House plants were big in the 70s but then dropped out of fashion.Well, they are back and big! Like so many other things in the home; people are now able to look beyond just the aesthetic and see the true value of plants. Seeing green every day really does stop you seeing red!

The health benefits of house plants are multiple.  They are especially important if you don’t have access to an outdoor space or find it hard to go outside. They are also a perfect for renters; they can completely change the aesthetic of a room without permanently changing it.

The benefits of plants are:

They reduce anxiety & depression –research has shown that bacterium in plant soil triggers the release of serotonin, which lifts the mood and reduces anxiety. The colour green has long been associated with calm and there is a very good reason for that.

Indoor plants increase productivity and creativity - Many research studies have shown increases in creativity level of subjects both in school and at workplace. Now the workplace is at home for many of us we need to think more seriously about how conducive it is to working smarter. Plants enable you to concentrate for longer and increase reaction times when using computers.

Boost air quality - NASA studies have shown that plants improve air quality. Choose the right plant and they can increase the oxygen in the room – hugely benefitting brain function. Asthmatics are increasing recognising the value of cleaner air via house plants.

Scent triggers happy memories – the value of scent in the home is massively underplayed. Natural scents from flowers or plants create strong connections with nostalgia, the most powerful emotion. For me geraniums remind me of my granny, hyacinths of my mum, jasmine of holidays. All give me warm happy feelings.

Talk is good – as the single mother of two teenagers any conversation without an eyeroll is a rare treat. Talking to plants definitely makes them grow better & helps me process thoughts (not based on any science)

Pain tolerance – studies in hospitals have shown that a room full of plants can have a significant effect on the pain levels people are able to endure. We are just beginning to investigate the effect they can have on housebound, chronic pain suffers.

Buying online

Buying online makes it easier to find the exact plants you want when you want them.  Here are some of our favourites;

Mint Plants mintplants.co.uk   - based in the West Country they have a great range of quirky and unusual plants starting from as little as £5. Special discounts for Blue Light Service personnel and students. @mint.plants

Hortology hortology.co.uk Really user-friendly website with a section dedicated to air purifying plants.  More lifestyle than other sites helping you visualise the plants with your décor. Their blog about the right plants to have with pets is worth a read. @hortology

Patch Plants patchplants.com  as well as supplying plants and pots, they have a great range of short videos and course that will help you keep them looking their best. @patchplants

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The Best Pots

Ikea ikea.com has to be the home of the plant pot. Funky and modern they come in many different colours and textures. Wicker, glass,ceramic, metal, concrete – whatever works with your home – even if you haven’t chucked out the chintz. They even have self-watering pots for the plant-care challenged. I swear my daughter could kill a plastic plant. @ikeauk

John Lewis johnlewis.com also has an amazing range with high design values. @johnlewis‍

‍Dunelm dunelm.com is a little more affordable if you need multiple pots. @dunelmuk

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Plant Subscriptions

Subscription services such as allow you to buy the plants and the pots at the same time and are a great source of advice. The subscription options give you a home enhancing regular boost.

‍Bloombox Club bloomboxclub.com Lots of information about self-care and the role that plants can play in your general wellbeing. @bloomboxclub

‍Leaf Envy leafenvy.co.uk This site even has a section of plants that are hard to kill! @leafenvy

Plant Pet Club plantpetclub.co.uk Some great bundles to get you off to a leafy start. @plantpetclub

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Stay Sharp!

Barry's Cactus Club barryscactusclub.com If you really don’t trust yourself to keep your plants alive this site specialises in succulents. Great gift box options. @barryscactusclub

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If you only buy one thing this January – buy something that will lift your spirits for a lot longer than a new shirt.

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