There are a lot of reasons why house plants make a great addition to a home. They bring a touch of nature in to our home which is good for our mental health. But just as importantly plants have health benefits for our physical health also.
Many substances in our homes such as wall paints, rubbers, vinyl, laminates, computer parts and plastics all break down over time and release toxic compounds into the air we breathe. Plants absorb many of these harmful toxins, breaking them down into gentle byproducts, and storing them in their soil to use later for food.
In office buildings this is a well documented problem of Sick Building Syndrome. This causes symptoms in otherwise healthy people including sudden allergies, irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, respiratory and sinus congestion, and nervous system disorders.
We can improve our indoor air quality with plants.
Plants need chlorophyll in order to produce their essential nutrients and vitamins. Since plants live in a place where the sunlight is the most abundant source of light (such as your home), these plants depend on you for their survival. That means they need your help in making sure that they get enough sunlight and getting a lot of light so that they can make the most of what the sun has to offer.
Of course, you could buy bulbs specifically for growing plants indoors but these may be outside your budget. However you can make sure your plants are getting enough light if you've got them situated in the right area, at the right angle, and so on.
Air-filtering fans or heaters are excellent for insulating air. They help regulate the temperature inside your home, which in turn means your house plants will be getting the proper amount of oxygen for good health.
This means that if you have outside air to clean, you'll also have ample oxygen to provide for your house plants. You'll save yourself time and money by keeping outside air clean and fresh. Keep in mind that indoor plants thrive on fresh air, too, so it's a good idea to keep the air in your home properly filtered.
Don't forget, too, that light helps plants grow faster. In some instances, it can actually be more cost-effective than having to buy a new set of house plants. The best way to assure this is by keeping the lights on in the middle of the day and ensuring they're on for longer stretches at night. While this sounds impossible, it's not, and it's a good idea to utilize solar panels in your home to generate electricity and distribute it through the rest of your house.
House plants need air filters too, but they also need to be able to breathe in order to survive. When the air in your home is filtered properly, you're sure to find more of your house plants thriving and healthier than ever before.
In addition to making sure the house is properly ventilated, you should also put up drapes and other fabric that are designed to protect your plants from heavy precipitation, direct sunlight, or any other kind of pollutants. If you've got the financial means, adding natural materials like wood chips, gravel, or recycled materials to your home might help as well.
Also, using an air filter for your air conditioner (which are often sold as dehumidifiers) can help give your plants a nice environment for them to thrive in. A simple change like this can make a huge difference in the quality of air in your house plants enjoy.
A few other ways to improve the quality of the air your plants enjoy in your home is by adding low-pressure units to a regular room's air conditioning system, or by adding air filters for your outdoor air. While these steps may seem unnecessary to you, if you plan on doing your part to maintain healthy air in your home, it's probably a good idea to take advantage of them now.
Remember, plants, like air, thrive in a healthy environment. Start by getting a good look at the air quality in your home, then move forward to improve it by simply adding the necessary materials to make sure that your plants have the proper amount of oxygen.
Care for your plants and they will reward you with the following health benefits.
- Boost your mood, increase productivity, concentration and creativity
- Reduce stress, fatigue, sore throats and colds
- Absorb toxins to improve air quality, increase humidity and oxygen levels
- Provide privacy and buffer sound reducing noise levels
Let's face it there are no prettier or cost effective ways to boost your health than with plants.
