The Green Review

---

Houseplants have always been cherished for their aesthetic appeal, but their usefulness extends far beyond adding to your home’s décor. From enhancing mental well-being to boosting productivity, these green companions offer more than meets the eye.

This article delves into the benefits indoor plants provide, shares sustainable care tips, recommends easy-to-maintain varieties, and showcases a few exemplary plant spaces on the Fredericton campus.

1. Enhance overall well-being

Houseplants offer a multitude of benefits that enhance our overall well-being. Interacting with these green companions can significantly improve mental health. Studies consistently show that having plants indoors is linked to reduced stress levels, decreased symptoms of anxiety and depression, and an overall improvement in mood.

Beyond their mental health benefits, certain plants—such as aloe vera and mint—possess well-known medicinal properties. Aloe vera is renowned for its soothing effect on burns and skin irritations, while mint has long been used as a herbal remedy to ease queasy stomachs, calm stress and anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

Moreover, houseplants contribute to better indoor air quality. They absorb pollutants and produce oxygen, creating a healthier environment. While achieving a noticeable impact on air purification may require a substantial number of plants, their overall health benefits make houseplants valuable additions to any indoor space.

2. Enhance concentration and productivity

Incorporating plants into workspaces has been shown to boost productivity and creativity. Research indicates that being around plants can improve concentration and cognitive function. The calming effects of greenery help reduce mental fatigue, allowing for clearer thinking and problem-solving. Adding a touch of nature to your home office or study area can lead to more efficient and inspired work.

3. Provide a connection to nature

Houseplants offer a vital connection to nature, especially when living in urban environments where access to green spaces may be limited. Bringing plants indoors allows us to experience the soothing effects of nature without leaving our homes. This connection is often profoundly therapeutic, as the presence of greenery helps to create a more tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. They foster a sense of harmony with the natural world and provide a welcome break from the digital and concrete landscapes that dominate our modern life.

Eco-friendly tips for happy houseplants

For your green companions to thrive they of course must be well taken care of. The following highlights a list of sustainable practices you can employ while taking care of your plants.

• Harvest rainwater: Collect rainwater and use it to water your plants. This reduces water waste and benefits both your plants and the environment.
  
  
• Repurpose containers: Instead of buying new pots, consider repurposing plastic or glass containers. Reusing existing pots is also a great way to minimize waste.
  
  
• Catch trays: Place catch trays beneath your plant pots to collect excess runoff. You can also use this to water other plants in need.
  
  
• Compost as fertilizer: Utilize your own compost as a natural fertilizer. It’s a fantastic way to enrich the soil and promote plant health.
  
  
• Choose climate-appropriate plants: Opt for plants that thrive in your local climate. They will require less water, fertilizer, and overall care, contributing to a sustainable garden.
  
  
• Eco-friendly pest control: Explore natural pest control methods to protect your plants without harming the environment.

Houseplants to consider

Ready to bring some green into your life? Here are a few popular options to start with:

• Snake Plants
• Spider Plants
• ZZ Plants
• Swiss Cheese Plants
• Peace Lilies

Plant spaces on the Fredericton campus

• The Grad House
• The Greenhouse connecting Bailey Hall and I.U.C. Physics & Administration buildings.
• The Kinesiology Building: The Living Wall boasts a diverse and vast array of plants that offer numerous benefits:
  • Thermal comfort: Plants provide natural cooling and insulation.
  • Acoustics: The leaves of the plants reduce sound by reflecting, refracting, and absorbing acoustic energy, minimizing echoes.
  • Indoor air quality: The large quantity and differing types of plants effectively improve the indoor air quality.
  • Overall comfort: Greenery in and around buildings has been shown to reduce stress and enhance the well-being of occupants.

  Sources

  Houseplants and the mind-body connection
  How do plants make your home happier
  Effects of indoor plants on human functions: A systematic review with meta-analyses