By Corina Tan
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Research into health and environmental benefits conducted by the University of Technology in Sydney returned some interesting results that demonstrated why house plants should be on everyone’s must-have list. The study showed that potted plants remove harmful volatile organic compounds and reduce carbon dioxide levels. On top of that, it wasn’t just the plants themselves that are able to clean the air, but the micro-organisms living in the soil play an important role as well. In a separate survey of a plant-filled office environment, a 60 per cent reduction of stress, anxiety and fatigue were reported, while 80 per cent of employees expressed that plants made the office space feel more welcoming.
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If this has got you convinced that your home or work environment would benefit from a couple of indoor plants, here are some tips on how to help your plants thrive:
Position
Look for the best place for each plant and don’t be afraid to try different locations until you find the perfect spot that brings symmetry and feels just right. If you have a plant that needs lots of sun, place it on a windowsill and check soil moisture levels regularly. At the slightest sign of withering, move the plant towards the middle of the room. Some plants don’t need much sun and can thrive in dim environments with filtered light. If unsure, ask the nursery before you purchase a plant or do some research before selecting an ideal location.
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Water
It is best to water your plants only when the soil feels dry to touch. Overwatering is often the cause of indoor plants death, so where possible don’t overwater. Check by pushing your finger into the soil and if it comes out without any trace of soil on it, then you know you need to water it.
Misting
Plants like to be misted, and most indoor plants benefit from an occasional misting from an atomizer or spray bottle. Misting is also particularly beneficial if your air-conditioning is on a lot as the air can become very dry.
Fertilizer
Feed your plants with small amounts of fertilizer every two weeks. The recommended dose is about 1 teaspoon depending on the kind of plant you have and the type of fertilizer you buy. Nurseries have many types of fertilizers so make sure you select the right type.
Bathroom Plants
When selecting plants for your bathrooms, keep in mind that the best ones are ferns, fiddle-leaf figs, and other moisture-loving plants that thrive in vaporous rooms. Bathrooms are perfect places where they can benefit from the regular doses of mist coming from the abundance of water around.
Some examples of beneficial plants that thrive indoors are:
Peace Lily – reduces toxins including ammonia, benzene, acetone and ethyl.
Devil’s Ivy – helps remove pollution from car exhaust fumes.
Anthurium – decreases stress levels.
Croton – amplifies creativity.
Aloe Vera & Snake Plant – emits oxygen that aids in getting a good nights’ sleep.
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Sharing your space with living breathing plants positively influences the air you breathe, relieves stress, increases focus, creativity and productivity, and makes for a happier and healthier environment.
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