How Can Houseplants Change Your Life?

Houseplants are a cheap and sustainable way to decorate your home and improve your mood. Nature is nourishment, and when it comes to houseplants - there are endless benefits. 

RELIEVING STRESS 

It is no surprise houseplants have been proven to reduce stress levels, due to the connotations of the colour green. It signifies growth, rebirth, stability, and nature - all things which help us feel inspired and calm. Connecting us to nature, plants make us feel grounded and at peace. The Journal of Physiological Anthropology published a study revealing that indoor plants correlate with low-stress levels.

BOOSTING PRODUCTIVITY 

Creating a calm atmosphere is crucial to productivity. If you feel at ease you are more likely to reach your full potential as it is easier to focus on your work. Studies have shown that plants really do boost productivity. In 1996, research showed that students in a campus computer lab worked 12% faster when plants were nearby. Clearly, plants create a tranquil and calm atmosphere. They help people to feel at ease and fixate on the task at hand rather than procrastinate. In addition, when a space looks aesthetically pleasing you are more likely to feel motivated and inspired to get on with work. 

CLEANSING AIR QUALITY 

Plants improve air quality by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Whilst they do not function on the same scale as air purifiers or biofilters, plants do help cleanse the air through photosynthesis. 

When photosynthesising plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. Through tiny pores on their leaves, they are able to passively absorb pollutants that fall on their leaves and seep through the soil into their roots. The leafier and bigger a plant is, the more effective it is at purifying the surrounding air. A well-known NASA experiment in 1989 found that indoor plants can reduce the amount of cancerous volatile organic compounds, like formaldehyde and benzene. Whilst there are more effective ways to cleanse the air, plants are a simple and natural way to improve air quality. But which plants are the most effective?

THE BEST PLANTS TO IMPROVE AIR QUALITY 

Bill Wolverton, a former NASA research scientist involved in the 1989 study, claims the golden pothos (commonly known as devil’s ivy) is a good place to start. It is easy to grow and effective at removing toxins from the air. As well as the golden pothos, there are many other plants that help improve air quality:

• Areca, lady, dwarf date, and bamboo palms
• Boston fern
• Rubber tree
• Spider plant
• Ficus tree

AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE HOME DECOR 

As society becomes aware of the pitfalls of mindless consumption, some people are beginning to think more carefully about purchases. Houseplants can transform any space. They instantly make a room look better, offering character and tranquility. The best part is that purchasing a lot of plants has a much smaller impact on the planet than buying new home decor. Many mainstream homeware retailers produce products containing large quantities of plastic and unsustainable materials. Buying cheap homeware is just like buying fast fashion. It will most likely break and need to be replaced after a short period of time. When looked after, plants can live for years and years. They can become a long-term part of your home, spicing up your space and providing peace and tranquility. 

See the benefits of houseplants for yourself and invest in some greenery today! All that’s left to do is to sit back and let nature work its magic…