Plants at Home

For a while I had to ban myself from buying plants.

I REALLY love plants. I love the idea of living in a home filled with plants that flourish and have big, beautiful green leaves. Unfortunately I cannot wholeheartedly say that I have a green thumb. In fact mine's probably more like an amber thumb; I'm great at buying plants and setting them up, but then I usually forget to water them.

I have a friend who I met at one of Kiva's dog training classes who has the most magnificent plant collection; next time we have a doggy play date I will sneak a few photos of her incredible assortment of plants. While I am still trying to be a plant person I think we all should try to be; whether you're an indoors or an outdoors (or a both) type plant person.

So let's talk about some of the benefits of keeping plants, especially indoors:

Improving Air Quality

Back to basics; plants produce oxygen into the air and absorb carbon dioxide. By having healthy plants in your home, your air at home will help your body more effectively. Increasing oxygenation in our blood has a number of benefits including eliminating toxins from the body, increasing clarity and strengthening our immune system (among many others!).

Reducing Stress

Studies have shown that having plants at home and in your workplace, has a positive effect by reducing stress and enhancing productivity. Researchers in the United Kingdom have found that people who live in and around nature feel happier than those who don't. The main theory behind this is that plants make you think of the outdoors and then you feel less "boxed in". I know I certainly feel this way at home AND at work.

Natural Air Fresheners

Many plants emit wonderfully fresh scents; many of which are indeed scents that some of us purchase as artifical air fresheners. An easy way forward is to cut out the middle man and reap all the benefits that plants provide us.

Increase your Inner Peace

There is something rather lovely about having a house plant just sitting there and growing while I rush around trying to get everything sorted at home (and at work). And if you manage to maintain these beautiful leafy green plants, then I believe there is also a decent amount of inherrent success in seeing a plant that you haven't managed to kill; although maybe that's just me.

Boosting Immune Systems

By decreasing stress and helping us relax at home, our physical health can also get a much needed boost, particularly during the flu season. When you get more sleep and are more relaxed, your immune system can work more efficiently to fight off any bugs and viruses. Additionally, research into phytoncides (airborne chemicals emitted by plants that protect them from rotting) has shown that exposure to plants and trees seems to boost the immune system and benefit health.

Increase Productivity

Research has shown that plant help get rid of the feeling that "you just can't work". They can add colour to your home (or workspace), can provide a reminder of why you're working, and may give your mind the boost it needs to improve productivity.

Adding Humidity to the Air

Dry air causes a number of problems. It can affect the moist membranes of the upper part of your respiratory system, by making their ability to capture particles such as dirt, dust and viruses compromised. When the air lacks humidity, your skin will start to dry out which can cause a whole range of other issues. Many people solve this issue by selling humidifiers HOWEVER you can save some money here (so long as your thumb is green enough) as plants already naturally release water back into the air. In addition, plant will soak up any excess humidity in the air.

THREE Take Home Tips:

1. Start simple and small; don't buy thirty new plants and expect them all to survive. You'll be wasting your money, your energy and the plants.

2. Consider what plants might grow best in the spaces in your home (e.g. a plant that likes more moisture might do better in your bathroom and a plant that needs filtered sunlight would probably like a place on your window sill).

3. Get advice; you'll find that someone in your friendship group has a bit of a green thumb. Check in with them on tips and tricks to keeping your leaf babies alive.

Obligatory Plea for Comments: what house plants do you believe are the easiest to keep alive?