HOW TO BRING THE OUTSIDE IN: THE BENEFITS OF HOUSEPLANTS
I love houseplants! They cost the same as a bouquet of cut flowers, yet, last years instead of days. What’s more, they are a delightful way to add colour, shape and interest to interiors. Therefore, it’s rare for me not to include a couple in every interior design project I work on. Fortunately, with so many varieties, there is always the ideal houseplant to fit the scheme.
Benefits of Houseplant in Home Interiors
Yes, house plants add to the aesthetics, but there are many more reasons to bring nature indoors. Firstly, during daylight hours, plants absorb carbon dioxide and air pollutants*, while releasing oxygen. This purifies the air that we breathe and is especially important in winter, when we tend to keep the windows shut. Additionally, they release moisture through the night, which counteracts the drying effects of central heating.
Secondly, there have been scientific studies into the physical and psychological impact of humans connecting with nature. Including houseplants and natural materials, such as wood and cork, in our homes improves our mood and productivity. These little living accessories help to lower blood pressure and stress levels. For these reasons, I’d also recommend introducing houseplants to your work environment.
“Indoor plants affect participants’ objective functions positively, particularly in terms of relaxed physiology and improved cognition. The meta-analyses further provided the evidence synthesis that indoor plants could significantly benefit participants’ SBP and academic achievement”
Source: Effects of Indoor Plants on Human Functions: A Systematic Review
Creating a Sanctuary with Houseplants
Have you seen the Amazon advert where a woman transforms a soulless apartment into a sanctuary by filling her balcony and room with plants? The variety of heights, leaf shapes and shades of green create an oasis within an urban city. Just adding plants to your bathroom or conservatory can provide you with a haven from the world.
If you position plants on the windowsill or by patio doors with a view of a garden or fields, it establishes a seamless link between outside and in. Equally, they are effective a disguising a less desirable outlook.
I purchased my first indoor plant when I moved into my first home. It ignited an interest and over time, my collection has grown. I now have over 70 plants of all shapes and sizes! These include a large Monstera deliciosa, more commonly known as the Swiss Cheese plant. The height and large, glossy leaves make this floor-standing indoor plant a focal point of a room. In contrast, there are small and delicate varieties, such as Ceropegi woodii, or String of Hearts, which trail down from a high shelf.
Easy Care Houseplants to Elevate Your Interiors
When I talk to clients about houseplants, they sometimes have concerns about looking after them properly. If you have similar thoughts, I’d like to assure you that many varieties need minimum attention and can thrive despite a bit of neglect. The trick is to pick the right plants and put them in the right place.
Easy-care plants include Aloe, Spider Plants and Peace Lily. Here are a few more options to get you started:
Non-spiky succulents:
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Money Tree – a popular plant with small, deep green leaves
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Christmas Cactus – produces deep pink flowers annually
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Fishbone Cactus – a cactus with an upright, wavy leaf shape
Houseplants that survive in low light:
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Devil’s Ivy – a quick-growing, trailing plant
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Snake Plant – tall, upright foliage including African Spear and Mother-in-law’s Tongue
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Pothos – heart-shaped leaves which look great in a hanging pot
Houseplants that add height:
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ZZ plant – a zig-zag of deep green, waxy leaves on tall stems
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Areca Palm – a tropical umbel of clustered leaves on a tall stem
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Yucca – a statement plant that loves a bright, sunny spot
Varieties with interesting foliage:
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Purple Oxalis – foliage resembling butterflies, this plant loves sunlight and closes up at night
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Peperomia – varieties with striped leaves (agyreia) & red underside leaves (caperata Rosso)
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Prayer Plant – large, patterned leaves with a deep red underside
I know you can discover one or two from this list to complement your interior design style!
Houseplant Care Tips
To keep houseplants thriving, read the labels. These advise on the ideal position and care needs. This can be as simple as watering when the soil feels dry to the touch. If you are going on a summer holiday, move plants to a cooler, shady area of the home and water before you leave. In winter, no special treatment is necessary, as plants need less water.
As my collection of plants started to grow, I invested in the RHS Practical Houseplant book. This offers great care advice, along with how to propagate – that’s a great way to expand your plant collection for free! It also explains what to do if you notice issues such as leaf discolouration. If you prefer, they also have a video series called Houseplant 101.
The Finishing Touch for Every Interior
I hope I’ve convinced you of the benefits of introducing indoor plants to your home and workplace. In my opinion, they add a fresh and appealing look, which is the perfect finishing touch to every interior.
I share other ways to bring nature indoors in this article.
*https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/types/houseplants/for-human-health