Houseplants may feel like just another Pinterest trend that will fade in and out of vogue just as swiftly as all the others, but they actually have far more to offer than meets the eye. Take a look at this comprehensive breakdown of the numerous benefits of houseplants as well as some low-maintenance, high-impact picks for you, your home and even your workplace.
You only have to be casually browsing through a magazine in your dentists’ waiting room (eek), scrolling through Instagram (less ominous) or waiting for your favourite T.V. show to come back on (tedious) to be presented with countless images of beautifully curated, too-tidy-to-be-true interiors that seem utterly unattainable. You may have noticed that a lot of the glossy interior design images of late usually involve some form of foliage. Sometimes a LOT of foliage. You may even be a bit sick of the sight of rope-hanging terrariums. (They do look good though, you have to admit). Well, although they certainly have a fantastic design merit and versatility, there are also a plethora of other reasons why you should start, or add to, your houseplant collection ASAP:
1. They clean the air.
You may or may not be aware that indoor air pollution can be just as harmful and abundant as the pollution outside. In fact, studies suggest that 4 million people a year die prematurely due to indoor air pollution. It has also been rated as one of the top five environmental risks to public health. Given that the majority of people spend a lot of their time indoors, this one really does matter. Data from a study by NASA shows that certain houseplants can assist in purifying the air inside your home, thus reducing the risk of illness and infections caused by pollutants such as toluene, xylene, benzene and formaldehyde.
2. They improve concentration.
Maybe less groundbreaking than point number one, but nevertheless something not to be sniffed at. Various studies have concluded that having houseplants around can positively impact our cognitive function. One such study, conducted by Exeter University, found that indoor plants improve productivity, concentration and enhance staff well-being by 47% in the workplace. Why not encourage your employer to spruce up that lacklustre corner of the office by investing in some good ol’ greenery?
3. They help you to breathe.
Need I say any more? No, but seriously. This one is a knock on effect of point number one. Think about it – the plants absorb gases and toxic chemicals from the air. They also convert carbon dioxide in the air into oxygen (thank you GCSE Biology). Add to this the fact that they aid in the reduction of airborne dust levels, and it’s good news all round for your respiratory system.
4. They reduce stress.
Bear with me on this one. Scientists at the RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) noted that not only do they improve concentration and reaction times, but houseplants also have an impact on blood pressure. The anxiety soothing effects of houseplants have been noted for a number of years, so why not try adding them to your stress-busting arsenal.
I know what you’re thinking…but doesn’t this involve, like, effort? Don’t I have to water them constantly and prune them and all that malarky? Well, no. There are a lot of houseplants out there proven to have beneficial effects that are really not too hard to take care of. On that note, check out these guys to get you started:
1. Aloe Vera.
On a side note, Aloe plants also have a whole other host of health benefits (that’s for another post, but hey, win-win).
2. India rubber tree, or rubber plant.
Beautiful and functional.
3. Mother-in-law’s tongue.
Don’t be put off by the name. These green and white beauties are a sure fire way to purify the air in your home or office, while also adding a certain je ne sais quoi.
Now, go forth and start curating your very own health-promoting, Insta-worthy houseplant collection!
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