As a rule, people love flowers for their pleasant smell and beautiful appearance, but not everyone knows that plants are important for a person’s well-being. In an article written for The Coversation, on the possibilities of reducing carbon dioxide concentration in different indoor plants said Biology Lecturer at Edge Hill University, Ph.D. Sven Batke.
The scientist noted that in some cases, indoor plants can reduce the carbon dioxide concentration in the room from two thousand parts per million to about 480 parts per million in less than an hour. Plants such as blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum) and Anthurium species (eg flamingo flower) are particularly effective in controlling carbon dioxide.
The scientist added that a pot of ficus standing on the window sill could have a much greater impact on a person than previously thought. For example, one study helped prove that having plants in a room can improve concentration by up to 20% and increase memory resources by 15-20%. It does this by reducing indoor carbon dioxide concentrations and improving air quality.
Batke says that herbs can also regulate one’s anxiety levels by reducing the production of the stress hormone cortisol. In addition, psychologists have repeatedly proven the effectiveness of horticultural therapy, which can relieve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and improve a person’s quality of life.
The expert believes that plants are not a luxury at all, they are part of our own human nature. No wonder in many languages the word “plant” is translated as “those who look at us”.