Healing with houseplants

If you have ever seen pictures of my house, you know that I have a thing with houseplants. I am not the only one. My generation is obsessed with houseplants. There are instagram feeds dedicated only to rare houseplants, pink houseplants, fiddle leaf figs- you name it, you got it. Just look up #monsteramonday.

I don’t really remember when my houseplant obsession started. I think I was reading a website about house design and I saw a fiddle leaf fig tree. I had to have it! So I got one, at Ikea. It is still alive and taller than me.

When I moved into my house, the obsession really took off. It might have been a more affordable way to fill the empty spaces. It may have been to fill a little personal void since I was living alone for the first time ever. Again, I am not quite sure, but that is for sure when my obsession blossomed.

Last year I counted my houseplants for the first time as I watered them. I thought maybe I would hit 40. I hit 40 before I climbed the stairs to the second floor and ultimately got up to 70-ish. I felt oddly satisfied and proud of myself and not at all ashamed. And to be honest, I don’t find watering them or pruning them to be a nuisance at all. Most weeks I devote maybe 15 minutes total to houseplant care, and on the weeks I prune or feed maybe an hour total. I find these tasks to be therapeutic.

It’s clear that houseplants are a thing. So there have actually been some studies done to observe the relationship between houseplants and their owners. Most have found that plants are good for your health. Here’s why:

1) Plants purify the air we breathe. Plants are pretty essential when it comes to clean air. They absorb toxins and carbon dioxide and in return, release oxygen.

2) Certain plants, like jasmine, lavender, or lemon balm can release fragrances that are pleasing to our senses. Sometimes they can evoke a feeling of mental clarity or utter relaxation. Plants actually release chemicals called phytoncides as their own defense to diseases, but these chemicals may also be beneficial for us.

3) Gardening (indoor and outdoor) can actually reduce stress hormones. My personal experiences tell me that gardening is a great thing to do to redirect my thoughts and calm my mood.

4) Plant tending is one strategy that may be used in battling mental health problems. Horticultural therapy may provide a person with a sense or purpose, as well as the benefits listed above. Plant tending is truly a lesson in mindfulness.

Now, keep in mind that what works for me may not work for you. You could get benefits from having one or two houseplants around (opposed to 70!). You don’t want to take things the opposite way and get stressed about caring for your plant army.

With that said, plants can be an easy way to de-stress and make your living or work space a little more green. If you’re interested, I’ll be doing a post on 5 easy care houseplants for beginners. Stay tuned, and stay green!