Within a matter of weeks, temperatures will begin to fall, and we’ll all be spending less time outdoors. With the advent of National Indoor Plant Week the third week of September and a wealth of benefits to surrounding your home’s interior with carbon dioxide-absorbing, oxygen-releasing plants, Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful has dug up some dirt on how to establish an indoor garden and why…
The Science Behind Indoor Plants
Did you know that plants can reduce stress? A study highlighted by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology illustrates that indoor plants can reduce physiological and psychological stress. What happens is that – while actively interacting with indoor plants – sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure are suppressed, promoting feelings of comfort and calm. Researchers with the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence have used horticulture therapy to enhance feelings of well-being among individuals contending with depression, anxiety, dementia, and other mood disorders.
Indoor gardens are not only good for your mental health. They can also have a positive impact on your physical health. Plants are also powerful, natural biofilters. Through photosynthesis, plants draw carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air and release oxygen and water vapor back into the air, thereby improving the air quality in your home. Poor indoor air quality could lead to respiratory issues, cardiovascular diseases, developmental effects in young children, and pregnancy complications. Houseplants that perform the scientific feat of scrubbing the air of pollutants best include:
- A variety of palms (avoid Sago palms – which could pose a danger to children and pets)
- Boston ferns
- Rubber trees
- Spider plants
- Ficus trees
Tips for Establishing Your Own Indoor Garden
You could start with one plant and see how it goes, or you could select the ideal spot in your home to create an entire garden – possibly a home office or reading nook. If you’d like to start with an herb garden, it can encompass as little as a windowsill and as much as a vertical garden on your kitchen wall. As the task of indoor gardening “grows” on you, you can expand it to include additional rooms throughout your home.
- Pick spots with loads of natural light and no cold drafts, which could stunt growth or even kill your plants.
- Select plants that are likely to thrive in your home environment. If you have pets or small children, be sure to choose non-toxic varieties. Read labels and don’t be afraid to ask the experts at your local nursery or home improvement store for suggestions.
- If you repot your plants, be sure they have good drainage and that you are giving them the appropriate amount of water. You could use a water monitoring tool or look for telltale signs to see if it’s time to add water, such as wilting leaves or the soil is dry to the touch.
- Air circulation is essential to the health of your indoor plants. Placing them near a window that you occasionally open to let in the breezes may work nicely. Once temperatures plummet below freezing, a ceiling fan or an oscillating table/floor fan will do the trick. In addition to moderating temperatures, airflow helps fend off mold and fungal issues.
- To benefit the well-being of yourself and your plant, establish a regular plant maintenance routine that expands beyond watering. Fertilize and prune as needed.
A Bounty of Options for Beginners
If you’re an aspiring gardener or you’ve been accused of having a “brown thumb,” you may want to start your indoor garden with some low-maintenance plants. The Spruce recommends the following hearty, easy-to-care-for varieties:
- Aloe Vera
- Jade Plant
- Spider Plant
- Snake Plant
- Gasteria
- African Milk Tree
- Purple Passion Vine
- Pothos
- String of Pearls
- Philodendren
- Cordyline
- Chinese Evergreen
- Ponytail Palm
- Coleus
- African Violet
- Monstera Deliciosa
- Peace Lily
- Moon Cactus
- Among others…
From all of us here at Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful, we wish you the best of luck as your indoor garden takes off! May it bring beauty to your home and peace to your life! For more eco-focused tips, be sure to bookmark our blog and visit often: https://gwinnettcb.org/blog/.