4 good reasons to bring plants into your home
|Tips
Having green plants at home is more than just a trend to beautify our indoor spaces. Indeed, beyond their undeniable charm, these green allies also provide several benefits that are useful for our well-being. Here are four good reasons to integrate some natural greenery into our homes!
1. Plants offer natural humidity control
Before we dive in, let’s debunk a common myth: indoor plants don’t actually do much to purify the air. In 2019, Dr. Michael Waring from Drexel University in Pennsylvania conducted research that showed you’d need a whopping 100 to 1,000 plants per square metre to have any significant air-purifying effect – which is pretty unrealistic for your average home.
That being said, plants bring many other benefits to our living spaces. Not only do they absorb CO2 and release oxygen through photosynthesis, but they also help regulate indoor humidity levels by releasing water vapor into the air through transpiration. This is especially helpful during dry winter months when the air can become dry, making it easier to maintain a comfortable humidity level.
Naturally, the number of plants needed will vary depending on factors like plant size, type, room conditions and space. While humidifiers are an option for maintaining a healthy humidity level at home, plants offer a more environmentally friendly solution. Certain plants, such as spider plants, areca palms and calatheas, are particularly effective at achieving this balance*.
2. Plants are natural stress-relievers
Having green plants at home can also have a positive impact on stress and anxiety. According to psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan, reconnecting with nature, even briefly, promotes relaxation. Being around greenery can reduce mental fatigue, boost well-being and even help you focus without feeling overwhelmed.
In our daily lives, which are often governed by routine, caring for a plant invites us to slow down. Contemplating the veins of a wood sorrel or gently dusting the leaves of a Boston fern requires care and patience, leading us to a meditative state.
Similar to playing with a pet, these simple actions are powerful mindfulness moments. They help us stay present, reducing stress triggers and promoting a sense of well-being that benefits both body and mind. So, if you have plants at home or a garden in your residence, make the most of their presence to unwind and recharge!
Plus, if you work from home, plants can actually help you stay focused and productive. A Norwegian study found that having plants around your workspace can improve memory, reduce stress and even make you more efficient!
3. Plants provide natural pest control
Some plants also have a protective role, warding off unwanted insects. By releasing natural substances, they can repel mosquitoes, flies and aphids. Here are some easy-to-care-for plants with demonstrated repellent properties:
- Lavender: its captivating scent is a natural mosquito repellent. Place it near windows for effective protection.
- Marigold (African or French): this plant emits an odour that disrupts whiteflies, aphids and certain beetles. Cultivate it on a windowsill or in a pot on a balcony for a natural barrier.
- African Basil: unlike common basil, this non-edible variety repels mosquitoes and certain fruit flies with its potent aroma.
- Lemon Geranium: its citrusy scent drives away ants and spiders. Place it in pots around entrances and balconies for natural pest control.
Adding these plants to our indoor spaces provides a natural, ecologically-friendly solution to pest control – while treating us to their subtle, sweet scents!
4. Plants bring natural beauty into your home
Beyond their numerous benefits, plants also infuse our surroundings with vitality and freshness, fostering a warm and inviting ambiance. From succulents to potted or hanging flowers, their organic presence instantly revitalizes our living areas, introducing a kaleidoscope of colours and textures.
In his 1989 book Color Vision, neuroscientist John Dixon Mollon notes that certain colours, particularly green, have a calming effect on the eyes. This is attributed to green’s central position within the visible light spectrum and its unique perception by the retina. Green would therefore require less effort from our eyes to be processed, allowing our vision to relax, reducing eye strain and providing a more comfortable and enjoyable visual experience.
On the other hand, according to Chinese Feng Shui philosophy, the arrangement of spaces plays a crucial role in energy circulation, and plants (associated with the wood element) hold an essential place. Indeed, plants promote harmony in a room thanks to their strategic positioning. Positioned east, they reinforce vitality and health; southeast, abundance; northwest, inspiration and knowledge; and west, creativity.
Certain plant varieties are particularly prized in Feng Shui for their symbolism and ability to attract positive energies. For example, the orchid – celebrated for its beauty – represents personal growth. As for the Pachira aquatica, often called the “money tree”, it is reputed to attract prosperity, especially when placed in the southeast.
Adding beautiful plants to our indoor space does more than just make it look nice. When arranged with care, plants put a personal touch on every corner, bringing a burst of joy and balance to our décor!
Nature has a way of gently weaving itself into our daily lives, and bringing green plants at home is a beautiful way to cultivate a more balanced lifestyle. The benefits we’ve touched on are just the beginning of what plants can offer. Now, it’s up to you to discover, explore and welcome the beauty of nature into your space!
*No worries. All of our recommendations are completely pet-friendly!