Whether you want better feng shui in your home or just want to spruce up the place a bit, incorporating indoor plants into your living space is the way to go. Not only does it add a touch of nature to your environment, but it has a positive impact on your quality of life as well, and gives you a sense of tranquility.
Reasons to Add Plants to Your Home
Visual Appeal
With the popularity of biophilic design on the rise, incorporating indoor plants into living spaces is becoming increasingly recognised for its ability to enhance the visual appeal of your environment by adding colour and natural beauty. They also welcome positive energy with feng shui and provide a calming atmosphere.
Money trees are one of the most popular plants for feng shui, as they are believed to bring wealth and good fortune. Jade plants are also believed to attract wealth because of their coin-shaped leaves.
Stress Reduction
Research has shown that being around plants can reduce anxiety and stress levels. The presence of plants has been found to lower blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels – the hormone associated with stress.
During a study, participants who were accustomed to working with computers were divided into two groups with different tasks. The ones who had to complete a short computer-based task had a spike in heart rate and blood pressure, and the ones who had to repot a plant felt soothed and relaxed. Researchers concluded that plants have a soothing effect and may reduce physiological and psychological stress.
Improved Mental Health
Indoor gardening has been prescribed by medical clinics as horticultural therapy, which has been shown to have a positive effect. The study showed that gardening gave the participants a sense of achievement and community, and increased social interaction between the participants.
Tips on How to Incorporate Plants into Your Home
Depending on your space, style, and how much time you can spend on taking care of plants, here are a couple of ways to add them to your home.
Pick “Easy” Plants
Whether you are a beginner, have a busy schedule, or simply do not have a green thumb, picking a low-maintenance plant is the way to go. Different types of plants have their own care requirements such as how much light they get, and how often to water them. But some are quite hardy plants and do not require much, so it’s important to do your research before you get a house plant. For instance, snake plants do not need much light and have to be watered every 2-8 weeks.
Plant Sizes
Smaller plants are great when incorporated as artwork and decor, while larger ones can be used as bold statement plants. You could make use of vertical space and hang small potted plants, or you could put them on shelves, tabletops, or counter spaces. If you have the floor space, larger plants are better when they are in the corner of the room or on each side of an entryway. Experiment with a variety of plant species while using different types of planters, such as glass terrariums or ceramic pots for visual impact.
Plant Placement
For low-light plants, windowless bathrooms are an excellent option for placement, as the humid conditions will provide the plant with the water it needs. For plants that need sunlight, place them near a window with a thin curtain. Do not place them directly under the sun, as plants can get sunburned.
Plant Care and Troubleshooting
There is a reason why plant lovers are known as plant parents. Plants are living things that need to be nurtured and can be affected by how you treat them. For instance, plants can start leaning if they don’t have enough sunlight, and their leaves can turn yellow if they are overwatered. Once you notice a problem, it’s important to figure out what’s wrong so you don’t end up with a dead plant.
Things to Consider
If you have young children and pets, some plants may be toxic to them. For instance, lilies are toxic to dogs and cats. While you can easily put your plants somewhere high where kids and dogs can’t reach, cats are curious creatures that are great at jumping and climbing.
Plants have pollen that can be spread by insects or dispersed in the wind. Some people already have or may develop pollen allergies. Speaking of insects, some plants may come with pests such as aphids. Once you notice that there’s a pest in your home, It’s important to use the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approach before it’s too late.
Creating a Greener Home
Now that you’ve learned about how easy it is to create a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere using the power of plants, the next step is to do some research on what plant you want to get. Are you ready to be a plant parent?
