Plants: Bringing good ‘GREEN’ Into Your Life

Plants are Life

Green in Life:

As trends like "urban jungle", "plantfluencing", and "clean air plants" gain popularity on social media, science continues uncovering all the reasons filling your life with more plants is so powerful for your wellbeing and the planet.

Purifying the Air:

Houseplants like spider plants, Aloe Vera, Boston Ferns, and Snake plants were found by NASA to remove toxins like xylene, ammonia and formaldehyde from indoor spaces. Using these "clean air plants" protects you from pollutant exposure and cleaner air also boosts productivity and mood. 

Connecting with Nature:

The biophilia hypothesis suggests human brains are hardwired to positively respond to natural elements, foliage and greenery tones. Surrounding yourself with houseplants or garden spaces lifts your mental health, reduces anxiety/depression risk, and calms the mind by connecting you to nature’s rejuvenating essence.

Beautifying Your Views: 

Whether placed indoors near sunny windows, on balconies, or nurtured into a lush backyard oasis, thoughtfully arranged flowers, shrubs, succulents and potted plants simply make every living space visually uplifting with natural artistry.

Combating Climate Change: 

Expanding green spaces combats climate change. Plants cool areas, clean emissions from the air through carbon sequestration, and improve biodiversity allowing ecosystems to better adapt while we build sustainable cities.

So, welcome more plants into your home, your workplace, your community for cleaner breathing, stronger mental health, and a healthier planet. The time for greening from home is now!

Benefits of having plants:

Here are some of the key ways that nurturing plants can benefit mental health and induce calm:

Promote Mindfulness:

Caring for plants with habits like regular watering or repotting helps keep the mind present rather than worrying about past and future. The simple repetitive tasks can act as mini-meditations.

Reduce Stress through Nature Connection:

Humans are believed to have an innate preference towards natural elements and greenery tones. The indoor presence of plants taps into that evolutionary attraction, comforting the mind.

Boost Positivity from Achievement:

Successfully growing a healthy plant sparks a rush of dopamine and sense of purpose, similar to the benefits of gardening as a rewarding hobby.

Clean Indoor Air: 

Plants like aloe vera, peace lily, fern and snake plants filter out air pollutants that could otherwise negatively impact mood and thinking.

Introduce Calming Natural Aromas:

Flowers like lavenders, jasmines and roses release subtle yet soothing fragrances that can relax both body and mind.

Decorate Personal Spaces:

Thoughtfully styling indoor and outdoor spaces with beautiful plants, flowers and succulents lifts aesthetics to visually delight.

So, Embrace your inner botanist! Nurture nature wherever you can indoors and out to tap into the multifaceted mental health benefits of plants and gardening. Just avoiding a tendency towards obsessive perfectionism if one's focus becomes disproportionate. Moderation balancing practicality keeps the hobby healthy.

Plants are important

Plants [indoor/outdoor] as per location:

Here are some recommendations for suitable plants according to location:

Entrance Area:

Lucky bamboo, money plants, and orchids symbolize good fortune. Their bright colors also welcome guests.

Purchase:

Lucky Bamboo: 2-layer Bamboo https://amzn.to/3Ul3Pmf; 3-layer bamboo https://amzn.to/3UpUqtP

Money Plant: https://amzn.to/3SlzGjY ; https://amzn.to/3OjuyMf

Orchid: https://amzn.to/3OnaCrN; https://amzn.to/3SC8cYP

Kitchen Area:

Aloe Vera, Mint, Basil, Lemon grass for tasty additions and air purifying properties. Also consider low light plants like ZZ plants or Pothos.

Purchase:

Aloe Vera: https://amzn.to/3SqL0f0, https://amzn.to/3HEuFOI

Mint: https://amzn.to/3SBBJ4N, https://amzn.to/3vVF0Dk

Basil: https://amzn.to/48NGxK6, https://amzn.to/3vSUmIB

Lemon Grass: https://amzn.to/3vUND0V, https://amzn.to/3SC9bZ1

ZZ Plant: https://amzn.to/3SCTv7Q, https://amzn.to/3Uma7SM

Pothos: https://amzn.to/3uciDJ9, https://amzn.to/3On22cK

Hall Area:

Snake plant, spider plants, peace lilies are hardy with excellent air cleaning qualities. Bamboo palms add vertical interest in hallways. 

Purchase:

Snake Plant: https://amzn.to/48S5nsp, https://amzn.to/48Rn9vD, https://amzn.to/3HBIFZB

Spider Plant: https://amzn.to/4bebY1Q, https://amzn.to/42kTmJw

Peace Lilies: https://amzn.to/3HBoGu7, https://amzn.to/42iKhRk

Bamboo Palms: https://amzn.to/42gXbiI, https://amzn.to/3ucCRm9

Bedrooms:

Lavender, jasmine, and rose generate soothing aromas before sleep. Snake plants and spider plants filter toxins and give oxygen at night.

Purchase:

Lavender : https://amzn.to/3SD4wpG, https://amzn.to/3HIQNas

Jasmine : https://amzn.to/47X4kWT, https://amzn.to/47QJ5pr

Rose: https://amzn.to/4bk3Cpl,https://amzn.to/4bb4fBP,https://amzn.to/494v8p4,

          https://amzn.to/3UCulI7, https://amzn.to/3HDJBfX,

Flowers

Balcony: 

Herb gardens with thyme, parsley, coriander for fresh flavor and scents. Mini citrus trees also fruit nicely on patios/balconies.

Purchase:

Thyme: https://amzn.to/3SDn6hB, https://amzn.to/4bsem5k

Parsley: https://amzn.to/48T1nYq, https://amzn.to/3HFmNwe

Coriander: https://amzn.to/3HECNyH, https://amzn.to/3HE9XP2

Oregano: https://amzn.to/49wzLIT, https://amzn.to/4becRHH

Citrus: https://amzn.to/47VBypz, https://amzn.to/47UExOP

Passage Area:

English ivy, ferns, and philodendrons can adorn walls/railings with minimal care adding personality. Sweetheart Hoya brings bright heart-shaped foliage.

Purchase:

English Ivy: https://amzn.to/3Shx3Qq, https://amzn.to/3OmuGus

Ferns: https://amzn.to/3SkHceT, https://amzn.to/3SCXSjg

Philodendrons : https://amzn.to/3UiTR4G, https://amzn.to/3vWmyKM, https://amzn.to/4bhSPMr

Sweetheart Hoya: https://amzn.to/3HB9a18, https://amzn.to/49hE8ax

The goal is complementing each location vibe with practical plants matching the light, space and roles of that area. Hope these give some ideas to holistically green your personal spaces! Let me know any other room/zone guidance needed.

Seeds for nurturing home plants:

Here are some great seeds to start with for nurturing home plants:

Herb Seeds:

Basil, oregano, cilantro, parsley and thyme grow wonderfully in pots kept in sunny kitchen windows and make cooking flavorful. Mint is refreshing but pot separately as spreads aggressively.

Vegetables:

Mini tomato varieties, chili peppers, carrot, beans, lettuce work well in backyard patches and even balcony containers given adequate sunlight.

Purchase:

Mini Tomato: https://amzn.to/3OnOayy, https://amzn.to/3Ul9pFd

Chili Peppers: https://amzn.to/3UdzN3Q, https://amzn.to/3u4KBqr

Carrot: https://amzn.to/47WuAjW, https://amzn.to/3w4WOf2

Beans: https://amzn.to/42hCBPk, https://amzn.to/3SmuPiq

Lettuce: https://amzn.to/3vVxFUc, https://amzn.to/3HFEgEM

Microgreens:

From broccoli and kale to quinoa and amaranth, these are

great for urban gardeners lacking big spaces yet wanting nourishing crops.

Purchase:

Broccoli: https://amzn.to/47UAiTu, https://amzn.to/48QkQsN

Kale: https://amzn.to/48YWAFe, https://amzn.to/3UiUDP8, https://amzn.to/3UjXwiX

Amaranth: https://amzn.to/4biqq9e, https://amzn.to/483swac

Sprouts - Extremely easy seeds for growing highly nutritious sprouts micro-farms even in jars on your countertop - think mung bean, radish and alfalfa.

Purchase:

Sprouts: https://amzn.to/3HF8zvs, https://amzn.to/47TTaCi

Alfaalfa: https://amzn.to/49d1X31, https://amzn.to/3HXRZqZ

Radish: https://amzn.to/3OrMrbF, https://amzn.to/3vMZCNR

Flowers:

Marigold, zinnias, nasturtium and cosmos sprout vibrantly to infuse balconies with color. They often self-seed yearly.

Purchase:

Marigold: https://amzn.to/3vVtFmD, https://amzn.to/47TTuku

Zinnias: https://amzn.to/3HBbdlQ, https://amzn.to/42qkeYz

Nasturtium: https://amzn.to/42iUMnO, https://amzn.to/3Skksvz

Cosmos: https://amzn.to/480jKtk, https://amzn.to/47TU95s

Succulents:

For low maintenance plants, cacti, aloe vera, echeveria, hen and chicks, grow well indoors and outdoors with appropriate drainage soil mix and sunlight.

