Just Add Plants

Words: Danielle Theron | Illustration: Thaila Collins

I, for one, am one of the biggest plant advocates. There is no such thing as having too much greenery in your home, mainly because plants have so many incredible qualities. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they provide us with a host of beneficial qualities – and pretty much for free. Let’s have a look at what some of these are and hopefully you’ll be inspired to start or expand your own at-home oasis, too.

One of the biggest pluses when it comes to surrounding yourself and your home with plants is that they purify the air in your home. Throughout the day, plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air and environment and use the gas to photosynthesise, thus feeding themselves and releasing oxygen at the same time. How cool? During this process, they cleanse and clear the air in your home, removing a bunch of toxins and improving your air quality.

Our green friends have also proven to be a helping hand in terms of mental health, well-being and productivity. According to Thrive Global, workers who are surrounded by greenery and plants are more focused, happier and less stressed. It’s also been noted that employee productivity increased by 15% after plants were introduced to a previously bare office. So that little succulent on your desk is also working hard to help boost your mood and your to-do list. Tip: Try moving your plants to the rooms in which you’re most active and don’t forget to add one – or a few – to your working-from-home desk.

Plants also have the natural ability to up humidity and rooms with higher humidity can create a sense of comfort and ease (...for those who thrive in such climes). I also love having loads of plants in the bathroom. And they, too, love the heat from the shower. Plus, it will feel like you’re bathing in a jungle sanctuary – so soothing.

Now if you’re like me, just having plants doesn’t stop there. I love placing mine in beautiful bold and bright planters, baskets and plant stands. I am obsessed with hanging plants from my shower rail, balcony and curtain rails – basically anywhere elevated from which they can trail down. This way, they take up less space and, well, you have more room for more plants, naturally!