Indoor gardening continues to be a growing trend fueled by social media’s plant-filled interior designs, plant-focused podcasts and the rise in popularity of plant parents. While social media trends often come and go quickly, indoor gardening may be here to stay due to the numerous benefits offered by houseplants. Having plants nearby can promote positive emotions and decrease anxiety and depression. It’s almost as if they’re rooting for you. Let’s explore some benefits of welcoming plants into your home.
Reduce Stress
Research shows that working with plants could reduce physiological and psychological stress and common stress indicators like cortisol levels, blood pressure and heart rate. Simple activities like watering or repotting plants can slow your breathing and calm your mind. If you don’t have easy access to nature or outdoor gardening space, place a houseplant or two on a sunny windowsill to help soothe nerves and avoid stress and the potential health complications that come with it.
Improve Memory and Sharpen Attention Span
Numerous studies have shown a direct connection between owning plants and improved attention span and memory retention. People working in rooms with several plants worked longer, more accurately and exhibited significantly better working memory. Studies show that houseplants have been found to boost memory retention and productivity by nearly 20%.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Plants perform the reverse of our breathing process: they emit oxygen and take in carbon dioxide. This action not only revitalizes the air but also removes harmful pollutants. In fact, according to NASA, houseplants can remove up to 87 percent of air toxins in 24 hours. Plants can significantly enhance indoor air quality, so investing time is important to keep them healthy and thriving.
Proven to Be Therapeutic
Caring for plants offers significant benefits for those dealing with depression, anxiety and chronic stress. The meditative act of nurturing a living thing may help shift focus away from stressors and problems. Additionally, successfully maintaining a plant can boost self-esteem and benefit individuals with self-image issues.
Health Considerations to Keep in Mind
While having plants in your home offers numerous benefits, there are also some potential risks to consider when starting an indoor garden. Watch for infestations, as houseplants can unintentionally bring pests, such as insects, molds and other unwanted guests into your space. Avoid using soil from your garden when repotting, as it may introduce these pests into your home. Watering requirements vary with different plants and overwatering can create a perfect environment for mold and fungus gnats to thrive. Check plant leaves regularly for signs of pests, such as eggs, webbing or holes. Early detection will help prevent an infestation from spreading.
Embrace the Benefits
Plant parenthood is more than just a trend; it's a rewarding and enriching hobby that brings a touch of nature into your home and several health benefits into your life. Whether you're a seasoned plant parent or considering welcoming a plant into your home for the first time, with the proper care and attention, your plants will thrive and infuse your home with fresh, rejuvenating energy. So, why not start your indoor garden today and experience these benefits for yourself? Happy gardening!
