Bringing in Potted Plants
When one thinks of adding a touch of nature to their living space, oftentimes the first thought is to place an indoor garden or a few potted plants. Potted plants are a great way to add a bit of green and natural vibrancy to any space, adding beauty to a home and office alike. Not only can these plants provide a visual delight, but they can also bring a myriad of health benefits to any home.
From improving air quality to calming effects, bringing in potted plants can be a great way to improve the atmosphere of a home, office, or workspaces. Let’s take a look at some of the ways in which potted plants can make a big difference in your environment.
Improving Air Quality
Potted plants can be a great way to improve air quality of any space. These plants act as natural air purifiers, eliminating harmful compounds like ammonia, benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and xylene from the air. These toxins are released from synthetic materials, such as plastics, solvents, metals, and carpets, and can be hazardous to human health.
In fact, NASA conducted a study in 1988 to determine if plants can actually aid in improving air quality, and the results were astonishing. The study found that the plants do in fact work at absorbing toxins and purifying the air, meaning that with the right selection of plants, you could dramatically reduce the amount of pollutants and toxic chemicals circulating in the air.
Boosting Mental Health
In addition to improving air quality, plants have also been found to be effective stress reducers as well. Studies have shown that looking at plants can help people to de-stress after a long day or intense task.
In one of these studies, conducted in 2002, participants were asked to complete stressful tasks and then answer questions about their stress levels after looking a picture of a garden for just three minutes. The research team found that the participants who looked at the garden picture reported significantly lower stress levels after the task than the participants who did not view it.
Furthermore, studies have shown that simply being around plants can lead to increased focus and improved moods. In one 2015 study, researchers discovered that having plants in an office led to improved attendance, as well as increased job satisfaction.
Increasing Productivity
Potted plants can also increase productivity in a workspace. Studies have shown that looking at plants helps with focusing on the task at hand and remembering information more accurately.
In one 2011 study, researchers split participants into two groups, and asked each group to look at either a blank wall or a pot of plants. The group that looked at the pot of plants completed the task faster. Furthermore, the same study revealed that the participants who looked at the plants remembered more of the task than the participants who did not – a great finding for anyone looking for ways to increase productivity in the workplace.
Providing Aesthetic Value
One of the most obvious benefits of having plants in a home or office is that it can add aesthetic value to the space. Plants can be strategically placed and used to create a pleasant and calming atmosphere, as well as bring in natural elements like color and texture.
When selecting the types of plants for your space, consider the environment and what effect the plants will have. Choose greenery that will mesh well with the existing elements and decor of the space, and pick plants that do not require an excess of maintenance.
Wrapping Up
Incorporating potted plants in any space is an excellent way to improve air quality and reduce stress, as well as boost productivity and provide aesthetic value. Keep in mind that different plants require varying levels of upkeep, and choose plants that will work best with your particular environment. By doing so, you can create a pleasant and natural atmosphere that is both beautiful to look at, and good for your overall health.
