Houseplants have been going in and out of style ever since the early Greeks & Romans started bringing their plants in from the outdoors between 500 and 400 B.C. Once considered a status symbol of wealth and luxury, the modern-day houseplant has become a symbol of beauty, wellness, and clean living. No longer just an object of décor, the houseplant is now recognized for its many benefits they provide and should be considered a necessity. The positive benefits of houseplants improve your mental and physical well-being in ways you probably never realized.
Humans are wired to connect with mother nature. Harvard naturalist, Dr. Edward Wilson popularized the term “biophilia” in the 1980s and suggests that humans possess an innate tendency to seek out connections with nature and other living things. There is something beautiful about being able to re-connect with nature by simply having plants inside. The symbiotic relationship created from caring for another living thing is part of the human experience. Learning to nurture a plant gives us so much in return – especially joy! Plant Therapy isn’t just a buzz word- it’s a real thing! Caring for plants have shown to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression, and instill a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Potting plants and actively maintaining them helps focus on the “here and now,” while the microbes found in soil dubbed “outdoorphins” act as natural antidepressants. Houseplants boost mood, productivity, concentration, memory, and creativity. Just by being in the presence of plants, it has been shown to reduce blood pressure in just a few minutes.
Environmental benefits were found in studies conducted by NASA. They spent a lot of time researching air quality in sealed environments, and their researchers recommend one potted plant per 100 square feet to improve indoor air quality by absorbing toxins. In addition, plants increase oxygen and help defer illnesses by acting as a natural humidifier. Through the process of transpiration, roots convert water to vapor, which increases humidity indoors. Higher absolute humidity is conducive for decreased survival and transmission of the flu virus, as well as a decrease in the
incidence of dry skin, colds, sore throats, and dry coughs. Houseplants are also good for people with asthma because they reduce dust levels by absorbing particles in the air.
Houseplants change the look and feel of any room! Plants are like living art and bring natural character to any space. Adding houseplants to almost any room in your home can make the room appear bigger, warmer, and more inviting. Fact: houseplants will change your life for the better in every single way. Aiello Landscape offers in-home or office plant care, landscaping, container gardening, consultation and design, plant sales, and rentals.