The Importance of Indoor Plants

Indoor plants grow within houses, offices and other indoor spaces. Growing plants indoors is not as difficult as it may seem. You can create your own mini indoor garden by simply providing moisture, light and fertile soil. Aside from their aesthetic appeal, research shows that there are multiple other benefits of growing plants indoors.

Air Purification- Plants such as the spider plant and the rubber plant can be used to purify the air of toxic chemicals usually found in paint, cigarettes, furniture and flooring. Plants also filter airborne microbes that can infect or irritate our airways. More so, plants help increase the humidity of air by releasing moisture vapour thereby protecting against common issues such as colds, dry coughs, sore throats and dry skin associated with climate controlled buildings.

Restful Sleep- Indoor plants such as jasmine and lavender when placed in the bedroom, can increase sleep quality. The scent from these plants promotes a state of tranquility leading to better mood and restful sleep. Additionally, the chamomile plant, when consumed as a tea, has the ability to induce sleep. Special plants such as orchids and succulents take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen for better breathing even at night when photosynthesis has stopped.

Natural Remedies- The peppermint plant when consumed as a tea has long been known as a common remedy for calming upset stomach. Another example of a medicinal plant is the aloe vera plant which contains a gel/juice that heals cuts and bruises, and soothes burns. More so, boiling the leaves of the aloe plant and breathing in the vapour can alleviate asthma symptoms.

Improved Health- The bright colors of flowers have been known to induce positive emotions. More so, caring for a living organism can help with feelings of depression. African violets, which bloom throughout the year, are recommended for people who prefer plants that require minimum effort. In addition, studies carried out in hospitals have shown that patients who had plants in their rooms recover quicker after medical procedures than those who didn’t. These patients also experienced less anxiety and fatigue, and had lower heart rates and blood pressure.

Enhanced Focus- Indoor plants can help to reduce background noise levels inside buildings as their leaves absorb, diffract or reflect this noise, thereby providing a quieter and more relaxing environment. Plants positioned at the edges and corners of a space are best as they reflect sound from the walls directly into the foliage. The peace lily for instance, has glossy and veined leaves that are wide enough to effectively absorb sound waves. Plants also help to lower stress levels and stimulate the mind which would in turn boost productivity.

Natural Scents- Fragrant plants such as the gardenia plant are an eco-friendly way to freshen our surroundings without using artificial air fresheners or scented candles that contain pollutants. Gardenia has a sweet, intoxicating aroma that keeps the surrounding area smelling fresh for months.