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Houseplants Help Humans Manage Stress

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Research on the benefits of humans having houseplants and how they support our mental and emotional health is plentiful as of late. We always knew we loved them. Here is a bit about why…

  1. Did you know NASA says indoor house plants reduce 87% of toxins in the air in 24 hours?

  2. House plants also regulate humidity, making us feel calmer and relaxed.

  3. House plants improve concentration by 15%!!!

  4. For your bedroom, pick orchids, succulents, snake plants, and bromeliads; they release oxygen at night and will support your sleep.

  5. ADHD, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, stress, memory, happiness, creativity, the effects of dementia, and self-esteem were all thoroughly and positively impacted by the presents of houseplants.

This article sums up what we learned…. But if you like more of the peer-reviewed, focused source, this was also one of our favorites as we were learning more about houseplants.

What about house plant care? Here are a few tips;

  • Most houseplants prefer indirect light.

  • Make sure your pots have good drainage

  • Shoot for once a week watering and notice that some plants will need less depending on how warm (and therefore dry you keep your home)

  • Apply liquid fertilizer in the water every other watering in the summer, when days are longer, and more photosynthesis is happening. Fertilize monthly or slightly less than monthly during the winter months, and watch for decreased water needs in Wintertime as well.

  • Most house plants can be propagated from cuttings. This means you can have more of your favorite plants for free. To take cuttings in Spring or Summer, choose a healthy shoot with no flowers. Cut just below a leaf node, trim extra leaves, place in water and wait for roots to appear. Once roots appear, plant in a pot with good drainage and house plant potting soil or compost.

Did you know Gardening also has positive impacts on your health? So while setting up your environment to support your health, happiness, and state of mind, you can also positively impact your health and state of mind while caring for them. It’s a win-win! Read more on that here and here.

Also, a favorite gardening resource, if this has got you inspired, is the British station Gardener’s World.