Create a More Beautiful and Healthy Home with Living plants
5 benefits of plants in your home or office
Although you can buy many things to beautify your home, few can do what living plants can. Studies have shown that plants make the indoor environment healthier and can even increase the happiness of those living there.
Here are five reasons to add living plants to your décor.
1. Plants can improve the air quality in the home and office.
According to NASA research, plants improve air quality by removing certain chemicals from the air in enclosed spaces. These chemicals compounds include benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia that have been linked to physical complaints such as headaches, eye irritation and more.
2. Living indoor plants can help people breathe better.
During photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. That’s good for us because we breathe in oxygen. While most plants stop photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide at night, a few plants like orchids, succulents and certain others, do just the opposite. They release oxygen at night, making them a good choice for your bedroom.
3. Plants are associated with reduced stress in the workplace.
An Australian study found that plants in the work environment can reduce stress. This research noted reductions in anxiety, depression, anger and hostility -- emotions that can reduce productivity and negatively affect health.
4. Plants can improve health.
Norwegian and Dutch researchers discovered a link between plants in the workplace and employees’ health. They found plants in the workplace can reduce the incidence of physical ills such as fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms.
5. Living plants have been shown to speed recovery for surgical patients.
A study from Kansas State University looked at the recovery rate of patients in rooms with and without plants. The patients in rooms with plants requested less pain medication and were released from the hospital sooner than those patients without plants.
As the above research shows, plants in the home is more than a design consideration. Of course, not every plant will be right for your home or office. Some can be toxic if eaten and so should be avoided in homes with children or animals.