My journey with plants started many years ago in a bachelor’s flat fresh out of my parent’s house and a little cacti that I called Henry.  Henry was rehomed, and today, I am the proud mamma of 42 indoor plants, and my collection is growing monthly. According to Warren, we have no more space; well, the challenge is accepted Babe 🙂

If we look at the history and the benefits of indoor plants, it is no wonder that IG is filled with beautiful pictures and journeys of forests in apartments and homes.

The popularity of indoor plants dates back to the Victorian era. Houseplants, especially ferns, became popular as symbols of wealth and status. After World War I, Cacti and succulents became popular because their shapes fit the modern style of the time. In the 1980s, NASA conducted a study that provided scientific support for the idea that plants can scrub contaminants from the air.

Today, more than 10,000 species of houseplants are available commercially.

Indoor plants have many benefits, including

• • Remove toxins and carbon dioxide from the air, and release oxygen, which can help you breathe better and reduce allergens
  • Reduced stress: The sight of plants can soothe you and calm your nervous system, which can help you relax and reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Better sleep: The sight of plants can help you get to sleep more easily.
  • Improved mood: Plants can boost your mood and increase productivity by providing a sense of connection to nature.
  • Reduced noise: Plants can help reduce noise levels.
  • Improved concentration: Plants can help improve your concentration.
  • Reduced dust: Plants can help reduce dust levels.

Indoor plants are an investment and here is a list of what  we suggest you look out for when buying indoor plants;

• Growth: Healthy plants should be growing. Young leaves should emerge, and if it is a flowering plant, flower buds should be ready to open.
• Pests:  Check the leaves, stems, and stalks for pests or signs of disease. You can also move the potting soil around to check for bugs
• Roots: Sometimes, it’s hard to see the roots in a pot, but at minimum, you should check and see if the plant is rootbound, where the roots are crowded into the pot. Pick up the container and look at the bottom. Are the roots coming out of the drainage hole? This means it’s been in the container too long.
• Light:  Different plants require different amounts of light, from direct sunlight to low levels of sunlight. Consider where you want to put the plant and make sure it matches the plant’s sunlight and space requirements
• Size of the plant: Larger plants are often more mature, meaning they’re generally harder than smaller ones. They are more likely to be able to withstand changes in the environment and less-than-ideal conditions. Small plants may carry less risk if they die on you. However, many small plants have been newly planted from tiny propagation socks, which means they are still developing, making them more delicate and sensitive to changes. And potentially, smaller plants are more likely to die from environmental changes!

The beauty of indoor plants is that they are living works of art that create a textured and dynamic form of decoration.

Happy indoor gardening friends

Tash & Family