Houseplants infuse freshness, harmony and inimitable living beauty into our homes. Great as they are for gorgeous decor, houseplants are also highly beneficial to our health and wellbeing.
Houseplants help clean the air
Researchers at NASA have discovered that plant leaves and roots are capable of removing low levels of toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and carbon monoxide, thereby improving the quality of air we breathe. Speaking of breathing, we humans have been found to breathe in oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide for our survival. Plants, during photosynthesis, do the exact opposite, making us the perfect companions. It’s a different story at night time when most plants, no longer engaged in photosynthesis, start breathing the human way- inhaling oxygen and exhaling carbon dioxide. That’s why plants like orchids and succulents are so good for the bedroom- they continue to intake carbon dioxide and release oxygen even at night, allowing us to breathe and sleep well.
Houseplants help prevent diseases
Studies have revealed that people who live and work in proximity with plants are less susceptible to headaches, sore throat and fatigue. Plants growing outdoors tap into the groundwater table causing water to evaporate through the leaves. The process, commonly called transpiration accounts for an estimated 10 percent of the total moisture in the atmosphere. Houseplants, though they obviously don’t tap into the groundwater table, carry out the same process indoors, infusing clean water into the atmosphere and drastically reduces the chances of survival/transmission of disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Houseplants stimulate the healing process
Believe it or not, there’s actually a good reason why they bring flowers or plants when visiting the ailing. Researchers around the world concur that simply looking at plants can help improve the physiological responses of patients recovering from a surgery. Patients with flowers or plants in their rooms have been found to have lower systolic blood pressure and lower anxiety, fatigue and pain ratings as opposed to patients with no flowers or plants in their rooms. Horticulture therapy has revealed that patients engaged in physical interaction with plants exhibit reduced recovery time after surgeries or other medical procedures.
Time Magazine recently discussed a study showing that the mere presence of plants in working environments can improve the workers’ memory retention, accuracy, concentration and productivity. Office plants add health and relaxation to your work environment!
While some folks see houseplants as unnecessary and unaffectionate pets, we promise that even the most brown-thumbed indoorsy type can make a houseplant flourish – and can benefit from its presence! Try our household plant fertilizers and sprayers to easily give your houseplants some love.