January and the early part of winter in the UK can make us feel a little gloomy and tired. We can suffer from the lack of sunshine, which affects our moods and energy levels. Apart from seeking some therapy to alleviate the wintertime blues, there are many ways to improve your well-being naturally, and one way to achieve this is to spend time outdoors.
Although it's more challenging moving from the sofa and donning walking boots and winter jackets when it's bitterly cold outside, a brisk walk is a great way to blow away the cobwebs and appreciate nature, whatever the season.
During winter, when there is a lack of greenery outside, adding houseplants can improve the ambience of your home when the weather outdoors is anything but welcoming. Did you know ordinary potted house plants can significantly reduce air pollution within your home?
What are the benefits of caring for houseplants?
Caring for houseplants can boost your mood and help reduce physiological and psychological stress. Caring for plants promotes comfortable, relaxed, and natural feelings.
An environment with plants has been shown to give people a more positive outlook on life and stimulate feelings of contentment and happiness—excerpt from www.hortology.co.uk
Elevating the mood with greenery in your home
Living art in the form of pot plants can elevate any room. If you don't have much space, hanging baskets will add a splash of greenery.
Plants for steamy bathrooms
Some houseplants, such as the Boston Fern and the Pothos, thrive in bathrooms. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) is one of the easiest plants to grow! With long stems, similar to Ivy and glossy leaves, this plant looks great in a hanging pot or trailing over the edge of a shelf.
Other plants that add lots of green but need less day-to-day care, such as the Swiss Cheeseplant or Parlour Palm, help bring some green nature indoors.
Which indoor plants are safe for pets?
Spider plant
CHLOROPHYTUM COMOSUM
safe for cats and dogs
Probably the most common of houseplants, this produces many little plants that can be repotted. Perfect as a hanging plant in a bathroom or kitchen or on top of a cupboard with access to light, it's very hardy and doesn't need too much care to thrive. The spider plant enjoys humidity and does well in a shower room.
Kentia Palm
HOWEA FORSTERIANA
safe for cats & dogs
Kentia Palms are fantastic house plants that require little care and attention. As well as being tolerant to shade and the occasional under-watering, they're safe around your pets and children. Kentia Palms can also purify the air.
Some greenery in the home can raise your spirits, and plants such as the Kentia palm need little attention other than watering and removing dead leaves.
Prayer Plant
MARANTA LEUCONEURA
safe for cats & dogs
A favourite of mine and recognisable for its beautiful, distinctive leaves, the Prayer plant makes a great housewarming gift for friends with pets. The leaves curl inwards during darkness - hence the name!
Not only is a Prayer Plant pet safe, but it's small enough to be placed on a coffee table or sideboard. This plant will grow trailing stems and looks fantastic when placed on a high shelf or hanging basket.
Boston Fern
NEPHROLEPSIS EXALTATA
safe for cats & dogs
The delicate fronds of the Boston Fern give it lots of character, and it is a pet-friendly houseplant. This is a small plant; it helps purify the air like many indoor plants and will add interest to a coffee table or desk.
Maidenhair fern
ADIANTUM
safe for cats & dogs
The maidenhair fern is another excellent variety for the bathroom or kitchen. The delicate, frothy, lace-like leaves look perfect with many different décor options. This houseplant enjoys being out of direct sunlight and needs water regularly.
Orchids (Phalaenopsis) are relatively easy to care for. Water well every few weeks, allowing the soil to dry out completely between waterings. These beautiful plants are not toxic for your cat but enjoy a humid environment, so they are perfect for bathrooms.
Tips on caring for indoor plants
Check they have plenty of natural light.
Prune and tidy to keep growth strong
Dont overwater, and ensure pots have drainage holes
Check if they need repotting
Spray a fine mist of water onto leaves to clean them
Move your plant to another room if it's not thriving
Check the plants have plenty of fresh air
Growing up in England, indoor plants were a big part of my mother's garden and home life. I live in a multi-cat household, so there are certain plants and flowers that I don't grow or own, as some are poisonous for cats.
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