National Indoor Plant Week

There are certain areas, bereft of greenery, that are known as hotbeds of misery, namely the local state penitentiary – or for some students, that dreaded institution known as school. 

Houseplants automatically brighten up a dull and dreary spot, yet they’re often relegated to background and ignored. While the visual appeal of houseplants is probably not so obvious in an unenterprising colonial house, their glorious nature becomes more evident when seen adorning a Moroccan-inspired courtyard, where leafy fronds and magenta blooms dwell in palatial splendor. 

Even if your house is already a veritable jungle of houseplants, there’s always more to discover and bring home. Take the third week of September, National Indoor Plant Week, to increase your awareness of houseplants and commune with nature, whether by pampering existing houseplants or adding a new one to their midst. 

Benefits of Indoor Houseplants

Indoor plants may remain passive cohabitants of your home, but they bring a wealth of benefits. From relieving stress to reducing noise levels, houseplants offer many therapeutic benefits that many gardeners remain unaware of.

1. Improved Air Quality 

According to a NASA study, research has shown that plants have the ability to remove air toxins called VOCs. In that study, once houseplants were introduced, the air quality improved, and symptoms related to sick building syndrome disappeared. Although some naysayers may argue that the effect is modest, it’s undeniable that houseplants introduce a calming element to the home. Whether the effect is purely psychological or more physiological, houseplants do indeed make a home feel more comfortable.  

2. Improved Sleep 

Plants that improve sleep often fall into two categories: those that rely on fragrance and those that purify the air. By drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, these plants are making the air easier to breathe. Essential oils derived from plants such as lavender can lend a calming atmosphere to your bedroom, which is why many insomniacs turn to essential oils for relief. At night, photosynthesis typically ceases, and plants start to respire like humans – taking in oxygen and releasing CO2. However, orchids, succulents, snake plants, and epiphytic bromeliads do the opposite, and for this reason, are often placed near beds to aid in peaceful sleep.  

3. Calmer Atmosphere  

Plants can absorb sound to some extent, helping to mitigate noise and create a more peaceful environment. The reduction in noise can lead to lower stress levels and a calmer atmosphere. In this case, a grouping of several plants will work better than a single plant, as multiple plants can enhance this calming effect. 

4. Increased Productivity 

Plants have been shown to sharpen focus and increase creativity. A study at the Royal College of Agriculture in Cirencester, England, found that attentiveness and concentration increased by 70% when students are taught in classrooms containing plants. This is proof that there’s power in greenery – something that fake plants are unable to stimulate.  

 

Types of Indoor Houseplants to Buy

Although most houseplants can look the same to the untrained eye, there are some truly bizarre ones that seem more likely to exist in the jungles of Paraguay rather than the sprawl of suburbia. Various houseplants will yield different benefits, and gardeners can choose to seek them out accordingly. 

• Plants That Purify: Some plants, such as bamboo palm, rubber plant, and peace lily, are more effective at purifying the air than others. For more information, check out “50 Plants That Will Purify Your Home or Office.” Although published more than 20 years ago, the information remains informative and relevant, though some of the newer cultivars on the market may be omitted. 
• Herbs and Vegetables: Gone are the days of suffering houseplants yearning for water. Gardeners can now grow herbs and other vegetables at home with the help of self-watering planters. It regulates watering so that you don’t need to, and they’re portable enough that you can bring them outside when the weather’s nice and inside when it’s not.    
• Unusual Plants: Many succulents verge on the realm of sci-fi, showcasing a medley of strange and wondrous shapes that defy explanation. If you’re looking for gasp-worthy plants that are more down-to-earth, then try money trees, said to curry fortune, and Swiss cheese plants, whose leaves resemble pitted cheese.    
• Long-lived Plants: Christmas cactuses are built to last – enduring for several decades if cared for properly – some have even reportedly lived to be 100. Like a present of socks at Christmas, they may be scoffed at, but they’re still nice to have as filler plants.  
• Air Plants: Air plants are a novelty that do not require any soil substrate to grow. They can be propped up almost anywhere with stable footing, including crystals and indoor terrariums. And when they bloom – only once in their lifetime – it’s a spectacular sight that almost seems too surreal to be real. The flowers are purple, and their leaves become flushed with a striking pink. 

 

Indoor Houseplant Care

Houseplants are easy to maintain, and they’re considered less intensive work than outdoor plants – many people who buy houseplants don’t necessarily consider themselves gardeners. Most houseplants benefit from bright, indirect light, which means a spot near an east-facing window. The ideal humidity level is 30 – 50%, though plants who prefer humidity levels greater than 60% can benefit from supplemental misting. Houseplants should be fertilized sparingly during the growing season to provide an extra boost. 

Some gardeners have chosen to build DIY greenhouses to control the environment for rarer or more finicky plants. Glass domes (or cloche jars) can also be placed on smaller plants for a stylish display, but make sure to remove them occasionally to let in fresh air. 

In addition to air plants, there’s also houseplants that you can grow in the water. With all that in mind, take the rest of the September (and beyond) to appreciate your remaining houseplants and make sure that none are left behind. Treat them like your baby: don’t leave in the sun too long, water them, and cherish them. And who knows? Maybe your Christmas cactus can live to the grand old age of a hundred.