An article on the Psychology Today website dated September 14th, 2019, lists 11 ways plants enhance your mental and emotional health. I completely agree with all of them. I have always had the occasional houseplant and also grew up around dozens of them in my grandmother’s house. However, it hasn’t been until the past year or so that I have begun ‘collecting’ houseplants. I have found that having them in my home is very beneficial and therapeutic.

So, the 11 items listed in the above-noted article are:

  1. Stress Reduction
  2. Reduced Symptoms of Depression
  3. Stronger Memory Retention
  4. Fewer Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress
  5. Improved Symptoms of Attention-Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD)
  6. Higher Productivity and Improved Concentration in Schools and Workplaces
  7. Higher Levels of Creativity
  8. Fewer Symptoms of Dementia
  9. Higher Intellect
  10. Better Self-Esteem
  11. Greater Quality of Life Overall.

Research studies have shown that interacting with nature (plants, for example) can help to produce the benefits in this list. How amazing is that?

For those of you who may have considered purchasing a houseplant but think you don’t have what it takes to care for them properly, there are ‘beginner’ plants out there that often thrive in spite of your level of attention. And if you are a pet owner or worried about small humans getting into plants and having negative reactions, there are many varieties of non-toxic houseplants to be had that are also easy-care. Some examples? Spider plants, African Violets, Peperomias, Hoyas, some types of ferns and so on. Many of these do well in hanging baskets, which makes it much easier to give them their own safe space. If you do some research, there is all kinds of information out there for how to care for certain types of plants. Below are a few easy-care, non-toxic plants from my growing (pun intended) collection —-

Peperomia plants – the String of Turtles on the left are really cute and look just like turtle shells
African Violet – this one is called Little Ottawa
Hoya Krimson Princess – Hoyas produce the coolest flowers when they are blooming!

Starting up with houseplants is very simple once you’ve done research on the type(s) you’re most interested in. Then you can choose to purchase plants online, at most big box stores, flower shops and stores devoted entirely to plants and accessories as well as through private sellers. Most common plant types won’t break the bank. You can also accessorize with various types and sizes of pots in multiple colors and designs together with other items to complement your chosen decor.

Additionally, there is research out there that certain plants are capable of cleaning the air around them in small quantities. Plants are truly amazing.

Good luck to you if you decide to become a ‘plant parent’, and I wish you every benefit that your houseplants have to offer. You may just find that you have a green thumb after all!!

Until next time,

Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ www.naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter