Matt doesn’t normally hold much opinion on interiors but one thing he did mention lately is that he wants some house plants, specifically a Japanese Peace Lilly – yeah he’s been watching Hot Fuzz. I’d say I’m pro houseplant but in more of a practical sense. I like to think if they’re going to take up room, they need to provide us with something. So for instance our chilli plants on the kitchen windowsill, pay their way most of the year.
The Flower Council disagree with me. They argue that house plants can give you way more than that. Apparently just having them around can lift your mood and they offered to send me some to try to change my mind.
Sceptical, I accepted and whilst I was waiting for them to arrive I started to do some research. I like to see concrete evidence for things like this, we’ve all been duped by ridiculous claims before so I like to be well-informed.
Mood aside, it seems some plants actually offer massive health benefits. Every 24 hours, they can remove around 80% of the toxins circulating in the air of a room including nasties like formaldehyde from cigarette smoke. Pretty powerful.
My African Violet arrived and I found a home for it.
Personally I prefer plants with more architecture than this, something to add dimension to a room, shelf, desk but the colour is beautiful. I don’t think the first photo really shows off how intensely violet the petals are. I also love how the underneath of the leaves is so red, but has it changed my mood?
Given my impending exam, I’m not sure now is the best time to notice any change but knowing that they are improving the air quality has changed my opinion about non foodie house plants.
I definitely want to get a plant for the bathroom but I don’t really know what would suit the room. I’d love some suggestions. It would be in front of quite a bright, north facing window and obviously being a bathroom can be quite humid especially when Matt’s doing his best Jay-Z/Kanye impressions in the shower.
Shower time rap aside, how do you lot feel about house plants? Do you have any or do you think plants belong outside?
Dr Plant are running monthly competitions on their Facebook page to win a houseplant so head over there if you fancy your chances.
Lindley says
I love houseplants! I think they really make a place feel more lively! I’m a big fan of topiaries and orchids! The African Violet is very pretty!
Vicki Higham says
I like standards for outside front doors and on porches. I’ve never thought of having topiaries indoors though. Are you quite greenfingered?
gleepface says
My mum loves houseplants, but I definitely didn’t do a very good job of keeping them alive while she was away. Funnily enough the african violet we’ve got survived and seems to flower all year round! Mum says that means it wants a bigger pot…
Vicki Higham says
Ooh that’s good, I didn’t know they flowered that long.