Unleash the inner green: the power of indoor plants

Freshening up your interior’s décor and air supply needn’t cost a fortune. Indoor plants come in a range of sizes, styles and prices – and what’s more, they’re full of surprising benefits too…

With all the chemical-based detergents, cleaners and fragrances we use, the indoor air quality in our homes is often less than ideal. According to studies by NASA, certain houseplants act as very effective air filters – filtering out as much as 87% of indoor pollutants within just 24 hours!

In addition to their air purifying qualities – indoor plants have a purifying effect on our general well-being too. They simply add a freshness and tranquillity to our inner space that inanimate objects just can’t rival – no matter how beautiful they may be. In fact, studies have shown that patients who face a garden view in their hospital rooms often recover more quickly than those facing a wall.

When it comes to savvy décor, almost any interior designer will tell you that plants can drastically change the overall feeling of the room. They’re also amazing at hiding those awkward corners and bare walls.

Indoor plants have been shown to reduce cold-related illnesses by more than 30%. This is due to their effect of increasing humidity levels and decreasing dust. And according to some research studies, indoor plants may even stop your headaches, improve your mental health, decrease your blood pressure and prevent allergies in children.

Instead of buying a humidifier machine to soften the air, simply bring in a plant or two.

Having a plant such as jasmine in your bedroom can actually increase your quality of sleep. This plant was specifically studied by a Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, at Wheeling Jesuit University where he and his colleagues studied the results of 20 people’s sleeping patterns when exposed to jasmine, lavender and then exposed to no plants at all. After three nights of observation they were able to conclude that those who were exposed to jasmine slept more deeply and effectively. Gerbera daisies also give off oxygen at night: filling a vase in your bedroom with these flowers can thus improve your night’s rest.

Studies from the Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England have shown that students who study in a room with plants tended to be more focused with improved memory than those who have not. Furthermore, other studies have concluded that employees who work in a room with plants have a higher attention span and overall improved mood than those who are in the setting without plants. 

You don’t need a large amount of plants to benefit from their purifying qualities either. One large plant or several smaller ones can be used for a spacious living area, whilst a small potted plant in bedrooms and bathrooms will do the trick too.

Here’s a short list of our favourite flora for your home…

At its optimum in partial shade, this pretty plant is evergreen too.

Adding an austerity to any room, situate in partial shade.

Dramatic and easy to maintain, place this beauty in direct sunlight.

Partial shade and weekly watering will make this plant and your home both very happy.

Another un-complex favourite that loves partial shade.

Its fiery red flowers will add a touch of natural vibrancy to any room.  Place in partial shade.

 

*Thanks to www.thehealthyhomeeconomist.com for their insightful article on the NASA report.