Plants aren’t just a social media aesthetic.
While window sills similar to the one above have taken over the internet more so than ever before, there are great benefits to conforming to this fad. Check out seven reasons you should have plants below:
1.) They’re cheap.
While it’s likely you’ll find plants outside of your price range, there are endless possibilities for ones that won’t break the budget. Let’s be real–no one has the money or desire in college to invest in expensive plants, so save it for your impulsive take out orders, because plants are very inexpensive if you’re looking in the right places. Check out local farmer’s markets or lower-end grocery stores (I got my mini cacti at Aldi). You’re sure to find a cheap, yet good quality plant!
2.) They clean the air.
A natural and pretty way to filter the air? Yes please. According to NASA, plants actually remove toxins and chemicals in the air!
3.) They bring life and color to your room.
It doesn’t matter the color scheme going on in your house, apartment, room, etc.– a plant is sure to bring vibrancy and a sense of animation and depth to your space. Green can accentuate any room you let it.
4.) They teach you responsibility and they’re less work than a pet, or baby.
Baby fever is real, but being responsible for another human being right now? Nope, I’ll take the plant. Even though a plant has nothing on a human, they definitely take some trial and error…and patience…and care…and effort…and responsibility. You may think it’s an easier task than it is (and if you’re like me, it’s hard to grasp some plants are meant not to be watered). The perfect amount of sunlight, the correct amount of water, preferred soil type, you’ll be responsible sooner than you know it.
5.) They reduce stress.
Sometimes I think my plants make me smile more than people do–Is that weird to say? Well plants, like nature, are shown to reduce stress and heighten concentration. Relaxation, here you come.
6.) They induce creativity.
Maybe that’s why people with plants post numerous aesthetic pictures of their green babies on social media? Hehe, maybe not but they have been found to boost creativity. A study conducted by the University of Exeter found plants increase workplace creativity by almost 50% and productivity by 38%. Any help you can get, right?
7.) They smell good.
While candles and other air fresheners can do the trick, why not let your plant do the work? Plants like Eucalyptus and herbs like Rosemary can give you those natural aromas without additional purchases and/or effort.