#benefitsofhouseplants

[loulieblack]

The bad weather, on top of lockdown, prevents us from communing much with nature outside, this month. But we can enjoy nature inside, with wonderful houseplants.

[loulieblack]

Many reportedly have properties that are physiologically beneficial, but all of them can help promote mental well-being as we appreciate them with our senses of sight, smell and touch. The fact that they continually change - growing, sprouting leaves, climbing, trailing, flowering or putting out offsets (or 'pups' - as in the spider plant) can bring us joy and the act of caring for them is psychologically beneficial in itself.

Rubber plants are particularly good for enhancing air quality. Like most plants, balancing carbon dioxide/oxygen through photosynthesis, but better than most due to the large surface area of the leaves. They also  help to cleanse the air, using their natural defence system against airborne bacteria and mould. With improved air quality, our mood, focus and energy improve. Many plants also put water vapour into the air, offsetting the drying effects of central heating, alleviating respiratory and skin problems, headaches and allergies.

[loulieblack]

You can quickly change your decor by swapping the containers your plants are displayed in. Using vintage or not-vintage, containers can be re-purposed. Aside from the constraints of size and other practical factors - if you use your imagination there are endless options. Here are just a few examples:-

Beginning with the smallest, I tried this attractive little succulent (sometimes known as 'rats' tails’) firstly in this tiny vintage fairy tale picture cup. Its plastic pot shows above the top, adding to the casual and cheery appearance.

Next a more sophisticated vintage orange lustre jug. Again too short to hid the plastic; this would have looked better with an even smaller plant in an even smaller plastic pot.

The chromium-plated Art Deco creamer hides the plastic pot fairly well. Its stout roundness complements the plant's wavy loftiness.

[loulieblack]

Some medium sized plants in various containers -

this vintage brass jardiniere, with it's solid look and 1930's raised bump pattern, perfectly balances the tangle of leaves that is the young spider plant.

It also suits the Christmas cactus where plant and pot form an (almost) figure 8.

[lovelaurenengelke]

10 Purifying Indoor Plants Best for your Home — The Sustainable Stylist

Best indoor plants to add to your home for a cleaner indoor air and environment.Here’s some favorites that are animal-friendly plus low maintenance too.

[willowbrookgc]

Fashionable Foliage. Every home should have a plant in it. #foliagehouseplants #gardening_love #benefitsofhouseplants (at Willowbrook Garden Centre) https://www.instagram.com/p/B8OrHvGA1PF/?igshid=7f0k8jsqrw3e