A little bit of green goes a long way!

Indoor plants are a miracle of nature. If you're wondering how then it's because they're defying the natural order of life. When it comes to plants, most need three elements- light, water and nutrients. Over time these species grew to thrive in hostile conditions. 

Yet, these beautiful wonders survive and allow us to thrive through their aesthetics. "Looking at my indoor plants that breathe life into my room makes me happy. They don't just liven up the environment but also bring a sense of responsibility as I am directly responsible for them. It has taught me to be more careful. This process of being responsible and thoughtful towards my indoor plants over time made me aware of my surroundings better." said Aasma Aryal, a young copy developer and indoor plant enthusiast.

 

As per research published in BJPsych International, Horticultural therapy has shown a greater success rate to help patients who suffer from depression, anxiety, dementia and mental illnesses. Tending for these plants gave them a purpose, established a routine and invoked a feeling of well-being. Even though it might seem that this trend is new, it's a resurgence. In England, for centuries, medical experts have prescribed potted plants to patients who exhibit symptoms of anxiety and depression.  

 

"It isn't just a plant for me- it's a friend as well. Especially during the lockdown when I had to stay home, my small pot of Bromeliad was my greatest companion. I have it set up in a small ceramic pot on my study table. I had spare time, and I was growing restless. I found it difficult to communicate with my family and friends. During the process of tending to my plant, I began to rekindle my childhood hobbies. I took up sketching again, and while I took breaks, I couldn't help but notice my Bromeliad and how it survives even in the most difficult environment. It didn't just give me a mood boost but also instilled in me that every dark cloud has a silver lining." says Vikram Shrestha, a writer and indoor plant enthusiast.

 

Research conducted by Dr Roger S. Ulrich presented during the conference, Plants for people, showed patients recovering from surgery required less medication and had shorter stays when they were around greenery. Even though the research was oriented towards natural scenery at hospitals rather than at home, it helped show how adding a little bit of green in your life goes a long way.

Indoor plants don't just help us connect with nature at home but also fosters environmental responsibility. Especially for children, being around nature at home, helping their parents tend to them and learning about them invokes the natural spirit. 

 

These natural wonders have helped humanity for centuries by invoking optimism, creativity and tranquility. Now that we are able to foster plants at home, it takes the experience even further.