This Week’s Guest Blog is from The Glasshouse Project, a horticultural rehabilitation project, growing, nurturing and selling house plants from disused prison glasshouses in the UK

MENTAL HEALTH AND THE MAGIC OF PLANTS

 

Provided by The Glasshouse project, a horticultural rehabilitation project growing, nurturing and selling house plants from disused prison glasshouses in the UK.  For more information or to order direct delivery of our very special house plants, visit http://www.theglasshouse.co.uk

Many of us are aware that poor mental health is a growing concern, but not many of us know that plants can help address some of the root causes and symptoms of mental health issues. A growing number of scientific studies find that nature not only benefits our physical health, but also that the presence of houseplants in our homes, schools, hospitals and places of work can bring improved psychological wellbeing1.

 

Stress is a common mental health challenge that can lead to anxiety and depression2. Studies show that when plants are introduced to our indoor environment, there are significant decreases in stress. Working and living in environments that include nature, people report up to 40% less anxiety, fatigue and hostility or anger, as well as a 15% spike in reported wellbeing3.

This year, RHS Chelsea Flower Show added an area of inspiring and beautiful house plant exhibits, which illustrates the growing trend for indoor gardening. We talk to so many gardeners who have beautiful gardens, but claim they are unable to grow indoor specimens! Caring for indoor plants does take a different approach – the number one killer of house plants is over-watering which even the most able outdoor gardener might struggle to comprehend. If you would like to enjoy the benefits of nature indoors, it will require a bit of care and attention, but don’t be daunted! Plants usually come with instructions but here are some easycare, hardy plants that just might improve your mental health and increase your air quality + they are all gorgeous!

 

The Zebra Plant (Calathea Concinna)

This beauty is a vibrant reminder of the natural rhythm of life as it follows a circadian rhythm, spreading its leaves to the sun and moving throughout the day to maximize light intake, resting at night. This will be the easiest pet you’ll ever have!

  • Place this plant in medium bright, indirect sunlight in a warm room
  • This plant doesn’t like to be too dry, so put your finger into the soil to test and water when the top inch of soil is dry, approximately once a week.

 

Aloe vera

Egyptian stone carvings depict Cleopatra using this in her skin rituals and Alexander the Great conquered the African island of Socotra in order to use its aloe to treat wounded soldiers.  This plant gives all the benefits that nature offers and requires very little in return.

  • Place in bright, indirect sunlight in a warm room.
  • Wipe the leaves with a wet cloth every month or so to clear dust for healthy sun absorption.
  • This plant likes it dry so water only when the top 2 inches of soil are dry to touch and ensure water drains, so roots don’t sit in water.

 

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

You’ll probably recognise this beauty as it sparked the latest interior jungle trend. It’s not just a pretty face though – NASA reports that the Monstera is one of the most effective plants for reducing air pollution.  Lucky for us, it’s also very easy to nurture.

  • Place in bright, indirect sunlight in a warm room.
  • Wipe the leaves with a wet cloth every month or so to clear dust for healthy sun absorption.
  • This plant doesn’t like to be over-watered, so err on the side of less.  Water only when the top 3 inches of soil are very dry to touch and ensure water drains, so roots don’t sit in water.
  • Mist weekly if you think of it as this plant loves a humid environment – perfect for a bathroom or kitchen!

 

 

Sources:

1)    RHS: https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=949

2)    Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/what-is-stress/

3) Marie Claire https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/life/health-fitness/houseplants-stress-reliever-stress-month-653559