In the rush of our daily lives, which is largely dominated by screens and other man-made creations, the calming presence of greenery and blossoms will provide you with so much more than just a visual break—it is a vital component for your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Integrating houseplants into your workspace and home isn’t just a matter of aesthetics; it’s a deeply rooted, often subconscious need that taps into your instinctive craving to connect with nature.
Research underscores the transformative effects of plants in indoor settings. Studies have shown that having houseplants in your workplace can lead to significant decreases in stress-related conditions. For instance, employees who work in environments with plants report a 37% reduction in anxiety, a 44% decrease in feelings of hostility, and a 58% drop in rates of depression. The presence of plants not only soothes, but also enhances productivity and fosters creativity, making greenery a smart investment for employers and employees alike. The effect is compounded further when grown in your home and your houseplants are not competing against tapping keys, ringing phones, and other chaotic office noise.
Living spaces that incorporate plants are perceived as more calming and restorative. The sight of verdant, green foliage, the texture and smell of the planting soil, as well as the pleasing fragrances coming from their flowers, can act as a gentle reminder of the natural world, resulting in greatly reduced stress and a more elevated mood. This connection to nature is crucial in today’s world, where urban living can distance you from green landscapes and nature’s beauty.
Moreover, the act of caring for plants can be therapeutic. The routine of watering, pruning, and tending to plants can serve as a mindful practice, helping to center and ground you in an often hectic world. The simple act of nurturing your plants will provide you with a boost to your mental health, providing an overall sense of accomplishment, personal satisfaction, and calm in your oftentimes chaotic life.
Creating a green space in your home or office doesn’t require extensive knowledge or even a green thumb. Start with simple, low-maintenance houseplants, such as Snake Plants, Spider Plants, or Pothos Plants. These varieties are quite forgiving, require minimal care, and do not require a lot of light, making them the ideal home or office plants for beginners. Position your plants in spaces where you spend most of your time, such as near your desk or in the living room, to maximize their beneficial effects.
Among the myriad options for indoor plants, certain annual plants stand out for their therapeutic benefits, making them perfect for enhancing your indoor living and working environments.
Petunias: Well-known for their vibrant colors, Petunia plants can significantly reduce stress and anxiety. Incorporating these cheerful blossoms into your personal spaces can promote a sense of calm and relaxation, transforming your home into a peaceful retreat. They are available in a wide range of colors, so lend themselves well to enhancing your home or office décor.
How to Grow Petunias Indoors: These colorful, vibrant annual plants thrive in bright, indirect light and require well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Regular deadheading (removing the old and fading blooms) will encourage more blossoms. Petunias grow best when not overly crowded, so use a larger planter to create a fuller, more fulfilling display.
Coleus: With its bright and varied foliage, Coleus plants add a splash of color that can energize your personal space and stimulate creativity. Place these plants in your home office or creative corner to help boost your productivity and inspire innovative ideas. Coleus also comes in a myriad of colors and leaf patterns, many looking like a piece of fine art.
How to Grow Coleus Indoors: Coleus plants prefer indirect light and moist, well-drained soil. They are sensitive to cold, so keep them in a warm area, out of the draft of your air conditioner. Pinch back the emerging new tips to encourage bushier growth. Coleus plants will trail beautifully over the edges of a hanging planter and can fill that big blank space in the middle of your conference table.
Verbena: Celebrated for its soothing properties, Verbena plants are a wonderful addition to any indoor garden. Having a scent that many describe as a cross between a fresh lemon and a lush herb garden, with a background of delicately floral notes, its ability to alleviate stress and promote better sleep makes it ideal for your bedroom or any area where relaxation is a priority. Growing Verbena in your office cubicle will enhance your mood, as well as the mood of any who enter there.
How to Grow Verbena Indoors: Verbena plants need full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Allow the top of the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Deadhead spent flowers to prolong its blooming season. Often grown as a ground cover outdoors, you can use a large, somewhat flat container indoors to maximize its effectiveness.
Wax Begonias: Robust and colorful, Wax Begonia plant will brighten your personal spaces and help to elevate your mood. Their presence can create a more positive atmosphere, making them great companions in both personal and professional spaces. Their appearance is a bit more formal than many flowering plants; maybe your boss would appreciate one on his or her desk.
How to Grow Wax Begonias Indoors: Wax begonias thrive in bright, indirect light and prefer evenly moist soil. They do well in humid conditions and should be kept away from direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. This houseplant, with its colorful clusters of blossoms, prefers a humid environment; many Begonia enthusiasts will use a tray filled with pebbles and water on which to place the planter, especially when the air can be dry, indoors, especially in the winter time.
Geraniums: Stunning Geranium blossoms can help reduce feelings of anxiety while fostering that elusive sense of well-being. The aromatic, rose-scented flowers of the Geranium plant can also serve as a natural air freshener, organically enhancing your indoor environment.
How to Grow Geraniums Indoors: Geranium plants need bright light and well-draining potting mix. Water them only when the top inch of soil feels dry. Deadheading spent or fading blossoms will encourage new flowers and extend their blooming season.
Impatiens: These shade-loving houseplants are perfect for those areas of your home or office, where there is not a lot of natural light. Impatiens plants can create a calming environment. Their gentle appearance helps soothe the mind and can be particularly effective in areas designed for relaxation and stress relief.
How to Grow Impatiens Indoors: Impatiens prefer shade to partial sun and thrive in moist, well-drained soil. Keep them out of direct sunlight and ensure the soil remains consistently damp. As with most flowering houseplants, your Impatiens plants will benefit from deadheading, this action encouraging more blossoms and extending the period of time you can enjoy these petite blossoms.
Lantana: Unique in its appearance with clusters of tiny, vivacious flowers atop each stem, Lantana can stimulate the senses and promote mental clarity. This plant is particularly suitable for areas where concentration and clear thinking are needed. Its foliage has a fruity, somewhat citrusy scent, with some varieties being a bit minty.
How to Grow Lantana Indoors: Lantana plants require full sun and well-draining soil. It is drought-tolerant once established but performs best with regular watering. Pruning back in early spring can help maintain a compact shape and encourage denser flowering.
As we continue to learn about the positive impact of plants on our wellbeing, it becomes clear that these living, breathing organisms are more than just decorations. They are an essential component of your environment that enhances your overall quality of life; a little green, a bit of color and pleasant fragrance can go a long way in making your personal spaces healthier and more inviting.
Incorporate some greenery into your personal spaces today, and watch as it transforms not just your surroundings, but also your mental state and productivity. Remember, every small step towards embracing nature indoors is a step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
