kayteable

Good morning my lovely humans! I was giving my plants their monthly “rainstorm” in the shower and wondered if YOU have green in your home. I know a few years ago, I yearned to have a house full of plants- but worried that I would be a terrible plant mother and kill them all. But can you keep a secret? (If I can do it- you can do it.) Now- while we probably all like the look of plants- why would they be beneficial in your home?

Health Benefits of House Plants

1. They improve the air quality in your home. Plants release that fresh crips oxygen into our homes and absorb some of the nasties that linger.
2. They are proven to reduce stress. While you might think having to remember to water them is stressful- they actually reduce it! Interacting and caring for plants can help suppress your sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure.
3. They support cognitive health. Studies have shown that patients with dementia improved their short-term memory by visiting Japanese gardens. “Exposure to indoor plants helps to relieve mental fatigue.”
4. They provide a symbiotic relationship. We care for them, provide them water and shelter from the elements and they provide us with fresh air and a happier environment.
5. If you struggle with mental health issues (anxiety, depression, etc. plants have been shown to help reduce symptoms by providing a calming environment, better oxygen flow in your home, and providing an easy care task.

Easy plants to start with:

1. Peace Lilies
2. Snake Plants
3. Pathos
4. Aloe Vera
5. Palms
6. Monstera
7. Succulents & Cacti
8. Spider Plant
9. Jade
10. Prayer Plants

If you want to see a list of 30 plants for beginners I picked my personal favorites from a list from The Spruce so be sure to check that out. Just like with anything- these are my personal picks that work for me, my home, and my family. Be sure you do a little research to be sure your plant picks fit you, your home, and your lifestyle. (Also- if you have pets…it is very important to make sure to keep plants that are nontoxic in case a pet decides to take a nibble!)

Personal Favorites: Snake plants and pathos are my personal favorites. Snake plants are good to have in every room for better air quality and for your mental health. They are also fairly low maintenance. Pathos- you could throw into a fire and then give it a little water and it will perk right back up.

My personal tips and tricks for plant care:

1. Start with one. Listen, I am the queen of the all-or-nothing attitude. But resist. Killing one plant when you are experimenting is kinder to the plants and your wallet when you are beginning. You also get to get the hang of it before having a house full of plants that maybe have different watering needs, sun needs, etc.
2. Monthly showers. Sound stupid? It does, but plants are meant to get their water through rainfall. Replicating this on my plants, I have noticed they seem perkier and happier than ever before. Of course, I water my plants more than once a month- but the rain showers are saved for every 1-2 months.
3. Banana water. Every once in a while, I will remember to soak my banana peels in water to get extra nutrients for my little plants.
4. When you get a plant research it. How much water, sun, size of the pot, etc. is important for the health of your plant and the result of the health benefits they provide you. If your plant feels good, so will you!
5. Get a plant app and use the free version. You don’t need to pay for a subscription to get useful information. This is more or less to help with the previous tip. For example, I use Nature-ID and with a quick scan, I know exactly what plant I have and what they need. This is especially helpful for those plants in nurseries that are vaguely labeled as foilage or house plants. The apps help you know exactly what is needed to care for your plant. It also helps if your plant randomly starts dying- it gives you a diagnosis of the problem and gives you a solution. No more panic watering.

That is all for this blog! Get some green in your home- you won’t regret it! If you have any specific questions or want to give your suggestions for the next blog, let me know in the comments below! Thank you for reading and I hope to see you again soon!

-Kayte