low-bright, indirect light
Water: bottom water and let dry out between waterings
Boston Fern
Bright, indirect light
Water: keep soil fairly moist but not soggy, and mist daily to keep leaves hydrated and perky
They can clean the air you breathe
Plants do not simply take in carbon dioxide and push out oxygen. These plants below actually filter out harmful toxins from your air. A few of these toxins include formaldehyde, xylene, and benzene.
Spider Plant
Bright, indirect light
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Chineese Evergreen
Low-bright indirect light
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
Weeping Fig
Bright indirect light
Water: let soil slightly dry out before watering
English Ivy
Bright indirect light
Water: Keep soil moist but not soggy
They can help with healing and reduce stress
Studies have also proven that patients who had a natural green scenery to look at during recovery need less pain medication and had shorter hospital stays after surgery compared to patients who did not.
I think that is pretty awesome. I know I’m always happy when I’m surrounded by my plants. I can even think back to the days my children were born and I was in the hospital. I loved looking outside, I enjoyed my fresh flowers at the bedside, and it felt amazing to roll out into that fresh air to take our baby home. Fast forward to now, and we have a wide variety of plants inside our home to enjoy year-round.
Plants make us happier, and right now, finding happiness is even more important. So go get yourself some indoor plants!
**Make sure to do your research on the plants you bring into your home. Some can be toxic to your fur babies as well as your human ones. I have never personally had my pets or children take a bite of my plants, but its best to be safe rather than sorry.
