Top Ten Reasons to Add an Indoor Plant to Your Home

Recently, Collins & DuPont asked Connie Shipley, LEED AP and President of Paradise Potted, to teach her Continuing Education Course on the health benefits of indoor plants to its designers. It was an interesting presentation and we all learned a great deal.

In a nutshell, here are 10 Great Reasons To Have A Plant In Your Home:

1.) Plants reduce toxins and harmful VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds such as formaldehyde and carbon monoxide) that are given off from carpet, paint and indoor furnishings. Plants act as the lungs of an indoor environment.

2.) Plants not only remove VOCs from the air, they actually break them down into harmless compounds and use them as nutrients.

3.) Plants have been shown to increase alertness, innovation, and attention span. When plants are present we generate more creative, flexible ideas.

4.) Plants increase the surrounding air to a comfortable humidity level (30%-60% humidity is ideal for humans).

5.) Plants have been shown to reduce fatigue, stress, and anger, while increasing more positive feelings.

6.) Plants return oxygen to the air and reduce CO2 levels (which can cause drowsiness, fatigue, and loss of concentration).

7.) Plants satisfy Biophilia – the innate human need to connect to nature and living things.

8.) Plants soften a room and are a key element in seeking the “green” ideals of good health and sustainability.

9.) Plants add color to a room.

10.) Plants are beautiful!