Buying gifts for family and friends can be a daunting task, especially at the last minute. And frankly, I find very little solace from that cliché saying, “it’s the thought that counts.” So, I did some thinking, and I came up with a simple, easy to find, last-minute gift item that truly does rival any man-made technology—House Plants! That’s right, move over Nintendo Wii because house plants truly are multi-faceted additions for the whole household to share. These green friends not only add bright color and texture to a room, but they also prove to keep us happy and healthy, elevating our moods and naturally purifying our homes’ breathing air.
So, last minute holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful after all. Instead we can all take a clue from horticulture therapists and just find relief in plants.
By naturally absorbing potential indoor pollutants, house plants help remove Formaldehyde, Benzene, Ammonia, Trichloroethylene and other chemicals left behind from synthetic building materials, cleaning products, paints and varnishes. In fact, studies by NASA and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America (ALCA) have resulted in a list of the most effective house hold plants for treating indoor air pollution.
These include:
Philodendron (Philodendron)
Corn plant (Dracaena fragrans `Massangeana')
Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Madagascar dragon tree (Dracaena marginata)
On the bright side, most of these plants listed above require low-light conditions and are low maintenance. So unless your gift recipient lives in a cave, your loved one's botanical wonder should sustain most living environments and lifestyles.
Elevating happiness is another valuable trait offered by these natural air purifiers. Horticulture therapy has been used for centuries to rehabilitate mental health patients. Currently it’s also used with children and adults alike to aid in the development of social, creative and physical skills, as well as reduce stress.
Elevating happiness is another valuable trait offered by these natural air purifiers. Horticulture therapy has been used for centuries to rehabilitate mental health patients. Currently it’s also used with children and adults alike to aid in the development of social, creative and physical skills, as well as reduce stress.
So, last minute holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful after all. Instead we can all take a clue from horticulture therapists and just find relief in plants.