Purchase:

Cactus: https://amzn.to/4befxVL, https://amzn.to/4bgw2k8, https://amzn.to/48Pz1i3,

Succulents : https://amzn.to/3UfI0ob,

Echeveria: https://amzn.to/3SdvzGK

Hen & Chicks: https://amzn.to/49ad78P, https://amzn.to/3HEiYra

Prioritize seeds best suited to container gardening for balcony spaces, your lighting conditions and flavors you enjoy. Have fun experimenting with microgreens and sprouts for starting indoor!

Sunlight- Direct & Indirect:

Most of the common houseplants and herbs thrive best in bright, indirect sunlight with adequate watering and drainage:

Plants That Need Bright Indirect Sunlight: 

Succulents like aloe vera, jade plants, echeveria

Herbs: mint, thyme, parsley, oregano

Flowers: orchids, African violets

Vegetables:

Tomatoes, peppers, greens

While they enjoy 4-6 hours of bright light, directly facing a harsh midday sun can burn their leaves. Near an east, west or slightly shaded south window works well.

Low Light Plants:

These adapt better to indoor settings like bathrooms and bedrooms that lack much natural light. But they grow slower than brighter lit plants.

Plants like ZZ plants, Pothos, Chinese Evergreen, Snake Plants,

Philodendrons.

Outdoors, most plants thrive in 6+ hours of direct sunlight, except for shade-lovers like impatiens, begonias and ferns. Part sun/shade spots suit plants otherwise prone to afternoon scorching.

When starting seeds, using a seed starter heating mat accelerates germination. Assess light and space before selecting plantation varieties. Proper hydration and free-draining soil are vital regardless of lighting.

Pots for home plants along with Watering Guidance:

Here are some tips on selecting pots for home plants along with watering guidance:

Watering Needs:

Frequency: Water whenever top inch of soil feels dry for most plants besides succulents. 

Amount: Add enough water so it seeps from the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.

Method: Water at base of stems instead of leaves to prevent disease. Let excess water escape from pot's base.

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Choosing Plant Pots:

Material: Clay, ceramic and plastic all work well. Avoid shallow pans lacking drainage.

Size: Select a pot width 2-4 inches wider than the plant's root ball with room for growth.

Drainage: Make sure pots have bottom hole(s) so water can flow out freely

without waterlogging.

Garden of Joy

Purchase Pots:

Here are some of the most suitable pottery vessel options for nurturing healthy house plants:

Clay Pots:

Provide excellent breathability which is great for proper air circulation to plant roots. Their thick walls also absorb and transmit water well. Given their porosity, more frequent watering is needed.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3UoBU4P, https://amzn.to/3OoGRHf

Ceramic Pots:

Elegant and colorful glazed ceramic pots work for most plants. While their smooth glazed surface prevents evaporation and holds moisture longer, ensure it has adequate draining holes for excess water to escape.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3Ulym3w, https://amzn.to/3SmpIiB

Plastic Pots:

Plastic planters, whether standard indoor types or upcycled waste containers, provide a durable, lightweight, and budget friendly potting option. But ensure the plastic is BPA free, sturdy quality, and allows good drainage.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/49brgCG, https://amzn.to/3udp7aG, https://amzn.to/4bl4MkH

Concrete Pots:

For indoor/outdoor versatility, concrete planters offer modern, eye catching aesthetics, good airflow, and stability even in outdoor conditions. Waterproof concrete resists cracking and regulates temperature.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3w2HVKe, https://amzn.to/42nk6Jw,

When selecting among the wide array of pottery materials like wood or wire mesh also available, tailor choice to characteristics like breathability, moisture retention, insulating properties, and weight suitable to specific plants and locations.

Other Tips:

Saucer:

Place pots on saucers/plates to prevent water stains spreading below more aesthetic looking stands. Avoid water Accumulation in the plate or saucer.

Location: Situate plants appropriately based on their sun needs.

Soil:

Use loose, nutrient-rich potting mix suitable for the plant variety.

Adapt watering frequency and volume based on plant type, pot size, environment temperature and humidity. Small pots like herbs need more frequent watering than bigger shrubs. Signs of under/overwatering include drooping leaves or yellowing.

Office-friendly plants:

Keep Planting

Here are some great office-friendly plants to live up our professional workspace:

Snake Plant: 

One of the hardest houseplants, snake plants purify air of toxins like formaldehyde that off-gas from electronics while needing only occasional watering. Their vertical shape fits nicely in office corners.

Peace Lily:

Another easy-care plant that tolerates all kinds of indoor light. Peace lilies indicate when they need water by drooping leaves that perk right up post-watering allowing you to hydrate based on plant feedback. 

Pothos: An office classic, pothos vine down counters and bookshelves with little fuss while removing air pollutants like benzene, carbon monoxide and formaldehyde.

