So one of my recent hobby developments has been taking care of house plants. I recall my mother having her own “jungle” back in the day. I used to dread helping her water and take care of her plants. Some of these plants were taller than I was. She certainly had one of the greenest of thumbs I had ever encountered. Transplanting plants were the worst for me. She had remedies and all sorts of weird green things going on. People would always make comments about how many and how big her plants were. I hated it… until now.

But you know what they say—times change, and so do our interests. Now I find myself being engrossed in my own houseplants and basically any plant growing. Plant collecting is interesting. They are wonderful green life that is an earthly miracle growing right in my house. I find it to be fascinating to see so many various versions of green that is life supporting. We give them carbon dioxide and they give us oxygen. Sounds pretty wooo wooo huh? Yet, there’s a deeper connection that we can easily overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. These plants, with their vibrant hues and diverse leaves, remind us of the wonders of nature. They teach us patience as we wait for new growth, they give us surprises when we see new leaves sprout about, and they remind us of the importance of nurturing and care with a wilting leaf and growth of others. In a world filled with screens and concrete, having a touch of greenery in our homes brings us closer to the natural world, grounding us in the beauty of life itself.

So, while it may seem whimsical to some, to me, tending to my houseplants is a beautiful daily reminder of the intricate connection between humans and nature, and the beauty that emerges when we take the time to nurture life in all its forms.

Eye-catching plants immediately catch my attention when I go to the grocery store. I have to browse the plant section hoping to find a good sale or a beautiful new plant that I just need to get. The 99 Cents Only store had plants I would look at every time I would go. Well, they are closing now so whomp whomp no more plant deals there. I can’t go into Lowes just for the items I have in mind, I have to look at the plant section. Of course that’s part of home improvement too. I just have to browse the plant sections Lowes or I feel like I’ve missed out on something. I’m still new so I haven’t ventured out to nurseries yet but as I get better at growing house plants, I will certainly visit the beautiful places like this one, Monstera Duet at the Burlington Arcade. Growing houseplants for me is a hobby. For some it’s an obsession, and others it could be a great business. Whatever the level of passion for all things green, it’s a healthy obsession and here are a few reasons why houseplants are a life changer.

8 Reasons Why Growing Houseplants Can Improve Your Life.

• House plants aren’t just pretty decorations—they are natural air purifiers!
  They can help remove toxins from indoor air, creating a healthier environment for you and your family. (airhealth)
• Did you know that talking to your plants can actually help them grow?
  Some studies suggest that the vibrations from your voice can stimulate plant growth and improve their overall health. To read more on the theory read this (Stevenson)
• House plants can boost your mood and reduce stress levels.
  Just being around greenery has been shown to have a calming effect on people, helping to promote relaxation and improve mental well-being. (Haupt)
• Certain house plants, like aloe vera rosemary, and lavender, have natural healing properties.
  Aloe vera gel is great for soothing sunburns, while the scent of lavender can help promote better sleep and relaxation. (Urbanstems)
• Indoor plants can improve indoor humidity levels.
  Plants moisture through a process called transpiration. This can help alleviate dry skin, sore throats, and other respiratory issues caused by dry indoor air. (Santos-Longhurst)
• House plants can boost productivity and concentration.
  Research has found that having plants in the workplace can increase focus, creativity, and overall job satisfaction, leading to greater efficiency and performance. (Patykowski)
• Some house plants can reduce allergies and asthma.
  Snake plants and peace lilies, have been shown to help reduce symptoms of allergies and asthma by removing airborne allergens and improving air quality. (Szabo)
• Indoor gardening and caring for house plants promote well-being.
  Caring for plants can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, promoting mental well-being and reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. (Das)

I love my plants. I’ve gotten them from various places (I’ve even seen IKEA’s Plant section grow!) but I usually don’t like to spend too much on them because I feel like I’m new at plant owning and I’m not really confident in growing expensive plants yet. Here’s an unboxing video I did of a tall Fiddle Fig I got a the The 99 Cents Only store for $25.00 and another one about the herb plants I got. You don’t have to pay a lot for plants. Another way of growing them is from cuttings. Usually this is placing a cutting in water and letting it grow roots and then planting them in soil, or if you’re like me, letting the stay in water like my Ivy plants. There are meet ups for plant lovers that allow you to meet fellow fantastic flora fanatics and make friends while exchanging plants, cuttings and knowledge.

So as you see, incorporating house plants into your living space can offer numerous health benefits, from improving air quality to promoting mental and emotional well-being. I’ll encourage you to try your hand at growing some. So go ahead and green up your home for a healthier and happier you! 🌿

Air Health. “7 Best Air Purifying Indoor Plants.” Air Health, 17 Mar. 2022, airhealth.com/blog/7-best-air-purifying-indoor-plants-air-health/.

Das, Lala Tanmoy. “Why Indoor Plants Make You Feel Better, According to Science – The Washington Post.” What Science Tells Us about the Mood-Boosting Effects of Indoor Plants, The Washington Post, 7 June 2022, www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/06/how-houseplants-can-boost-your-mood/.

Haupt, Angela. “Indoor Plants Have Surprising Health Benefits. Here They Are.” Time, Time, 2 Mar. 2023, time.com/6258638/indoor-plants-health-benefits/.

Patykowski, John. “How Desk Plants Can Improve Your Productivity While You Work.” This., Deakin University, 1 Apr. 2020, this.deakin.edu.au/career/how-desk-plants-can-improve-your-productivity-while-you-work.

Santos-Longhurst, Adrienne. “Humidifying Plants: 12 Houseplants for Dry Indoor Air.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 May 2020, tinyurl.com/smcasbsp.

Stevenson, Alexa. “Probing Question: Does Talking to Plants Help Them Grow?” Penn State University, ​Penn State News, 25 Aug. 2008, www.psu.edu/news/research/story/probing-question-does-talking-plants-help-them-grow/.

Szabo, Brooke. “Asthma & Indoor Allergies: Are Potted Plant-Babies Cleaning Your Indoor Air?” Asthma Australia, Asthma Australia, 1 Oct. 2021, asthma.org.au/blog/the-best-plants-for-people-with-asthma-and-allergies/.

UrbanStems. “7 Plants That Can Naturally Improve Your Health and Wellness at Home.” UrbanStems, urbanstems.com/blog/guide/plants-that-improve-wellness-and-home. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.