Prepare yourself for home health transformation

**Indoor Plants Improve Air Quality and Mental Health During Home Quarantines**

As people across the globe adapt to extended periods of home quarantine, the importance of creating a healthy and pleasant living environment has never been more crucial. One effective solution lies in the humble indoor plant.

Air Quality Improvement:

Certain indoor plants, such as the ZZ plant, spider plant, peace lily, and snake plant, are natural air purifiers, capable of filtering harmful toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene from the air[1][2][3]. These pollutants are commonly found in indoor spaces and can have detrimental effects on health. By breaking down these toxins through their leaves and roots, these plants contribute to cleaner and healthier air[1][2][3].

NASA's research highlights 18 top air-purifying plants, known for converting carbon dioxide to oxygen and filtering out toxic agents, making them beneficial for improving indoor air quality during prolonged stays indoors[2].

While plants improve air quality gradually, they also contribute humidity and a fresher indoor environment. However, it's worth noting that air purifiers are more efficient at actively removing microscopic airborne contaminants than plants, which function through slower biological processes[5].

Mental Health Benefits:

Beyond physical air quality, having indoor plants creates a calming and aesthetically pleasing atmosphere, which can enhance relaxation, reduce stress, and boost productivity—key factors for mental well-being during home quarantines[1][3][4].

The act of caring for plants and being surrounded by greenery has salutary effects, promoting a sense of well-being and comfort, which is especially important when people are confined to indoor spaces for extended periods[4].

Moreover, certain medicinal and aromatic plants, such as lemon grass and aloe, can boost mood and enhance learning, while some can help reduce blood pressure and improve sleep[6].

In recent times, the presence of a new plant family has led to a soothing makeover, transforming indoor spaces into tranquil sanctuaries. Micro-greens, quick to germinate and easy to grow, are also considered for indoor gardening in small apartments[7].

It's important to note that Covid-19, a disease that spreads through tiny respiratory droplets, poses a significant risk in closed, poorly ventilated spaces[8]. However, by improving air quality and creating a healthier indoor environment, indoor plants can help mitigate these risks.

Research also suggests that people living in houses with more access to natural greenery report better psychological well-being and less medication use[9].

In summary, indoor plants play a valuable dual role during home quarantines by naturally filtering indoor air pollutants and providing psychological comfort and stress relief, thereby contributing to healthier and more pleasant living environments[1][2][3][4].

During extended home quarantines, the online nursery has seen a surge in demand as people seek sustainable-living solutions like indoor plants.
To make the most of limited indoor space, interior-design enthusiasts are embracing the possibility of balcony gardens, incorporating a touch of outdoor-living into their homes.
The health-and-wellness community advocates for the integration of home-and-garden activities like gardening into fitness-and-exercise routines for overall nutritional well-being.
In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, more people are turning to gardening as a form of outdoor-living, even transforming patios, rooftops, and balconies into mini gardens for growing their favorite herbs and plants.
As the concept of gardening extends indoors, there's a growing recognition of the value of indoor plants in promoting healthy and well-designed living spaces within the realm of interior-design.
Science confirms that incorporating plants into your living environment supports sustainable-living practices by improving air quality, supporting mental health, and creating a calmer, more serene lifestyle.
In addition to their air-purifying abilities, indoor plants are incorporated into lifestyle trends, where aesthetics and personal well-being go hand-in-hand to create a harmonious and health-conscious living environment.
People who foster a connection with nature through indoor gardening often experience a greater appreciation for the natural world, reinforcing the importance of conserving outdoor habitats for the well-being of all living creatures.