It may not be a commonly known or celebrated holiday, but Houseplant Appreciation Day is coming up on January 10. Why should we celebrate our houseplants? You may not be aware of the many reasons (besides beauty) to have plants in your home or office, but they are actually quite beneficial to keep around, as they improve health, wellness and well-being in many ways.
When you breathe, you inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. As plants operate in the exact opposite pattern – taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen – we are natural allies. Generally when photosynthesis ceases (during the night), the process reverses, but orchids and succulents release oxygen throughout the night as well, meaning they are perfect to refresh air as you sleep.
Serene Retreat
As part of the photosynthetic cycle, plants also emit water vapor, which increases humidity of the surrounding air. As a matter of fact, plants release the great majority of the water they ingest, up to 97%. With higher humidity in the room, dry skin, colds, sore throats and dry coughs are known to be alleviated, meaning that having several plants in the same room has medicinal benefits.
Pothos Plant
Air-tight and climate controlled buildings often circulate toxins from rugs, cigarette smoke, plastic bags, man-made solvents, inks and paints. Studies have repeatedly proven that green plants have the ability to remove such toxins from the air, and researchers at Kansas State University documented faster recoveries from surgeries, less requested pain medication, lower blood pressure, lower anxiety rates and faster release from the hospital. And the Royal College of Agriculture in England found that students exhibit markedly improved levels of attentiveness and attendance when they share a classroom with plants!
With so much good that plants do for us, its easy to see why they have their own day for appreciation. Where could a plant be beneficial in your life? Home or office, or as a gift for your college student – green plants are awesome roommates. Central Square Florist has a wide selection of green plants that will improve your life and the scenery. Come in today and take home a few!