Succulents: 

Water efficient succulents like aloe, jade plants and echeveria brighten desks without taking up much surface space. Some varieties can thrive under just office lights. 

Orchids: 

Available in a rainbow of elegant colors, orchids don't take up too much space and release oxygen at night making them ideal office companions that last months with basic care.

Aim for lower maintenance plants that suit the typical office lighting and comfort with periods of dryness. Having plants dispersed brings energy-boosting nature views across the entire workspace.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/49dGMxX, https://amzn.to/42j9k6N

Organic fertilizers to nurture plant growth:

Here are some organic fertilizers that can help nurture plant growth:

Compost:

Compost contains a blend of essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium that are released slowly. Mix some into potting soil or place compost tea bags.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3vVwG6x, https://amzn.to/42if9S2

Coffee Grounds:

Used coffee grounds are rich in nitrogen, potassium and other minerals that plants love. Sprinkle lightly into soil monthly. 

Purchase: any coffee powder

Banana Peels:

High in key nutrients like potassium, manganese and magnesium. Bury peeled skins under the soil near roots.

Purchase: you can eat one and use the skin

Eggshells: 

Crushed eggshells provide a sustainable calcium boost to prevent blossom end rot in tomatoes/peppers.

Purchase: buy and eat one to use the leftover shells

Fish Emulsion:

This concentrate made from processing fish waste provides a quick nourishment burst. Dilute accordingly before applying.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3SDbawc,

Seaweed Extract:

Rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals like iron that strengthen roots and leaves. Algae also enhances resilience.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/4bixUc7

Wood Ash:

Sprinkle limited wood ash especially for vegetables, trees and acid-loving plants though avoid touching leaves.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/47XCIRx, https://amzn.to/3vVyKeN

Monitor if plants need fertilizer based on signs like yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Over-fertilizing can damage roots so start conservatively with organic approaches before considering chemical options.

What soil to use for best results:

Here are some tips on choosing the right soil for indoor and outdoor plants:

Indoor Plants:

Potting mix: Sterilized, lightweight potting mixes high in peat moss or coconut coir with added perlite work well for container plants. They prevent soil compaction and retain some moisture.

Cactus/succulent mix:

Fast draining mixes are ideal for desert-type plants like cacti. They contain sand/gravel and less organic matter.

All-purpose:

For less fussy plants, all-purpose potting soil with fertilizer provides enough nutrients to do well in average household conditions. 

Outdoor Plants:

Garden soil:

Your existing in-ground soil enriched regularly with compost and fertilizers may provide a productive garden bed for many outdoor plants to take root.

Raised beds:

For greater control, raised beds allow filling frames solely with high quality planting mix combined with compost which may grow plants better than native soil.

Acidic mix:

Some plants like hydrangeas, roses, and berries thrive best in more acidic soil. Mix sulfur or peat moss to reduce pH levels. 

The optimal soil encourages drainage without retaining excess moisture while delivering nutrition. Assess each plant's needs before selecting store-bought mixes or amending garden beds with blend of compost that allows for the healthiest growth medium.

Purchase: https://amzn.to/3UlqMWl, https://amzn.to/3HFfgh5

Indoor-Outdoor plants as per different seasons:

Finally, Here's a breakdown of suitable indoor and outdoor plants for different seasons:

Indoor Plants:

Evergreen varieties like peace lily, Chinese evergreen, orchids, cacti and succulents maintain their foliage year-round indoors.

The key is providing adequate sunlight from nearby windows, hydration and airflow circulation.

Outdoor Plants:

Summer:

Heat-loving varieties like petunias, marigolds, zinnias, tomatoes, peppers, thriving in direct sunlight and warmer weather.

Monsoon: 

Tropical plants such as hibiscus, jasmine, Chrysanthemums, Balsam enjoy the humidity and rainfalls.

Winter: 

Hardier varieties such as camellias, pansies, daisies, tulips and certain herbs stand freezing temperatures and frosty winters. Protect more delicate plants in garden sheds over winter.

Spring:

Fast-growing bloomers like lilies, daffodils, lavender, gardenia, wisteria make spring welcoming signatures as they awaken and give early buds under increasing daylight.

The keys are recognizing plant hardiness, selecting regionally appropriate varieties suited to climate and sunlight conditions for each season they will face outdoors.

Pots & Plants

Let the planting begin.

Love your plant, sing to it, comfort them. They will refresh the ambience with positivity, calmness and lots of love.

Note: all the links are Affiliate links and they are free to use, on clicking them I receive a commission respectively. Use the said links at your convenience and purchase the products at your own accord and knowledge.

Thank You for reading.