With housplants, Why, How and Who are common questions. In the following quick reference, you will find the information needed to begin your journey to bring the outdoors in by adding houseplants to your inside environment. This is meant to be a starting point for this journey, as there is a plethora of information out there on how to be a successful indoor gardening. Let’s get started!
WHY?
Houseplants? What are the benefits?
House plants are very beneficial to have in your home or office for several well-established reasons. There is lots of research available to support the physiological and psychological benefits of interacting with nature in our homes. Bottom line, we all should be thinking of moving more of our outside environments into our inside environments. Why wouldn’t we arm ourselves with the health benefits of plants 24/7- 365 days a year, instead of only when we are outside. We may be healthier if we did!
- Increased ability to relax, reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and heart rate by promoting overall comfort. According to studies, naturally occurring microorganisms in soil release chemicals that boost endorphin and serotonin levels, making us feeling happier and more content.
- Plants may increase our ability to concentrate.
- Working with plants is therapeutic. “Horticultural Therapy,” has been used to decrease depression, anxiety, dementia and other conditions. In some medical clinics in England, health care providers are prescribing potted plants to patients with the above conditions. Working with plants through transplantation, working the soil, pruning and watering give clients the feeling of hopefulness and purpose.
- A review of the research supports that people recovering from surgery need less pain medication and have shorter recovery times when they can see greenery and/or flowers. The practice of bringing ill people “get well” flowers and plants has been around since medieval times due to the known medicinal properties and including aromatherapy. This tradition has carried on to this day.
- Plants may increase your overall performance at work. In Japan particularly, indoor plants are encouraged. There are many plants that survive in a cubicle jungle! A 2007 study showed that employees have fewer sick days when they have more plants in their workplace.
- Plants may improve the air quality indoors. Phytoremediation is the scientific word for plants scrubbing contaminants from the air. For centuries, plants have been placed indoors to help keep the air clean. An early study by NASA is 1980 described how houseplants can remove toxins in your home, essentially purifying the air. More recent studies show that you would need many house plants to gain this benefit- one just won’t do it. I say, the more the healthier you will be.
HOW?
What do I need for growing in-door plants successfully?
- Moisture meter This is a must! Plants are expensive to purchase. Underwatering as well as overwatering indoor plants can be the demise of your prized gems. Overwatering is exceptionally a hazard. Overwatering can be a silent killer, by the time you realize your plant is done for, the roots are rotten and the plant cannot be resuscitated. Invest in a moisture meter and keep your investments healthy.
- The right soil. There are different soils that match a plant type; soils for orchids or succulents or tropicals for example.
- The right pot; size and drainage. Don’t be afraid to repot if necessary. Many plants do not like to be root bound. It is also important to have a pot that drains well. Most of the pots I have in my home have holes in the bottom for drainage, but not all pots have this feature. If there are no holes in the bottom of the pot, add a few layers of small rocks, like pea gravel or slightly larger to facilitate drainage. Some plants do better watering from the bottom than the top.
- Fertilize at the right times with the best fertilizer for the plant. Like soil types, there are fertilizers that have been developed to best promote growth and health for different types of plants.
- Be diligent about observing for pests and disease and respond to them as quickly as possible.
- Make sure your plant has the right light exposure. Not all plants require the same light.
- When visiting a nursery, it is very easy to become overwhelmed and confused by all the choices. My problem is I want all plants and some just will not work in my home or are beyond my expertise. Try to go to a nursery with some ideas formulated or come away from a nursery with ideas and pictures and do some research before you make your purchases. As stated previously, plants are expensive and you want to make sure your purchases are the best ones for your level of expertise as well as what will work the best for you and your home. Pets and small children should also be taken into consideration for plant choices. Some plants can be poisonous, caustic or a choking hazard for pets and small children.
****There are lots of books, articles and internet information etc.. to help you with the above specific issues. Being armed with the best information is key.
Who?
What are the best plants to start with? The 9 common plants listed below are reasonably easy to grow and have air quality control benefits.
Peace lily (I have one of these beauties in almost every room in my house) – The peace lily has long been associated with the ability to remove common toxins (benzene formaldehyde), while enhancing humidity and reducing stress. It also removes ammonia and benzene from the indoor air. Absorb VOCs
Snake plant – removes formaldehyde, benzene, nitrogen oxides, absorbs moisture
Aloe vera – removes volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from cleaning agents
Spider plant – removes formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, absorbs excess humidity, thereby potentially decreasing the rate of mold growth
Pothos – removes xylene and toluene, VOCs
Rubber plant – removes formaldehyde
Areca palm – has been found to remove more xylene and toluene than any other plant, and balances indoor humidity.
Red leaf dracaena – removes trichloroethylene
English ivy – this plant is best known for removing air-born molds
****The above plants are among the easiest to grow. There is plenty of information available to assist with how best to manage each of these plants. Better Homes and Gardens is a great resource. It boasts up to date information and is a good place to start.
Houseplants bring so many benefits to those who are willing, able and sometimes brave enough to make the commitment to growing houseplants. I often hear people say “I kill all my plants, I try to grow indoors.” I say, don’t be dismayed, start slow, choose a plant that can be successful in your home environment and celebrate even to smallest gains and be brave! Just think of all those benefits!
About The Author: Pam Bushell
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