Bring The Outside In

Do you love the outdoors but spend most of your time inside? Then introduce a variety of houseplants to your workplace or home. Here’s how you will benefit:

1. Phytoremediation – that’s the word for plants clearing pollution from the air. NASA kicked off research into this back in the 1980s when it was looking for ways to improve the air quality in spacecraft. It found that the roots and soil of houseplants were able to reduce airborne volatile organic compounds (VOCs) significantly. Houseplants such as aloe, spider plant, bamboo palm and peace lily are among the best at removing indoor pollutants.

2. Less stress. Plants in your home or workplace can make you feel more comfortable and soothed, with one study finding interaction with indoor plants (like touching or smelling) reduced physiological and psychological stress.

3. Better brain skills. Keeping potted plants and flowers around your workspace can substantially improve your creative performance and problem-solving skills, found a study by the Texas A&M University. A similar study from the UK found indoor plants could improve concentration, productivity and boost staff wellbeing by 47 per cent.