Houseplants have become an essential part of our living spaces, bringing a touch of nature indoors and offering a plethora of benefits. From purifying the air to simply brightening up a room, these green companions have more to them than meets the eye. Let’s dive into 15 fun and fascinating facts about houseplants that will make you appreciate them even more!
1. Living Air Purifiers
Many houseplants, like the spider plant and peace lily, are natural air purifiers. They can absorb toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, making your home a healthier place to live. There was even a scientific research done in this space. NASA’s Clean Air Study found that certain houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in just 24 hours! Aloe vera, English ivy, and snake plants were among the top performers. Studies have also shown that houseplants can absorb pollutants from carpets, furniture, and electronics, creating a cleaner living environment.
2. Communication Skills
Plants can communicate with each other through a network of fungal threads in the soil, known as the “Wood Wide Web.” This allows them to share nutrients like sugar, nitrogen and phosphorus A dying tree might sacrifice its resources for the benefit of the larger community, whilst a young seedling growing in a shaded area can survive thanks to its generous neighbours. What’s more, plants cane even warn each other of pests!
3. Stress Busters
Having houseplants can reduce stress levels and significantly improve your overall well-being. Studies have shown that interacting with plants can lower blood pressure and improve mood, making them perfect companions for those hectic days. They add a sense of calm and can even improve cognitive function and creativity. Personally, I definitely agree with that one! I created a small jungle in my flat and even on the busiest days it feels like a safe oasis.
4. Pet-Friendly Options
If you’ve never owned cats or dogs, you may not know that not all plants are safe for pets. Some of them, in fact, can be extremely toxic! But fear not, you can still enjoy an indoor garden when you have pets, as there are plenty of pet-friendly options like the Boston fern and areca palm. These plants are non-toxic and can coexist happily with your furry friends. Just make sure you do your research before introducing a new plant to a home with pets.
5. Historical Companions
A lot of us – myself included – developed a passion for gardening during the pandemic a few years ago. However, houseplants have been around for centuries! Ancient Egyptians and Greeks were among the first to cultivate plants indoors for decorative and practical purposes.
6. Nighttime Oxygen Boosters
Unlike most plants, which release oxygen during the day, some, like the snake plant and aloe vera, continue to do so at night. This makes them ideal for bedroom decor.
7. Low-Light Lovers
Not all houseplants need bright light to thrive. Plants like the ZZ plant and pothos are quite happy in low-light conditions, perfect for those dimly lit corners of your home.
8. Unusual Shapes
The lithops, or “living stone” plants, mimic the appearance of rocks to avoid being eaten by herbivores. Their unique shape and colour make them a quirky addition to any plant collection.
9. Water Indicators
Some plants, like the peace lily, are excellent at letting you know when they need water. Their leaves droop dramatically, reminding you to give them a drink. If you’d like to create an indoor jungle but have failed at keeping plants alive in the past, this may be a good one to start with.
10. Natural Humidifiers
Houseplants like the Boston fern can increase humidity in your home. They release moisture into the air through a process called transpiration, which can be beneficial in dry climates.
11. Easy Propagation
Many houseplants can be easily propagated from cuttings. Pothos, for example, can grow new roots in just a glass of water, making it simple to expand your indoor jungle. Well-kept spider plants, on the other hand, will grow lots of baby plants out of nowhere. Both of these are great starter plants if you want to expand your garden at close to no cost.
12. Colour-Changing Marvels
Certain plants, like the prayer plant, have leaves that change colour or position throughout the day. These movements are often in response to light and darkness. It’s a fascinating realisation when you notice the difference in your plant’s appearance just a few hours apart.
13. Long-Living Companions
Some houseplants can live for decades with proper care. The Aspidistra, or cast iron plant, is known for its longevity and resilience, making it a cherished heirloom plant. Do you have a houseplant that you’ve had for many years, which is still thriving?
14. Fascinating Flowers
Orchids are among the most diverse plant families, with over 25,000 species. Their intricate and varied flowers can last for months, adding a touch of exotic beauty to your home. Also – did you know that vanilla, used commonly in cooking and baking, comes from the pods of an orchid plant?
15. Drought-Resistant
Succulents, like the jade plant and echeveria, are drought-resistant and store water in their leaves. This makes them perfect for those who might forget to water their plants regularly, or those who often travel. A busy lifestyle doesn’t mean the need to sacrifice your dreams about owning an indoor garden.
Houseplants are more than just decorative pieces; they are living organisms that contribute to our well-being and bring a slice of nature into our homes. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or just starting out, these fun facts highlight the incredible benefits and unique characteristics of our leafy friends. So next time you water your plants, remember there’s a lot more going on beneath those green leaves than you might think!
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