Growing indoor plants, aside from being an interesting hobby, is also highly beneficial for your overall well-being. So, if you consider yourself a plant lover, we have a treat for you – we’ve compiled some interesting facts you just might not have known about house plants. Here are our four picks.
#1 Plants are Symbols
Did you ever wonder why every time you go to a flower shop with the intention of buying a present, a florist asks – what is the occasion? It is because each flower represents something. So, it is like writing a birthday card for a friend wishing them all the best, except the flower itself can represent those wishes.
For instance, if you want to buy flowers for a special someone, roses, tulips, orchids, or peonies symbolize romance. Roses mean passion and love, while peony represents elegance and beauty. Likewise, a sunflower, violet, or zinnia are a great addition to a bouquet you want to give to a friend. But, if your mom’s birthday is coming up, think about giving her a bouquet of lilies or gardenias. On the other hand, a flamingo flower and mallow represent health, while gladiolus symbolizes strength.
Who Can We Thank for Plant Symbolism?
Although growing plants indoors goes back to ancient times, the story about plant symbolism starts with the Victorians. It was around the early 19th century when Victorians started growing indoor plants. So, all those Instagram photos of homes filled with flowers would not be possible if the English didn’t make a revolution, primarily from an architectural standpoint.
In the early 1800s, Europeans could heat their homes for the first time, which allowed higher ceilings, larger windows, and more floors. Consequently, rooms received more sunlight, providing ideal conditions for plants to develop. Victorians were so obsessed with flowers, they gave each plant a special meaning and even used them for sending clandestine messages.
#2 Our Plants Love Taking a Bath as Much As We Do
The best and, frankly, the easiest way to clean your plants is by giving them occasional showers. Some plants love being in the shower, believe it or not. The only thing you should be cautious about is the water temperature. It should be cool, so neither hot nor cold.
So, once your plants are well-positioned, the water should fall on them until it soaks through to the roots. Then, check if there’s any standing water underneath the pots because overwatering can cause various problems. However, even in those situations, there are ways to avoid overwatering.
Also, before returning the plants to their regular spot in the house, make sure the pots are dry and clean. As an alternative, you can clean your leafy friends by using a hose. Additional advice: Not all plants love these treatments. Varieties like African violets don’t respond well to getting their leaves wet.
#3 Plants Also Love Sparkling Water
What do you do with club soda when it goes flat? You pour it down the drain. Well, we all do the same. But, let’s make a change. Rather than wasting it, you can use club soda to water your beloved indoor plants. Yes, you read it right. According to a number of studies, club soda contains nutrients highly beneficial to plants, including calcium and magnesium. These elements will make your plants grow faster. But, be careful. If the soda is sweetened or flavored, you should not use it (for plants).
#4 Those Allergic to Dust Could Understand Why Plants Don’t Like It Either
Dust is one of the biggest problems facing people and households, today. It may sound like a joke, but aside from being annoying, dust can cause respiratory problems. Additionally, dust can harm your plants too. When landing on the plants, dust prevents photosynthesis from happening properly.
That’s why regular dusting is of utmost importance if you want your plants to last longer and be healthy. All you need is a piece of cloth and patience; to avoid damage, hold a leaf in one hand to support it and gently brush it with the damp cloth.
As you can see, while It depends on the variety, plants, in general, are not that demanding. And in the end, a bit of your attention and lots of love are enough for plants to feel welcomed in your home and to continue prospering.