If you’re anything like me, then you’ve probably killed 10-15 indoor plants without even trying. I’ve since opted for lower maintenance plant life such as cacti, bamboo, succulents and air plants because I simply love the way they look in living spaces, adding that element of vitality. You just can’t go wrong with those bright shades of green, beautiful organic shapes and an extra dose of oxygen. Especially when they’re all dolled up in pretty pottery. I just need to get more serious when it comes to keeping my leafy pets hydrated, preened and feeling lovely.
But plants are not only staples in home decor, they offer us human beings so many health benefits. Here are a few reasons why you and I should pinky promise to take better care of our little plant friends:
+ Concentration and Memory. Being around plants helps people concentrate better in the home and workplace. Studies show that tasks performed while under the calming influence of nature are performed better and with greater accuracy, yielding a higher quality result. Moreover, being outside in a natural environment can improve memory performance and attention span by twenty percent.
+ Generate Happiness. Having flowers around the home and office greatly improves people’s moods and reduces the likelihood of stress-related depression. Flowers and ornamental plants increase levels of positive energy and help people feel secure and relaxed.
+ Improved Human Performance/Energy. Spending time in natural environments makes people better at doing their jobs. It also increases energy levels and feelings of vitality.
+ Mental Health. Studies have proven that people who spend more time outside in nature have better mental health and a more positive outlook on life.
+ Reduce Stress. Studies show that people who spend time cultivating plants have less stress in their lives. Plants soothe human beings and provide a positive way for people to channel their stress into nurturing.
+ Accelerates Healing Process. The presence of plants in hospital recovery rooms and/or views of aesthetically-pleasing gardens help patients to heal faster, due to the soothing affects of ornamental horticulture.
Love this post, Stacy!! And I couldn’t agree more with all of those points about our little plant friends and their benefits!! The only thing is that I wish I had a bigger apartment and more space so that I could get more plants!! Right now I have to settle for small ones like succulents and air plants – but I love them so much! Eventually, I’ll get bigger ones like in the photos above!
I know, wouldn’t it be great just to have a huge sunroom filled with beautiful tall plants? I’d love a giant ficus or fiddle leaf!
i want that giant cactus haha! i LOVE those points, I totally agree – I went plant crazy last weekend and bought a ton for my apartment and I already noticed just sitting around them makes me feel more at home and so calm. i can’t wait to get more! and hopefully not kill them all :'( lol
That’s awesome! Good luck with your new babies ;)
So far we have 6 little cacti and a (growing) oak tree sapling sitting on windowsills, but I very much hope to add to our ‘collection’ as time goes by. I’m not one for flowers (as beautiful as they are’ because as soon as I get used to their company that’s it, they’re gone, but plants? That’s a different matter – look at those shades of green! Totally swoon-worthy!
Hi Tori, cacti are definitely the way to go when you’re just getting started with plants. Low maintenance works for me!
wow, who knew! i have a couple plants in my home but it’s so hard for me to keep them alive…determined to find a way, though!
Yes! Start small and get into a habit of watering your little guys :)