Johann Hebert 3m 710
The views of this article are the perspective of the author and may not be reflective of Confessions of the Professions.
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Moving from one building to the next, we spend most of our lives indoors. Although we might not notice the loss of connection to nature consciously, our body reacts to this hermetically-sealed lifestyle and becomes more susceptible to diseases and illness. Interior plants can be the first step to get a part of nature back into our lives and add more well-being to the everyday jog trot of indoor life!
Clean Air
With modern ventilation systems we are basically locked up in our homes, breathing the same air in and out for the whole day. Research has shown that pollutants can build up indoors and result in Sick Building Syndrome. Toxins that are trapped inside cause itchy or sore eyes, headaches and loss of concentration.
Plants purify the air by absorbing the contaminants and pulling them into the soil, where microorganisms transform them into food for the plant. Naturally, the process of photosynthesis turns the carbon dioxide we breathe out into oxygen and a plant or two in every room of the home can improve air quality considerably. Fresh air also means won’t be feeling so lethargic on those drizzly grey mornings when getting out of bed seems impossible!
Humidity
As well as fresh air, certain humidity levels are important for a healthy atmosphere indoors. Air conditioning and heating can both dry the air out. Homes that have humidification systems in an attempt to counteract this often have the problem of microorganisms that start to grow within the system – not nice!
Low levels of humidity can cause respiratory problems and studies have shown that individuals are more likely to catch a cold or the flu. However, high levels of humidity increase the growth of mildew and bacteria, which attack the immune system.
Interior plants can regulate the moisture in a room to a perfect level for human comfort. According to the humidity around them, the plants naturally reduce or intensify transpiration.
Well-Being
Put simply, looking at greenery makes us feel good! It has been proven that interior plants relieve stress and generate a sense of well-being, and that’s never a bad thing.
Plants that release oxygen at night should be placed on the bedside table to generate good air quality and prevent insomnia. It has even been proven that plants next to a hospital bed can be a factor in a more rapid recovery process!
Maintaining an indoor plant can also be the first step to trying your skills as a gardener and finding out if you have a green thumb.
Which Plant Where?
Without any knowledge of plants it can be quite hard to select the right plant for the right space. Here are some examples that can help to get started, be it plants for the office or for the home.
Image by: Katie Brady
The Spider plant is perfect for living spaces and purifies air rapidly. Place the plant in a sunny spot and only water it when the soil feels completely dry to the touch.
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English ivy removes toxins from the air and is perfect for dorms or the home office. It can be a hanging plant, but may also be trained to climb up a stick. This plant requires some pruning and a sunny spot.
Image by: Maja Dumat
In small rooms like a guest bathroom, the beautifully named ‘Song of India’ or Dracaena will brighten up your day. Place it in a bright area, but not too sunny, and drain it with water regularly.
Image by: Ezra S F
An elegant touch can be added to your lounge or bedroom with the Spathiphyllum Viscount or Peace Lily. Be careful to water it regularly and avoid placing it too close to cold drafts. Peace Lily removes mould from the air efficiently.
I hope I’ve persuaded you that indoor plants are crucial for every home of the world! Which plants do you have at home?
Featured images:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source
About the Author
Written by Johann Hebert, a passionate gardener who enjoys getting nature back inside, be it in the office or at home.
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