The growth in the popularity of interior plants is no passing trend or just a fleeting fad; it is a drive with multiple health and environmental benefits. These benefits not only improve the well-being of humans but also contribute to a much healthier planet. In essence, bringing plants into indoor spaces offers a simple yet effective way to bridge the connection gap between people and nature, benefiting both humans and the planet.
From reducing stress and boosting mood to improving air quality and doing a lot more, interior plants have far-reaching, positive impacts on people’s lives and… yes, the earth! These plants, far from being mere decorative elements, offer a myriad of benefits for both human well-being and the health of the planet. They are the silent guardians; contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle.
A Dose of the ‘Nature Pill’: Health and Restorative Benefits of (Interior) Plants
Plants, in general, have been proven to have a soothing and uplifting effect on individuals. Multiple research studies have, in view of that, shown the positive impact of interior plants on human health.
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You could talk about lowering stress levels, boosting productivity and concentration in work and office environments, purifying indoor air — thus preventing certain health conditions — or reducing energy consumption at home while conserving biodiversity. But the bottom line remains that plants are the real guardians of the planet.
One of the most well-documented benefits of interior plants is their ability to purify the air in indoor spaces. Modern homes and workspaces are often compactly closed up, thus trapping contaminants. From furniture, electronics, and cleaning products, these pollutants cause a range of health issues like headaches and fatigue, to more serious respiratory problems.
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However, plants are to some extent, natural air purifiers. They can absorb harmful compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene, and release fresh, oxygen-rich air in return, enhancing the freshness of the air in the room. This makes interior plants an invaluable asset for those with conditions like allergies, asthma, or other respiratory disorders. And just for your info, here are 15 air-purifying plants that will give your home a breath of fresh air.
They are, also, a stress reliever. A study conducted and published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that plants in indoor spaces can alleviate stress and make people feel more comfortable and settled. Participants in the study experienced a reduction in stress levels and lower blood pressure after interacting with plants. This calming effect was further supported by another study that measured participants' stress hormone cortisol levels. The research found that being in nature and around plants reduces this stress hormone, thus lowering the levels of stress.
Plants can also have a positive impact on people’s cognitive abilities. Several studies have shown that students in classrooms with potted plants performed better in subjects including math, spelling, reading, and science tests than those without any greenery around them. Elementary school students who studied in a classroom with real plants, also, improved their attention and concentration, as brain scans revealed afterward. Visible greenery, therefore, has a restorative effect on human minds, enhancing the ability to focus.
The therapeutic benefits of plants are also supported by several other studies. Horticultural therapy has, for instance, been used to help patients with mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. Some medical clinics have even begun ‘prescribing’ plants to patients with depression or anxiety. Such include Cornbrook Medical Practice in Manchester, England. Here, learning to nurture a living plant is believed to help lower anxiety, improve attention, and alleviate the symptoms of depression, while working with these plants can be an effective hobby that relieves stress and promotes mental relaxation.
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Away from being effective for psychological well-being, interior plants also aid in the recovery of patients undergoing illness or surgery. Research reviews have shown that hospitalized patients exposed to plants — sometimes through a view of nature — in their rooms, had calmer states of mind, reduced pain, and shorter stays in the hospital. Flowers, in particular, have a cheering effect and can enhance the surroundings and the outlook of those around them.
Interior Plants and Their Environmental Impact
While interior plants have a positive impact on human health, they also contribute to a healthier planet. Pollution levels, as is known, are often higher indoors than they are outdoors since indoor air represents a mix of outdoor-derived compounds and indoor-generated contaminants. It is, likewise, common knowledge that the volatile organic compounds (VOCs), emitted from everyday objects, could have adverse health effects on humans.
However interior plants can soak up these VOCs and clean the air naturally. Think of plants like English ivy, asparagus fern, dragon trees, and many other species that have the potential to reduce these harmful indoor pollutants indoors. However, different plants vary in their level of eliminating these chemical compounds. The NASA Clean Air Study done in 1989 demonstrated just how houseplants, along with their microorganisms, remove volatile organic compounds from indoor air. Through photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus improving air quality.
Still, more can be said of interior plants. They can increase humidity in the home, which can be particularly beneficial during the dry winter months. Heaters and air conditioners often reduce humidity indoors. This makes inhabitants more susceptible to conditions like colds and flu. But houseplants can release moisture into the air and create a more comfortable environment.
