Houseplants are attractive and a great way to bring some interest to a possibly dull area. Yet they have also been proven to have numerous physical and mental benefits.
A White Orchid is easy to care for and a beautiful houseplant. Also known to help with sleep.
On a visual level, we are relaxed by seeing greenery which will in turn help with optimism and reducing stress. Caring for plants can reduce loneliness and also bring about positivity. As well as mood boosting, having the plants around us is suggested to aid productivity and concentration – making them great for an office environment.
Whilst we may try our hardest to keep our living spaces clean and tidy, air quality may slip our attention. Unfortunately indoor environments can sometimes be between 5 and 10 times more polluted than outdoor environments. A build up of things known as ‘volatile organic compounds’ or VOCs can cause this. VOCs are released by regular household items such as appliances, paints, detergents and furniture. Science closely associates polluted air with headaches, sore and itchy eyes, dry skin and even fatigue and nausea. Plants can clean the air of these compounds by removing them- the importance of this is much more prominent in winter when we keep our windows closed and have a lot less air circulation.
Furthermore, plants take control of the humidity in a room which is an important factor in preventing the spread of viral infections, yet one that we struggle to control.
As plants carry out the opposite process to our respiration; known as photosynthesis, they take in the carbon dioxide that we breathe out and provide oxygen for us to breathe in. This is a great benefit of plants.
Sansevieria Mother In Law’s Tongue, photosynthesises overnight releasing oxygen to help sleep.
– An orchid in the bedroom is a brilliant plant to aid sleep. Orchids photosynthesise and release oxygen overnight to help breathing, health and create a peaceful sleeping environment.
Something easy to start with…
An alpine succulent- easy to grow and a trendy, attractive plant.
Maybe try a succulent if this is your first time keeping a plant indoors. We have a huge range in our alpine section of both of our centres. Start with a house leek (sempervivum) or another succulent from our alpine range, only £2.oo each or 3 for £5.oo.
Cacti are also very low maintenance and thrive in a windowsill with sunlight. Take care not to overwater them, the most effective ways are either misting them regularly or feeding them from beneath with a saucer under the plant.
Give it a go- put a plant in your work area, try putting a trailing plant over a shelf, filling an empty space or corner with a tall pot plant or even planting some smaller plants in teacups. Plants bring so much interest to a room and once you start seeing the benefits of a few plants we are sure you will grow to love indoor plants!
We have a range of houseplants in both of our stores and knowledgeable staff who would be happy to give advice on which to choose and how to care for them!
Clyst St. Mary
Sidmouth Road, Clyst St. Mary,
Exeter, Devon, EX5 1AE.
Telephone: 01392 876281
Email: gardening@stbridgetnurseries.co.uk
OPENING HOURS
Monday to Saturday 9.00am to 5.00pm*
Sundays 10.00am to 4.00pm*
Bank Holidays 9.00am to 5.00pm Closed (25/26 Dec)
*Cafe open until 4.30pm each day and until 3.30pm on Sundays.
