People commonly cherish flowers for their fragrance and beauty, yet many overlook how plants support overall well-being. An expert article in The Conversation highlights how indoor greenery can influence carbon dioxide levels in enclosed spaces. The discussion features insights from Sven Batke, a biology lecturer at Edge Hill University with a Ph.D., who outlines the impact plants can have on indoor air quality.
The specialist notes that some indoor plants can lower room carbon dioxide from around two thousand parts per million to roughly four hundred eighty parts per million in under an hour. Species such as the blue star fern (Phlebodium aureum), the weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), spider plants (Chlorophytum comosum), and Anthurium varieties (including the flamingo flower) show particular effectiveness in moderating indoor carbon dioxide and improving air freshness.
Additionally, Batke explains that a single ficus on a sunny window sill can exert a surprisingly large influence on those nearby. One study cited in the discussion suggests that simply having plants present can boost concentration by as much as twenty percent and enhance memory resources by fifteen to twenty percent, all through better air quality and lower carbon dioxide levels.
The expert also points out that herbs can help manage stress by diminishing cortisol, the hormone linked to anxiety. Psychologists have long documented the benefits of horticultural therapy, noting its potential to ease post-traumatic stress symptoms and enhance overall quality of life. Such findings reinforce the idea that engaging with plants is more than decoration; it contributes to mental and emotional balance.
Batke emphasizes that plants are not a luxury but an intrinsic part of human life. Across cultures, the concept of plants often reflects a reciprocal relationship with people. In many languages, the word for plant conveys the notion of beings that gaze back, underscoring the meaningful connection people share with the living greenery around them. This perspective invites a broader appreciation of how gardens, indoor arrangements, and even small potted plants can support health, mood, and cognitive function over time. [Citation: flower science and indoor air quality research]