These benefits extend to carbon dioxide absorption. While the impact of indoor plants on carbon dioxide levels may be modest compared to outdoor vegetation, they still contribute to reducing CO2 in enclosed spaces. This, not only improves air quality but also aligns with global efforts to mitigate climate change. This is linked to their capability to reduce energy consumption. Strategically placed interior plants help regulate indoor temperatures. They potentially cut the need for artificial heating and cooling. This means a reduced reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems, and the result is lower energy consumption and, thus, a minimal carbon footprint.
Interior plants can, by the same token, still be part of a broader sustainability strategy. Growing herbs or small vegetables indoors can reduce packaging waste associated with store-bought produce. This, in turn, promotes a greater connection to nature, potentially increasing environmental awareness and encouraging more sustainable behaviors in other aspects of life.
Not just that, growing a variety of interior plants means individuals can contribute to preserving plant species diversity. This is particularly important for rare or endangered species that may struggle in their natural habitats due to climate change or habitat loss.
Incorporating Interior Plants in Indoor Spaces
The numerous benefits of interior plants mean that they should be an integral part of homes and workspaces. The greater the number of plants used, the more likely the positive impact on people’s well-being and the environment. Rooms with views of urban landscapes would particularly benefit from the addition of indoor plants.
Even so, incorporating these plants into the home or office doesn't have to be a daunting task. With a bit of planning and some basic care, they seamlessly integrate into any space and transform it into a healthier, more visually appealing, and environmentally-conscious place.
Interior Plants’ Integration in the Home
Noteworthy, the beauty of interior plants lies in their versatility. They can be incorporated into any space, from small apartments to sprawling mansions. And their benefits remain unchanged.
One can, for instance, create a living wall by transforming a blank partition into a lush green oasis by installing a vertical garden. This is a great option for small spaces, as it maximizes vertical space while adding visual impact. One could, also, adopt hanging planters, and have the interior plants hanging from the ceiling or shelves to create a feel of airiness and bring life to high spaces. Hanging plants like spider plants or string of pearls are, particularly, ideal for indoor settings with limited floor space.
In addition, one could cluster plants of different sizes and shapes to create a focal point indoors or grow these interior plants as natural room dividers to create privacy and separation within an open-plan space. These plants can, also, be incorporated into furniture. In this context, one ought to have furniture with built-in planters or shelves to seamlessly integrate plants into the décor.
Also, strategically placing these plants throughout the indoor space, from shelves and windowsills to desktops and tabletops, creates a delightful, nature-inspired ambiance. Grouping them based on their varying heights and textures adds visual interest to the setting. In the case of an office, this brings nature into the immediate workspace. Plant options like succulents, air plants, or small pothos plants are low-maintenance choices suitable for such cases. Terrariums and other similar self-contained ecosystems in glass containers are also perfect. They could, also, be ideal for small spaces or as decorative elements on shelves or coffee tables.
Larger floor plants like fiddle leaf figs, or rubber plants could — in addition to being used as natural room dividers — be focal points in living areas and lobbies. Also, cultivating herbs in container gardens in the kitchen combines aesthetics with functionality, and provides fresh ingredients for cooking while freshening the air.
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Then there are humidity-loving plants such as ferns, peace lilies, or orchids that thrive in bathroom environments. When used, they offer many benefits and create a spa-like atmosphere therein. Basically, different interior plants and their strategic arrangements indoors significantly impact the benefits they provide.
Consider the Plants’ Needs and Requirements
When selecting indoor plants, one should consider different factors. Light requirements, water needs, and the overall aesthetics that one aims to create are important to have in mind. Easy-to-grow houseplants, such as Dracaena marginata, Ficus elastica, and Sansevieria trifasciata, are suitable for most indoor spaces.
Low-light tolerant species like pothos, Chinese evergreen, snake plants, and ZZ plants are excellent choices for darker spaces while flowering plants and trailing vines can add a touch of liveliness to brighter areas, while effectively improving the home's different aspects.
Also, think of the interior plants’ other needs, their size and growth habits to ensure they comfortably fit in the interior space, and the safety of pets and children. Advisably, one should incorporate plants with too much pollen or spores minimally and ensure the plants they introduce into their homes are safe for children and pets. One could, therefore, consider checking for the most suitable plants for their homes and learn about the care and feeding required for each species.
Once the preferred interior plants are picked, they should be provided with proper care to ensure their health and longevity. Watering, fertilizing, pruning, and repotting are all essentials that these plants need. All factors considered guarantee that interior plants serve much more than their obvious aesthetic function, and show why they are not just good for people’s well-being, but also the good of the planet. So, how about you opt for some interior greenery for your indoor space?
Feature image by @jcchris, header image by Anastasia Shuraeva.
