Having a keen interest in plants doesn’t mean you have to be an outdoors gardener.
Caring for indoor plants makes you just as much a gardener as the Costa Georgiadis’s of the world.
In fact, studies have shown that having indoor plants can give you just as much satisfaction and health benefits as outdoor gardening.
Here’s ten good reasons why you should take up indoor gardening.
- They reduce toxic indoor air pollutants.
Way back in 1989 NASA studies discovered that indoor plants can absorb all sorts of harmful chemicals found in the home – things like nitrogen oxide, formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide and trichloroethylene. Plus they can increase the oxygen levels at the same time. - Houseplants increase indoor humidity.
Not so much an issue for us in summer, but in winter the air in our houses can be very dry, and plants release moisture which can help improve respiratory health and combat issues like dry, frizzy hair and parched winter skin. - Indoor plants can reduce allergens.
Houseplants can drastically reduce dust and mould levels in indoor air, helping to improve respiratory health by reducing some of the most common allergens. Studies show that they can reduce dust in indoor air by up to 20%. - They can make your home quieter.
Indoor plants help reduce sound pollution by deflecting and absorbing noises, helping to maintain a calm and relaxing environment in your home. - Houseplants can help reduce stress levels.
A 2015 study found that working with houseplants can greatly diminish common signs of stress, including cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rates. The simple task of watering or repotting your houseplants was found to slow respiratory rates and soothe unhealthy ‘mind chatter’. - You’ll sleep better with plants in your bedroom.
Lush green and vibrant plants can add charm and coziness to the bedroom. And the oxygen producing ability of plants can also help promote restful slumber. According to studies, exposure to higher levels of oxygen at night can promote deeper, more restorative sleep. - Plants improve concentration, productivity and creativity.
This is great news for children studying at home or for the increasing trend of work-from-home jobs. Studies have shown that workers are more content and take fewer sick days with indoor plants in their workspaces, and the test scores and attention levels of school children also improve when they have greenery around them. - Working with plants can combat depression and anxiety.
Outdoor gardeners know this is true, and it turns out that caring for your indoor plants gives you the same sense of purpose and be ‘positively distracted’. - Houseplants can improve physical health and healing.
When a friend or family member is sick or injured, we often give them flowers or a pot plant. But it turns out this is more than just being kind and thoughtful. Plants actually speed up healing after surgery, studies have found. And having plants about can even lessen the need for pain killers during healing, helping people to get back on their feet quicker after illness or surgery. - Grow your own edible house plants.
You can easily grow lots of different culinary herbs and healing plants like aloe vera, and also dwarf citrus in larger pots if you have a bright sunny spot. So you can help with the household budget by growing indoor plants too.
So whether it’s in the backyard or in the front parlour, happy gardening to you all.