Connection,Ecotherapy,Mental Health,Mindfulness,Nature,Self-care,Therapy And Counselling,Wellbeing

Can nature come indoors?

When we think of accessing nature, so often it brings up going outdoors. Nature isn’t just outside; we can bring it into our homes and workplaces too.

The easiest way to do this is houseplants. Indoor plants have become increasingly popular, with sales in 2021 gaining 50% since 2019 and with 43% of people reporting improved wellbeing.

(Source https://horticulture.co.uk/houseplants/statistics/)

Houseplants aid relaxation

Tending to your houseplant encourages focus and relaxation as you concentrate on watering, feeding and positioning. It can also be a way to connect to others by taking cuttings or dividing plants. You get new plants for free that you can swap or give away as gifts to friends, family and local groups.

We have a symbiotic relationship with nature, during daylight, plants provide us with oxygen and we provide plants with carbon dioxide and houseplants are incredibly helpful in improving the air quality in our homes, so they help our physical wellbeing too.

Products in our homes from paint to soft furnishings release VOC’s, volatile organic compounds, which we are breathing in, plants absorb these harmful gases through their pores in their leaves, cleaning and filtering the air we breathe daily. Maximise this by having plants in each room.

There are many different types of houseplants which are suited to different growing conditions, such as low light, humidity or direct sunlight. Here is a list of my favourite houseplants,

House plants to improve air quality and bring some nature indoors.

English Ivy (Hedera Helix)

Snake plant also known as Mother in law’s tongue (Sanseviera tritasciata)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Jade Plant (Crassula Cuata)

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Boston Fern (Nephrolepsis Exaltata)

 

Here are my top tips

start with a small and low maintenance plant such as Cape Primrose (Streptocarpus) keeping it in good light but not direct sunlight.

Further enhance wellbeing by choosing pots for plants to sit in that appeal to you.

Spend time weekly checking, watering as necessary, turning and loving your plants as they nurture you in return.

Check out www.ukhouseplants.com for lots of practical and useful advice.