Why plants at home and at work are a must?

It's a fact that they require our attention. They need to be regularly watered, sometimes nurtured. When planning long trips, we often have to find someone who will look after them in our absence. Despite all these inconveniences, we do not take the easy way out and still eagerly decorate our homes and offices with living plants.

What NASA has to say?

The influence that all these "green plants" have on us is not as insignificant as it might seem. Evidence? Even NASA became interested in our domestic plants. In 1989, the American Space Agency (the same one that organizes flights outside our planet!) decided to investigate the impact of these plants on indoor air quality. Experts working for this prestigious institution had no doubts that for our own good we should surround ourselves with greenery. What's more, they even set a certain standard. They think it is advisable to have at least one plant per 10 square meters.

How do we benefit from home plants?

It's a good idea to consider similar tips when arranging interiors, because these house plants, demanding as they can be, will pay us back in many ways. Below are the benefits they bring:

Home decor details

Let's start with the most obvious. Green additions will enliven even the drabbest interiors. It doesn't matter whether it's our home or workplace - you just want to stay in aesthetically arranged rooms. For fans of outdoor activities, it will also be a small substitute for nature. It’s incredibly valuable that they are at your fingertips, even when you do not have time for a long walk.

The color that brings relaxation

It is well known that the choice of colors affects our well-being. A large amount of plants in your room also means a greater share of green accents. Since this color has a relaxing effect on people, which is also a well known fact, one can venture a statement that in such an environment we will be less stressed and the quality of our rest will improve.

Nice scent

Plants stimulate our senses. They are also eagerly chosen because of their nice smell. The natural fragrance of plants is much more pleasant than, for example, artificial air fresheners. If we choose plants known for their nice fragrance, while arranging our interiors, we will treat ourselves to a real mood -improving "aromatherapy".

Increased amount of oxygen

If someone asked "why do we need trees?", the answer would be crystal clear. Even an uninterested student knows that due to photosynthesis green plants convert harmful carbon dioxide into essential oxygen. But are we aware that small plants placed in pots can do it too? Exactly! It can be said that in the rooms full of plants there is plenty of air to breathe.

Higher level of air humidity

Inconspicuous plants also have the ability to release water vapor. This makes them work like a humidifier. We will particularly appreciate this in the heating season, when the indoor climate poses a threat to our health. Plants relieve dry skin, and act as an antidote for throat problems and persistent cough.

Reduction of harmful substances

There are many harmful substances lurking indoors. Varnished surfaces, furniture with glue or plastic elements can be sources of harmful compounds that we unknowingly inhale. It is true that these are not large doses, but we are exposed to them for a long time, which is not necessarily good for us. If we want to limit their amount, we should invest in plants that can neutralize such substances.

There are quite a lot of toxins that our plants need to deal with. On this list you will find, for example, headache- inducing ammonia (used in the production of synthetic fabrics or window cleaners or in wood preservatives), trichlorethylene and benzene (components of various paints and varnishes) or formaldehyde causing mucosal irritation (in kitchen towels or wall panels).

Domestic plants should also be of interest to chain smokers who smoke at home and at work. Greenhouse plants are also capable of neutralizing harmful substances.

Fresh herbs in the kitchen

Finally, a small bonus. There is also a practical side of plant breeding. In pots you can grow aromatic herbs, or juicy citrus - useful in the kitchen. Your satisfaction with using home grown ingredients is priceless.

Which plants can be grown indoors?

Indoor plants are invaluable. There is no doubt that their presence positively affects our lives. Is every plant equally beneficial? NASA also sought an answer to this question. In the aforementioned report the American Space Agency recommends 18 species that are most effective in coping with air purification. Nonetheless, not all of the plants are good for everyone (some of them are unsuitable for households with children or pets).

Inverted dracaenas and large-flowered chrysanthemums are the best species to cope with impurities. On the list you can also find such varieties as: low dacelo, nephrolepis lofty, ficus benjamina, gerbera jamesonii or ivy. However, the list presented by these American scientists is not exhaustive. There are many other significant plants that have been omitted.. Apart from being pleasing to the eye, these plants also enhance the atmosphere of the rooms where we spend long hours.