Lifestyle October 14, 2020
Plants with a purpose.
As we navigate through this pandemic in remote settings, it can be easy to lose a sense of stability and balance in our day to day lives. We, as humans, constantly crave purpose, seek new hobbies, and look for healthy trends. Plant care is one practical hobby that can provide long-lasting benefits both mentally and physically.
With basic care and consistency, you can alleviate the restless, unmotivated behaviors of the mind.
Plants, in general, are natural medicines that harbor healing properties for the mind, body and spirit.
Although plants are universal and accessible in any region, indoor plants are unique in the sense that you get to create a habitat in your home.
According to the American Horticulture Therapy Association, Horticulture therapy, a time-proven practice, utilizes plant-filled environments to help individuals regain memory, socialization, and cognitive and emotional abilities. Yet it is not limited to people with mental illness.
So yes, plant therapy exists, and anyone can try it! One of the best things you can do for yourself is surround yourself with plants and watch them do their magic!
The answer is no! Care for indoor plants is pretty straightforward, and the plants include instructions. Naturally, they get more benefits from being isolated in an enclosed, low light area, as opposed to being left outside unattended.
So, plant care is a great idea for homebodies who want to lighten up their space, while still being in the comfort of their own home.
There are three indoor plants worth mentioning that have mood-boosting properties. This can be significant to your mental health:
Also known as the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, this plant is extraordinary because of the many vibrant green wax leaves that elongate the elegance of the plant itself. Visually, it’s beautiful.
What’s great about this plant is that it requires low light and watering only once a month. You should wait until the soil is completely dried out before you water it again because embedded in the plant’s roots are big bulbs of water that distribute moisture throughout the plant.
The ZZ plant has air purifying remedies as it removes Toluene and Xylene from indoor air. Having your own air purifier is great because you don’t have to keep replacing the filter. Plus, it’s natural!
Also known as the Pachira aquatica plant, this particular plant is popular for wealth, luck, and financial abundance. For more spiritual plant lovers, it is common to gift a money tree to new homeowners for good luck or put this plant in a sacred place within their home for positive Feng Shui energy.
The money tree is known for its braided trunk that intertwines into a mini tree, and its bright green perky leaves that represent stability and prosperity. Having this plant near you will bring nothing but good energy.
It would be best to leave this plant near sunlight. Only water it a few times a month. The money tree, essentially, is easy maintenance and very hard to kill.
On top of that, due to its air-purifying qualities, this plant can relieve anxiety and stress. This plant will absorb radiation by reducing the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiation. Not many plants have that effect, so it would be in your best interest to purchase one and add it to your plant family.
Also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue” and Sansevieria, this plant has unique, slightly wavy leaves with intricate patterns. No two snake plants are the same and they vary in color. This plant is very simple to propagate, meaning that you can cut off a leaf, isolate it in water, and within a few weeks, roots grow on their own. You could never go wrong with too many snake plants.
The basic care of a snake plant is very simple. Snake plants prefer low light and higher temperatures, so watering this plant should be limited. It is nearly impossible to kill. They thrive off of being dry and isolated. For beginners, this would be an ideal plant.
With that being said, this plant is also a natural air purifier and an anti pollutant. Snake plants are known for removing Formaldehyde, Toluene, and Xylene from air. These are important, especially for smaller spaces, because once you get this plant, you will notice the difference in air quality immediately.
1. Understand the concept of giving and receiving. Keep in mind that the more attention and care you give, the better outcome you receive.
2. Don’t overwater or underwater your plants. It can be easy to miscalculate what your plant needs, so be patient and do your research.
3. Don’t treat your plant like an object! These plants are alive. Recognize the slow growth and maturity of your plant, and it will make you a proud plant parent.
4. Practice healthy habits for you and your plant. You should take care of your plant just as much as you take care of yourself. You and your plant are sharing a space together, so it’s important to form a bond in order to grow.
5. Use the app PictureThis! This app is amazing because you can take a picture of your plant and it will identify its name and how to care for it. It will also detect problems if it looks like something is wrong.
Here are a few online shops to check out if you are serious about plant care:
1. White Flower Farms is a family-owned business since 1950. They specialize in flowers and indoor plants at affordable prices!
2. Horti is a great online shop for beginners. This business gives you the option to have a subscription and get plants mailed to your door.
3. Lastly, Etsy is a great resource for purchasing plants if you know the exact plant you want. The great thing about Etsy is that you will be directly supporting small business owners. Sometimes, buying locally is better for the community.
So, the next time you find yourself sitting in your room looking at the window watching the days go by, enter a new chapter and pick a plant that suits you. Then, go ahead and flourish with it.
