Indoor greenery comes with many benefits
In the past ten years I moved into new apartments (and new cities) a few times. The first thing I always do is paint the walls, or at least a few of them, as not only it’s aesthetically pleasant, but I also happen to believe in color therapy. And it works! The second thing I do, after adding essential pieces of furniture, is adding plants. In fact, I cannot fathom living in a place, no matter how small it is, without a green living being. Not only does it add to the decor, but it also brings me joy and inner peace. I love looking at them and caring for them, although I am not the best at it.
Plants are not only a lovely decorative element, but they also have many other positive benefits for our overall well being. While researching for the best way to purify air in a very closed environment, in this case a spacecraft, a NASA study from the early ‘80s discovered that the soil and the roots of plants are able to get rid of so called airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
The soil and the roots of plants can get rid of so called airborne pollutants.
Aside from their purifying properties plants can also help us destress and relax our mind. In fact, as we spend most of our days indoors, whether at home or in an office, plants have been proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure. A simple experiment in which two tasks were given, repotting a houseplant or working on a computer, has shown that those who actually repotted a plant had a significantly lower heart rate and blood pressure than their peers who worked on a computer. In other words, working with a plant helps release endorphins, or what has been dubbed as outdoorphines, happiness caused by contact with nature.
Working or studying surrounded by plants can help improve cognitive performance and concentration. In a small research from 2019, a group of people were put to study in a room with either a real plant, a plastic one or the picture of a plant. Those who were actually sharing their environment with a real plant showed significantly higher levels of concentration and better performance.
Recently I have heard of something called horticultural therapy. Doctors, tending to patients suffering from anxiety and depression, have seen a significant mood improvement in patients who have been out to repot plants and work with soil.
Living with plants can improve mood, lower stress and boost cognitive functions.
Improving air quality by removing pollutants and carbon dioxide and replacing them with fresh air is definitely an important benefit, but some plants are better than others in cleaning up the air. Bamboo, rubber plant, aloe, snake plant, spider plant and dracaena are some of the most powerful air purifying plants. I have a snake plant and a dracaena in my bedroom and noticed a significant difference in my sleep quality.
Aside from caring for the plant itself, which is not an easy task, make sure whatever plant you choose is not poisonous for pets and children. My cat sometimes snacks on whatever she comes across so I had to keep that in mind when choosing the plants and the vase. If you have a small size pet a higher vase might be able to help as they can’t reach it.
Despite not having exactly a green thumb, and sometimes overwatering my plants, I do find it extremely rewarding to care for them. It’s a mutually beneficial relationship, one in which I am getting more than I give.
Try it and let us know how you feel!
