Houseplants are becoming all the rage! And, there is a good reason for it, too. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and provide an amazing ambiance for your space, but they are also full of health benefits! Studies on the benefits of houseplants reveal that people who interact with plants have lower stress levels, improved mood, and increased concentration. And, as a bonus, they can help clean the air and atmosphere around you.
But, there can be a learning curve when it comes to caring for plants and people can sometimes be nervous about assuming ownership of pet plants that they feel worried about keeping alive. Here are just a few reasons why you should jump on the houseplant bandwagon and a few tips for caring for them.
Calm Energy
In an interesting study conducted several years ago, one group of participants was asked to care for a plant, while the other group was asked to perform a task on the computer. The results indicated that those who were tasked with caring for the plants, exhibited a reduction in stress levels while the other participants had an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
Additionally, have you ever heard of horticultural therapy? It's a thing! In fact, in some areas of England, potted plants are prescribed to help patients with anxiety or depression symptoms.
And, you don't need to just have the plants in your home space to reap the benefits. Employees at Amazon who were studied over some time and those who had exposure to plants and natural elements expressed greater job satisfaction and commitment to the company.
Clean Air
The evidence for plants cleaning the air is usually traced back to a famous NASA study conducted in the 1980s. At the time, NASA was conducting research to find ways to improve air quality in a sealed spacecraft, and the results of the study concluded that the roots and soil of houseplants reduced airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly. Pretty amazing! Since that study, there have been dozens more studies conducted to help support and refute this claim. If you are looking for this benefit, there are a few plants that are better known for air scrubbing so it's worth doing some research before buying. But, at the end of the day, all plants utilize the process of photosynthesis which in turn produces oxygen which is pretty beneficial for humans.
Plant Care Tips
- Most plants need watering about once a week, but check the soil to about an inch in depth for dryness. If it feels dry water the plant, but don't overwater as that can be as much of a problem as soil that is too dry.
- A few signs for repotting include soil that drys out every few days and roots that are bound and wrapping around the inside of the pot. Select a pot that is 2-4 inches larger in diameter than the original pot.
- And, of course, make sure the plant gets the needed sunlight each day specific to that plant. Each plant will have different needs and it's important to check the care instructions when purchasing a plant.
What are some ways you can bring some green into your home? Don't be afraid to flex your creativity muscle.
