Bring the Outdoors In - the benefits of indoor plants
Author: Hannah Burgess
Much like crafting, there’s been tonnes of research on the physical and mental health benefits of bringing leafy goodness into our homes, reducing stress levels and increasing both our productivity and tranquility. It’s no surprise our botanical friends are seeing a huge surge in popularity.
As wonderful as it is to be in the great outdoors, we inevitably spend much of our time inside. Apartment or flat living often rules out the option of having a garden, so there’s all the more reason to bring the outdoors in…
"Imagine walking through a leafy avenue of trees or a lush green forest - you immediately feel the cooling, rejuvenating effect in the air and that’s no different indoors"
Breathe easy
Plants help purify the air and provide us with the oxygen we breathe, at the same time absorbing the carbon dioxide we exhale. This makes the air feel a whole lot cleaner and more refreshing.
Imagine walking through a leafy avenue of trees or a lush green forest - you immediately feel the cooling, rejuvenating effect in the air and that’s no different indoors (albeit on a smaller scale).
Plants also help to eliminate toxins from the air such as formaldehyde - they act as a natural dehumidifier and air filter in the home.
A Little Care
That’s our breathing, onto our mind! Plants help reduce anxiety and stress levels, and there’s a real fundamental joy in simply watching them grow and flourish under our care.
The responsibility, however little or large it might be, is a really rewarding part of looking after plants. Whether you’re looking after a little basil plant on your kitchen window-ledge or a plethora of leafy gems all over the house, the care of checking in and looking after your plants, seeing new buds form and grow, is one of the real pleasures in having them. It's a daily (or weekly) ritual that you come to cherish!
Growing plants encourages us to stop for a moment and take some time out of our schedules to water, prune, re-pot, or simply enjoy and admire. While we live in a culture of immediacy and impatience with the world at our fingertips, plants grow at their own pace and require patience - with a little care on the side.
From curating an indoor jungle retreat to cultivating a beautiful monstera, or a simple little potted succulent, indoor plants can be as easy as you like.
"Plants help reduce anxiety and stress levels, and there’s a real fundamental joy in simply watching them grow and flourish under our care."
Get Started
Take a ‘monstera deliciosa’ or the swiss cheese plant (you know, the one with the holes in the leaves like swiss cheese!) - in the right environment these guys can really thrive. They need to be watered each time the soil dries out (usually weekly) and in a position that isn’t directly in the sunlight but also fairly bright.
They can grow to up to 10ft, but don’t worry, to keep on top of them you can prune the leaves and replant them as nodes - or we love the way they look in little glass bottles on the mantlepiece. You’ll probably have to re-pot your plant each year or so, but generally they are easy to look after and look really impressive in any room.
Alternatively, succulents can be really easy to care for because they’re native to environments prone to droughts, which allows them to store their water. With succulents, you should be more concerned about over-watering rather than under-watering, so it’s perfect for those who want an easy ride or are forgetful.
It’s worth misting succulents weekly, you don’t want damp soil but a little water every so often will really help the plants thrive and maybe even sprout a little flower! Succulents love sunlight and warmth so by a window that catches the sun is ideal. For the most part, though, your plant will give you clear signs if they aren't happy - from a change of colour to drooping in the leaves, you can instinctively water and look after them!
"We love seeing hanging and trailing plants like ivy or string of pearls draping down from a shelf or a macrame hanging planter"
That Elle Deco Look
Let’s not forget how pretty plants make our home look! Including a plant or two (or three..) can really elevate the feel of your home or workplace, and make it feel all that more homely. We love seeing hanging and trailing plants like ivy or string of pearls draping down from a shelf or a macrame hanging planter. With your new indoor plants comes new excuses to find ceramic planters to compliment - both decorative and functional (win!). Happy planting!
Here are a few of our favourite botanical inspirations on Instagram for all you fellow house-plant enthusiasts...
