For many households in Singapore, indoor gardening is our only option to bring nature into our homes due to our high-rise apartments and limited outdoor space available. But besides bringing about added greenery, indoor plants can also help to enhance your quality of life. Here are some reasons why you should consider having an indoor garden in your home, if you haven’t got one already.
- They help to increase oxygen levels
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When we breathe, we take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen. This is why plants and people make natural partners, as the two rely on each other for sustenance. However, do note that at night when the photosynthesis process stops, plants will start to respire like humans – meaning that they take in oxygen and release carbon dioxide. There are a few exceptions to this rule though, like certain succulents and cacti, who continue to release oxygen at night. As such, you should place these in the bedrooms to keep air refreshed during the night.
- They are effective stress reducers
Image credit: Ashley Poskin
Ever noticed how you feel calmer and less stressed when you’re out in the woods surrounded by nature? The same would apply for houseplants. Plants have a natural aesthetic beauty about them, and because we as humans find beautiful things soothing, it will in turn result in lower levels of stress and fatigue. Not only that, indoor plants can also help to boost your concentration and improve productivity, meaning that they are perfect accompaniments for home offices or areas in the home where work is conducted.
- They help you sleep better
Image credit: IKEA
While it may seem like a weird concept, placing plants in the bedroom can actually help you sleep better. Plants like Jasmine, Lavender and Aloe Vera all have a gentle and calming effect that can help to lower your heart rate, blood pressure, stress and anxiety levels, in turn leading to a better quality of sleep.
- They are able to regulate air quality
Image credit: Cranmore Home
Notoriously adept at absorbing gases through pores on the surface of their leaves, houseplants make the best natural air purifiers. Not only are they able to cleanse the air from toxic chemicals like formaldehyde and benzene – usually found in paint, vinyl and solvents – they can also raise humidity by releasing moisture into the air, protecting you against respiratory problems. In addition, this also means that you won’t have to spend big bucks on an air purifier to maintain a good air quality in your home!
Featured image courtesy of FSI
