Green Living: Why plants are important for us and our home
The green living trend caught me completely a few years ago. I always thought I didn't have a green thumb. I now have more than 45 plants in my apartment and I actually love every single one of them.
But what exactly is behind the term "Green Living", why are plants so good for our LIVING CONDITIONS and how can I make my home (even) more beautiful and greener? Find out in this blog post.
What is behind the 'Green Living' trend?
How plants contribute to our well-being
Why not every plant is suitable for every room
The right plant for everyone
Styling tips for the right decorating
What is behind the 'Green Living' trend?
Green Living, Urban Jungle or Indoor Planting are terms behind a modern trend towards plant design in the interior area. Green Living also stands for a more sustainable furnishing style with natural materials and organic shapes and structures. Plants are used specifically as organic decorative elements.
Indoor plants in your own home are nothing new, but the variety of plants and design ideas have changed significantly in recent years. Classic indoor plants such as the birch fig, the rubber tree or the yucca palm, which you know from your parents' or grandparents' house, are rarely found these days. Now terms like "pilea," "arrow leaf," and "trout begonia" are popping up that you've never heard of before. Other plants, on the other hand, such as scalloped hemp and Monstera Deliciosa are celebrating a major revival and can now be found in every living magazine and furniture store.
How plants contribute to our well-being
We all know that plants are somehow good for us, but to what extent they have a positive effect on our body is not so clear to most people.
At least we heard the word photosynthesis when we were in school. Plants absorb carbon dioxide from the environment and convert it into glucose, starch and proteins under the influence of sunlight and water, whereby the oxygen we need is produced as a waste product. Of course, one could now say that there are enough trees and plants in nature that produce enough oxygen and therefore no indoor plants are necessary for this. That may be true, but the direct, positive effect on one's own well-being has been proven by many studies.
Plants increase the humidity, bind fine dust, filter pollutants and provide us with fresh oxygen. In addition, some plants such as lavender exude pleasant scents that can contribute to a balanced and harmonious room climate. Plants have been shown to boost focus, performance, and productivity, and can have a calming effect. Headaches can be reduced and especially in the dark seasons, plants can help to promote a brightening mood.
Some even claim that plants help with depression, because in addition to the positive direct effects of the plants themselves, care and nurturing also plays an important role, in which many people see a meaningful and responsible task that gives them a meaning in life. In addition, certain soil bacteria can help to increase the serotonin level, i.e. the feeling of happiness.
In the philosophy of Feng Shui, certain plants are said to have different energetic effects. Therefore, not every plant is suitable for every type and every room.
Why not every plant is suitable for every room
The rooms in an apartment or house usually have different lighting conditions and are intended for a wide variety of purposes.
We prefer it to be cool in the bedroom, we prefer things to be practical in the kitchen, we spend most of our time in the living room and there isn't always a window in the bathroom. Therefore, when choosing plants, the respective use and orientation of the room must also be taken into account. The required light conditions, temperature and humidity of the plants should be taken into account, otherwise you will unfortunately not be able to enjoy them for very long. Although there are plants that feel comfortable in almost every pitch, it is still an advantage to find out in advance under which conditions the plant is best kept.
The right plant for everyone
Type 1: I just want uncomplicated plants that I don't need to water often.
If you only think of cacti now, you are right, as they require very little care. But what some may not know: cacti like it sunny and need plenty of water during the growth phase (spring to autumn). And they don't have an air-purifying effect like other plants, but they make a very good visual addition.
There are other succulents such as Echeveria that also require very little water. They grow very quickly when they feel comfortable and can also be propagated very easily.
Type 2: I don't have much space at home, but I would like to have plants.
If you don't have windowsills or don't have a lot of floor space, you can use hanging baskets that you can attach to the ceiling, windows, or even the corners of closets. Hanging succulents such as the pea plant , the moss ball or the ivy are particularly suitable here.
Or use other surfaces to place your plants on them. Small plant pots with magnets on the back can be attached to refrigerators or magnetic walls, for example
Type 3: I want stylish and unusual plants.
The sorrel or triangular lucky clover is a beautiful and very special plant with its purple, butterfly-shaped leaves. And the plant has two other great properties: The leaves close and open depending on the time of day and can even be eaten raw without hesitation. But beware, they are unfortunately poisonous for cats.
All possible variants of the calathea family are currently popular. They have beautiful patterned leaves with a purple underside.
Type 4: I am looking for a plant for my bathroom.
Only plants that require high humidity and little sun are usually suitable for the bathroom. These are preferably tropical plants such as orchids, sword fern or aloe vera.
Type 5: I'm looking for a plant for the bedroom, but I've heard it's not healthy.
There are always myths about plants in the bedroom preventing a healthy sleep. In fact, at night the photosynthetic process is reversed and plants draw oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, but this proportion is so small that it has no noticeable effect on us.
Plants that produce oxygen at night can ensure the right sleeping climate. In particular, these are succulent plants that store water in their roots. The sheet hemp is the most suitable houseplant for the bedroom, as it gets along with almost all lighting conditions.
My personal insider tip is called Glücksfeder or Zamioculcas as they are called in technical jargon. It requires very little water and prefers shady places. But be careful, it is slightly poisonous and should therefore be kept out of the reach of children and animals.
Styling tips for the right decorating
- Plants immediately liven up any room and give it a certain freshness.
- Combine different shapes, colors and materials to spice up the overall picture.
- Make sure that the combined plants result in a harmonious composition and create visual highlights.
- Large plants such as palm trees or banana trees are usually only suitable in high or large rooms and can create a tropical atmosphere.
- It doesn't always have to be plant pots. You can also use jam jars, cups, bowls or vases for your green oasis.
- Little is often more. Don't overdo it, as too many plants can also negatively affect the sense of space.
- Plants do not always have to be bought new. Did you know that many plants are given away or offered on exchanges? Some garden centers or flower shops also make damaged plants or plants that no longer look quite so attractive available to take away free of charge.
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