How’s it growing? Spring is officially here in the Tri-cities and houseplants are becoming happier! Indoor plants produce various effects on us. Not only do they brighten up spaces within the home, adding a splash of color, they also have the ability to improve indoor air quality, health, and psychological wellbeing.
Air Quality
- Indoor air pollution is accumulated by the presence of various materials and finishes such as paint and adhesives. Indoor air quality is improved through the presence of plants by removing carbon dioxide and reduce air pollutants like VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in the space.
Physical and Mental Health
- The presence of plants impacts focus and productivity, making people more relaxed, boosting their mood while improving performance (Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, 2018)
- Studies also show that there is faster recovery for patients when plants are in the room, speeding up their healing time. (Texas A&M Agrilife Extension, 2018)
Living with plants: A Symbiosis
- Our relationship with plants is an example of a mutualism symbiosis where we both benefit each other. While we benefit from houseplants by having improved indoor air quality and health, they are also dependent on us to care for them.
Top 18 Houseplants for Indoor Air Improvement
References:
Design Boom. (2021). In search of fresh air: NASA lists the indoor plants that will naturally clean your space. Retrieved from https://www.designboom.com/technology/nasa-clean-air-study-plants-natural-filter-06-13-2021/
University of Georgia Extension. 2013). Growing Indoor Plants with Success. https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/B%201318_5.PDF
Garg, K., Pal, M. Jain, K., & Garg, A. (2021). Some Indoor Plants and Their Role in Reducing Indoor Air Pollution. Journal of Global Biosciences. 10(3), 8430-8439. https://www.mutagents.co.in/jgb/vol.10/03/100305.pdf
Texas A&M Agrilife Extension. (2019) Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Plants. Retrieved from https://ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/