The Surprising Benefits of Having Houseplants

Discover the unexpected benefits of houseplants on human health. Recent studies reveal their significant role in enhancing well-being and productivity across various settings, from homes to offices, schools, and hospitals. Let’s uncover the intriguing research surrounding their potential to improve indoor air quality and understand the optimal number of plants needed to maximise these remarkable benefits.

Reducing stress levels

Recent research has highlighted the stress-relieving power of indoor plants. A study in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that having plants indoors can make us feel more relaxed and at ease. Participants were asked to either repot a houseplant or do a computer task, and their stress levels were measured afterward. The results were clear: gardening indoors reduced stress, while the computer task increased it. This shows that simply being around plants can help us feel calmer and less stressed, offering a straightforward solution to modern anxieties.

Enhancing attention and cognitive function

The benefits reach far beyond stress relief. A study has shown that real plants can significantly enhance attention and concentration levels. In a small-scale study involving 23 participants, students placed in a classroom environment with live plants showed heightened attentiveness and enhanced concentration compared to those in control groups.

Catalysts for productivity

Additionally, indoor plants have been shown to enhance productivity and creativity in various settings. Numerous studies have highlighted the positive effects of plants in the workplace, demonstrating an increase in both work speed and creativity when green elements are introduced into the environment. Employees with more plants in their workspace reported fewer sick days and higher productivity levels, emphasising the importance of incorporating greenery into office spaces to foster a conducive and vibrant work atmosphere.

Exploring the healing potential of horticulture

Indoor gardening has emerged as a hopeful therapeutic approach for people grappling with mental health challenges. Horticultural therapy, a practice that utilises plants and gardening activities to promote healing and well-being, has garnered attention for its effectiveness in enhancing feelings of well-being among people dealing with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other conditions. Medical clinics in Manchester have even begun “prescribing” potted plants to patients experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, underscoring the therapeutic value of engaging with nature.

Speeding up recovery

Moreover, the healing power of plants extends to physical recovery as well. Research suggests that exposure to plants and flowers can expedite the healing process from illness, injury, or surgery. A review conducted in 2002 revealed that people recovering from various surgical procedures required less pain medication and experienced shorter hospital stays when exposed to greenery during their recovery periods.

Caring for your indoor plants

To ensure that your indoor plants thrive and continue to provide you with their benefits, it’s essential to provide them with proper care and maintenance. Here are a few tips to help you keep your indoor greenery healthy and vibrant:

Light
Most indoor plants require adequate sunlight to thrive. Place your plants near windows where they can receive indirect sunlight, and rotate them regularly to ensure even growth.

Watering
Proper watering is essential for the health of your indoor plants. Be sure to water them regularly, but avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other issues. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings, and always use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the plants.

Humidity
Many indoor plants, especially tropical varieties, thrive in high humidity environments. To increase humidity around your plants, place them on a pebble tray filled with water or use a humidifier.

Fertilising
Indoor plants benefit from regular fertilisation during the growing season to promote healthy growth and flowering. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser diluted to half strength every four to six weeks during the growing season.

By following these simple care tips and choosing the right plants for your indoor space, you can create a thriving indoor garden that not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home or office but also promotes health, well-being, and productivity.

Find out which plants are safe for your pets, or what plant feed to use. Which plants will you get for your urban garden? Please let us know in the comments – that’s also the place where you can ask our experts all the questions.

Happy (indoor-)gardening!

Louis Hooft

Founder & Lawn expert

Introducing Louis Hooft, the founder of MOOWY and your reliable expert. With a profound love for stunning lawns and extensive experience in garden maintenance, Louis is here to assist garden enthusiasts in achieving a greener and livelier outdoors than ever before. Count on Louis for invaluable tips, clever tricks, and top-notch products to make your garden flourish!