It’s a New Year and for
many of us that means new health commitments.
Here’s one that doesn’t
require a membership, tight clothes or counting reps.
Get a Houseplant.
The health benefits are
at the top of the list for reasons to add houseplants to your living or work
space. Studies indicate that indoor air quality can be up to 5 times worse than
our outdoor air. Since most of us spend an average of 90% of our day indoors,
the health risks associated with indoor air pollution are significant.
Research shows that plants
can:
- · Purify the air and help get rid of harmful organic compounds like Trichloroethylene, Formaldehyde, and Ammonia.
- · Reduce stress and lower blood pressure by creating a calming effect.
- · Improve memory and focus while increasing productivity.
- · Contribute to an overall sense of well-being
- · Increase and regulate humidity in the air.
Think you don’t have a
green thumb?
We've all been there.
You finally commit to
buying a beautiful houseplant and put it in the prettiest pot and it makes you
so very happy.
Then, almost as quickly
as it came, that happiness fades with the wilting and eventual death of your
cute little green friend.
::play sad violin tune::
Here are some fool-proof
tips to get you off to a good start.
1. Drainage: Pick pots or containers with
drainage holes.
Roots need air to live
and planting them into a pot without holes is condemning them to a slow
death by drowning. Make sure there are
holes in the pot and a drain plate to catch the draining water.
Empty that drain plate a
few minutes after watering.
2. Light: Check the
plant’s needs.
Even the most low-light
tolerant plants need light to live.
Photosynthesis is a
plant's well balanced diet.
There should be enough
light to read a book by for most of the day.
3. Soil: Not all soils are
created equal.
Succulents and cactus
are a trendy option for bright indoor spaces.
Remember that their
needs are different than those of a traditional houseplant. Traditional houseplants
need a good water absorbing potting soil.
Cactus and succulents
need the opposite.
They need a sandy
well-draining soil and need to dry out between watering.
Some tropical plants
would also do well with a regular misting of the leaves. It’s important to know
what type of plant you’re considering and weigh out how much time you can
dedicate to the care.
Here are some
eye-catching and low maintenance options:
·
Snake Plant – Very Low
Water & Very Low Light
Ponytail Palm – Very Low
Water & Bright Light
Pothos – Low Water &
Medium Light
Zeezee Plant – Very Low
Water & Very Low Light
Dracaena – Low Water
& Bright Light
Jade Plant – Very Low
Water & Bright Light
Heatleaf Philodendron –
Low Water & Medium Light
English Ivy – Medium
Water & Low Light
Arrowhead Vine – Low
Water & Low Light
