It's Alive!: How to take care of your new houseplant friend

By Paige Waskow

In my last post, I shared some benefits of having plants (you can check it out here). If you are considering getting a new friend but don't want to kill it, fear not! These are a few plants that are easy to grow.

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1. Aloe vera: aloes are pretty common succulents that are both drought tolerant and hardy. To take good care of an aloe, give it bright indirect or direct light and water once a week. Additionally, aloes don't need as much water as say a spider plant or philodendron. They are not leafy, tropical plants and stay strong when it's hot and dry outside!

Soaking air plants

Source: Paige Waskow

2. Spider plants: spider plants are awesome plants to have around. If given the right conditions, they grow quite quickly and also produce baby spider plants that you can grow! To take care of a spider plant, give it indirect light (light you can read in), and water it once or twice a week. The soil should always be moist but not wet (they are not as drought tolerant as succulents or aloe). Another easy to care for plant that thrives in the same conditions are philodendrons. They have long almost vine like leaves.

 Striped Succulent
Source: Paige Waskow

3. Air plants: these plants are amazing and are hard to kill. Air plants don't need soil and can live pretty much wherever . The only thing they really need is water, and to do so, soak them in water for about an hour once or twice a week. They can come in all shapes, sizes, and colors.

4. Succulents and cacti: these plants come in all shapes and styles, but all are pretty easy to maintain. Like aloe, these plants really like sun, warmth, and don't need a lot of water. You can water them once a week, but they may not even need that. When watering, measuring out the water, or having a controlled way to manage it, can help you avoid giving your succulent too much.

It's Always a Great Time to Get a Plant

By Paige Waskow

In a world so fascinated with growth, why not take the idea literally and get a plant? From the medicinal aloe vera to fast growing spider plants and giant elephant ears, our photosynthesizing friends have many benefits to offer us.

In my experience (it could be argued that I may be on the edge of having too many), taking care of plants has always been a positive and gratifying experience. They are bright and green, bringing life into my dorm room. Beyond simply being visually aesthetic, plants have also brought me a sense of calm. They are a way that I can see growth in taking care of something, especially when the bustle of classes and loads of homework make me feel that I am never truly getting anything done. When the dark days of winter arrive and the greenery of the outdoors hides, my room becomes its own vibrant ecosystem.

Beyond my personal love of plants, there are a multitude of research and data regarding them. Plants can provide many benefits to humans, and these are a few:

1. Oxygen and air purity

One could argue that breathing is an important part of existing, and according to many studies and articles, this ABC one included, certain plants help improve both oxygen and air quality in a room. Plants are good at removing volatile organic compounds (aka chemicals that could make you feel sick (NASA 5,8)) and producing oxygen as a result of photosynthesis. Additionally, although more specific to certain conditions, this NASA funded experiment found benefits of indoor plants in tightly sealed buildings with high amounts of VOCs.

2. Reduce stress and increase energy

Plants can help you relax and find a sense of purpose. According to Texas A&M University, many studies have shown that participation in gardening and cultivating plants brings positive mental results and feelings of accomplishment rather than stress (TAMU 13). The university's page also notes that plants in a person's working environment allow for a more energized and positive experience (7).

3. Help in recovery and mental health

Plants are used to help after surgeries and create a stimulating environment for patients. Active care of plants, or even simply having them present made a difference. Patients had better recovery times and were less anxious and fatigued (Treehugger 5). Hopefully, you aren't performing surgery in your dorm room, but these studies only add to the notion that plants have positive effects on both our minds and bodies.

In personal experience, I worked at the Missouri Botanical Gardens for an internship and learned about their Therapeutic Horticulture division. Workers in this department do things such as take plants into hospitals and have interactive community events including plants. If you want to learn more, you can check out their website here.

References:

     “Health and Well-Being Benefits of Plants.” Ellison Chair in International Floriculture, Texas A&M University, ellisonchair.tamu.edu/health-and-well-being-benefits-of-plants/#.V7dBbpMrLBI.

     Breyer, Melissa. “5 Health Benefits of Houseplants.” TreeHugger, Treehugger, 13 Feb. 2015, www.treehugger.com/health/5-health-benefits-houseplants.html.

     Healthline Editorial Team. “Importance of Plants in the Home.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health/importance-plants-home#health.

     Larcombe, Danica-Lea. “Indoor Plants Don't Just Look Nice - They Are Healthy, Too.” ABC News, 24 July 2017, www.abc.net.au/news/2017-07-24/living-in-an-apartment-you-should-get-some-indoor-plants/8738556.

     Lee, Sophie. “Why Indoor Plants Make You Feel Better.” NBCNews.com, NBCUniversal News Group, 13 July 2017, www.nbcnews.com/better/health/indoor-plants-can-instantly-boost-your-health-happiness-ncna781806.

    

     NASA. “Plants Clean Air and Water for Indoor Environments.” NASA, NASA, spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2007/ps_3.html.

     Missouri Botanical Garden. “Therapeutic Horticulture.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/learn-discover/adults/therapeutic-horticulture.aspx.

     Elephant ear photo: Paige Waskow