Do you love indoor plants?
You aren’t alone! But did you know that indoor plants aren’t just beautiful? Many people have recognized the power of nature in improving our mental health. Being surrounded by greenery and spending time in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, and improve overall mood and well-being.
Unfortunately, not everyone has access to nature outside of their homes or offices. That’s where indoor plants come in.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about how interior plants can improve your mental health and why it’s important. Keep reading to learn more.
Benefits of Indoor Plants for Mental Health
Indoor plants offer several benefits to our mental health. These include:
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are common mental health issues that many of us face on a daily basis. Indoor plants have been found to have a calming effect on the mind, which can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Boosting Mood
Indoor plants can also have a positive impact on our mood. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that being surrounded by plants can increase feelings of happiness and calmness.
Additionally, indoor plants can help to reduce symptoms of depression and improve overall emotional well-being.
Improving Air Quality
Many indoor plants have been found to improve air quality by removing toxins and pollutants from the air. This can lead to improved physical health, which can in turn have a positive impact on mental health. Breathing in clean air can help improve focus, concentration, and overall mood.
Enhancing Cognitive Function
Indoor plants can help enhance cognitive function and productivity. Studies have found that being around plants can help improve concentration and memory retention. This can be particularly beneficial in work environments, where increased productivity can lead to decreased stress and improved mental health.
The Science Behind Indoor Plants and Mental Health
So why exactly do indoor plants have such a positive impact on our mental health? There are a few different theories:
Biophilia
Biophilia is the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature. This theory suggests that we have an instinctive need to be surrounded by nature, and that this connection can have a positive impact on our mental health.
Indoor plants allow us to bring a little bit of nature into our indoor environments, which can help satisfy our biophilic needs.
Attention Restoration Theory
Attention restoration theory suggests that being in nature can help restore our ability to focus and concentrate. This theory suggests that our brains become fatigued from constant stimulation and that being in nature can help refresh our attention spans.
Green walls provide a similar effect by providing a calming, natural environment that can help restore our ability to focus.
Stress Reduction
As mentioned earlier, indoor plants have been found to have a calming effect on the mind. This can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can have a positive impact on mental health.
Additionally, plants have been found to lower blood pressure and heart rate, which can also contribute to reduced stress levels.
The Best Indoor Plants for Mental Health
If you’re interested in incorporating indoor plants into your home or workspace, there are many great options to choose from. Here are some of the best plants for mental health:
Snake Plant
Snake plants are easy to care for and are known for their ability to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene. Additionally, they can help improve focus and concentration, making them a great choice for a home office or workspace.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its soothing scent, which can help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. This plant can be grown indoors or outdoors and can be used to make essential oils or other products that can help promote relaxation and improve sleep.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are easy to care for and can help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as carbon monoxide and formaldehyde. They are also known for their ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress, making them a great choice for a bedroom or living room.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a succulent plant that is known for its healing properties. This plant can help purify the air and is also known for its ability to soothe skin irritations and promote healing. Aloe vera can be grown indoors or outdoors and is easy to care for.
Peace Lily
Peace lilies are beautiful, low-maintenance plants that can help improve indoor air quality by removing pollutants such as benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They are also known for their ability to promote relaxation and reduce stress.
How to Care for Indoor Plants
Taking care of indoor plants is relatively easy. Here are a few indoor plant maintenance tips to keep in mind to ensure they thrive:
Light
Most indoor plants require bright, indirect light. Make sure to place your plants near a window that gets plenty of natural light, but avoid placing them in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to burn.
Water
The amount of water your indoor plants need will vary depending on the type of plant and the environment in which it is growing. Generally, most indoor plants prefer to be watered once a week, but it’s important to check the soil regularly and adjust your watering schedule as needed.
Soil
Indoor plants require well-draining soil that is rich in nutrients. Make sure to use a high-quality potting soil and avoid using garden soil, which can be too dense for indoor plants.
Temperature and Humidity
Most indoor plants prefer temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity levels between 40 and 60 percent. Make sure to place your plants in a room that is not too hot or too cold and consider using a humidifier if your home is particularly dry.
Mental Health Benefits of Interior Plants
There’s no denying that plants add beauty to any space. But interior plants also offer mental health benefits that make them ideal for your home or office.
Celebrating 45 Years in Business
Inside Plants, Inc., a leading provider of indoor plants and plant maintenance services, is celebrating its 45th year in business in Southern California!
Founded in 1978, the family-owned business has grown from a small operation to a trusted name in the indoor plant industry, serving businesses, healthcare facilities, hotels, and other organizations throughout the region.
Over the years, Inside Plants, Inc. has remained committed to providing high-quality plants and exceptional customer service, and the company has earned a reputation for excellence in the industry.
As they celebrate this milestone, the team at Inside Plants, Inc. looks forward to continuing to serve their clients and contributing to the community for many years to come.
Please contact us today to receive a free estimate from one of our Inside Plants, Inc. designers in Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
