Many people are now turning to healthy living to remain fit physically and mentally. We all know the benefits of exercise, nutritious food, and meditation. But do you know how to take care of your wellness with indoor gardening?
This article talks about the multiple benefits of indoor gardening. You’ll also discover which indoor gardening plants have health benefits. We’ll also help you to get started with your home gardening with some useful tips. So, let’s get going!
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Benefits of Indoor Gardening
Indoor gardening has a lot of health benefits, both physically and mentally. An article on the website of the National Library of Medicine (NLM) in the USA talks about a type of therapy called green care. This therapy aims to treat the whole person. It’s been studied a lot through surveys and random trials. Several trials have revealed the beneficial effects on mood and mental health of simply observing nature or even images of natural scenes. So, let’s have a look at the benefits of Indoor Gardening.
Physical Health Benefits of Indoor Gardening
Improved respiratory health:
- Plants aid in our breathing by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
- Increased oxygen levels create a healthier indoor environment.
Air purification:
- Indoor air quality can be poor due to furniture, carpets, and cleaning products.
- Certain indoor plants can filter out harmful chemicals, improving the air quality.
Reduction in pain levels:
- Studies show that patients recovering from surgery experience less pain when surrounded by houseplants.
- Hospital rooms with plants lead to lower ratings of pain, anxiety, and fatigue among patients.
Decreased sickness:
- Houseplants can lower the likelihood of catching illnesses.
- Research indicates a more than 60% reduction in sickness rates in offices with plants compared to those without.
Mental Health Benefits of Indoor Gardening
Indoor plants help lower stress levels
- Having plants in your home or office can make you feel more relaxed and at ease.
- Indoor plants can also foster a sense of connection to nature, which has been linked to reduced stress levels.
Real plants might boost your focus
An article by the University of Sunderland in London talks about how plants may boost your focus. Here are the points they mentioned:
- Research indicates that indoor plants can increase productivity by up to 47%.
- Exposure to indoor plants may result in a 20% improvement in memory.
- The calming visual and olfactory effects of plants and flowers contribute to this phenomenon.
- The balance between carbon dioxide exhalation and oxygen emission by plants potentially enhances bodily functions.
Plants may aid in faster recovery
As per an article by The Dickinson Press, plants can help patients heal faster. This is what they said:
- A study conducted by S.H. Park and R.H. Mattson, published in HortScience, investigated the impact of plants on surgery patients.
- Eighty female patients recovering from thyroid surgery were randomly assigned to rooms with or without plants.
- Patients in rooms with plants had shorter hospital stays, used less pain medication, and reported lower levels of pain, anxiety, and fatigue.
- They had significantly shorter hospitalizations.
- They required weaker pain medication compared to those in rooms without plants.
- By the third day after surgery, patients exposed to plants reported lower pain intensity compared to those without plants.
Plants can enhance productivity
ScienceDaily talked about research about monitoring productivity in the presence of plants. This was done in two big offices in the UK and the Netherlands over several months.
- The study looked at how ‘lean’ (simple) and ‘green’ (plant-filled) offices affected staff feelings about air quality, focus, and happiness at work.
- Marlon Nieuwenhuis, the main researcher from Cardiff University, said adding plants to offices improved workers’ lives and productivity.
- Plants in the office made workers happier, and more focused, and they thought the air was better.
- The study suggests that having plants around makes workers more involved in their jobs physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Choosing the Right Indoor Gardening Plants
When it comes to indoor gardening, selecting the right plants is crucial. It is the key to creating a thriving green oasis in your home. Here are some popular indoor gardening plants with their benefits and features:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Benefits:
- Known for its air-purifying properties.
- Absorbs toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Promotes better indoor air quality.
Features:
- Thrives in low light conditions.
- Requires minimal watering.
- Perfect for beginners or those with busy schedules.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Benefits:
- Effective at removing common indoor air pollutants, including formaldehyde and xylene.
- Contributes to cleaner and fresher air.
Features:
- Produces “spiderettes” or baby plants, that can be propagated easily.
- Allows you to expand your indoor garden effortlessly.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Benefits:
- It is renowned for its ability to remove mold spores and mildew from the air.
- Contributes to a healthier indoor environment.
Features:
- Elegant white flowers and glossy green leaves.
- Adds beauty and tranquility to any indoor space.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
Benefits:
- Removes toxins like xylene, toluene, and benzene from the air.
- Enhances indoor air quality and promotes a healthier living environment.
Features:
- Thrives in low light conditions.
- Extremely drought-tolerant.
- Ideal for busy individuals or those with limited natural light.
Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Benefits:
- Helps remove airborne toxins and pollutants.
- Contributes to better indoor air quality and a healthier living environment.
Features:
- Adds a striking visual element to indoor spaces with its large, glossy leaves.
- Popular choice for interior decoration.
Aloe Vera
Benefits:
- Known for its medicinal properties.
- Provides soothing relief for minor burns and skin irritations.
Features:
- Requires minimal watering.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- A low-maintenance addition to any indoor garden.
- Adds beauty to indoor spaces.
By incorporating these indoor plants into your home, you can enjoy their aesthetic appeal. Besides, their numerous health and wellness benefits keep you fit. Choose the plants that best suit your space and lifestyle. Watch as your indoor garden flourishes into a vibrant sanctuary of greenery.
Creating Your Garden Space at Home – Indoor Gardening Tips
Setting up an indoor garden at home might be challenging. But, by following some easy steps, you can create an environment where your plants can thrive. Here are some indoor gardening tips:
- Assess Your Space: Determine the available space and lighting conditions in your home. Choose plants that suit the lighting levels of each area. It can be bright, indirect, or low light.
- Select Suitable Containers: Choose containers that provide adequate drainage for your plants. Consider the size and material of the pots. Choose them as per the plant’s growth habits and moisture requirements.
- Choose a Variety of Plants: Mix and match different types of indoor plants. It will create visual interest and provide a range of benefits. Consider many other factors when selecting plants. These include air-purifying properties, aesthetics, and maintenance needs.
- Arrange Plants Strategically: Place taller plants at the back and shorter ones in the front. It will create depth and dimension in your indoor garden. Experiment with different arrangements to find the most pleasing layout for your space.
- Add Decorative Elements: Enhance the ambiance of your indoor garden with decorative elements. These are plant stands, shelves, and hanging baskets. Choose pieces that complement your home decor and add personality to your space.
- Provide Adequate Care: Regularly water and fertilize your indoor plants according to their specific needs. Monitor humidity levels and adjust as necessary to create optimal growing conditions. Prune plants as needed to promote healthy growth.
- Create a Relaxing Atmosphere: Use your indoor garden to create a tranquil retreat within your home. Add elements like comfortable seating, soft lighting, and soothing sounds. These will encourage relaxation and stress relief.
Conclusion
Indoor gardening offers many benefits for both our physical and mental well-being. The presence of indoor plants has been shown to enhance our quality of life in various ways. Research has shown the positive effects of indoor gardening on productivity, focus, and even recovery from illness or surgery.