Finding the Perfect Plant for Relaxation & Mental Wellbeing

The expected temperature in Perth has been adjusted to a blazing 41C, prompting the Health Department to recommend that individuals seek shelter indoors to avoid the intense heat.

Perhaps it's time to consider redirecting your attention and gardening activities indoors. This shift can also provide a therapeutic escape and bring a sense of calm and beauty into your living space. 

Wondering how to pick the right indoor plant, especially ones that can improve our mental health? Here are a few pointers to assist you in selecting the ideal one.

Studies have shown that having houseplants can lead to decreased stress levels, lower blood pressure, and an enhanced overall mood. The presence of indoor plants can positively impact both mental and physical well-being. 

Additionally, workspaces adorned with plants have been linked to increased job satisfaction and fewer health issues. Our natural inclination to connect with nature and the soothing effect of green hues in most houseplants contribute to the positive feelings they evoke. Even just one plant can revitalise a drab area and lift your spirits. The question remains: which plant is the right choice for you?

Shapes of plants can evoke good feelings

Certain plants, including weeping figs, pothos, and palm trees with their elegant arching canopies, were found to be visually pleasing and soothing by participants in several studies. Additionally, some of these plants, especially palm trees, evoked pleasant memories likely due to their association with vacations or tropical destinations. On the other hand, plants like cacti and dragon trees with sharp spikes, narrow pointed leaves, and sparse canopies were not as favoured. This could be attributed to people associating sharp edges with potential harm.

On the other hand, having angular characteristics can prove beneficial at times. Research indicates that homes with sharp-edged foliage were deemed to be more valuable and perceived as more secure compared to homes with soft-edged foliage.

In the end, the most suitable indoor plant for you will be determined by your specific requirements and the environment of your room. Typically, people are drawn to shapes that can be easily identified and processed by the brain. If you're aiming for a soothing atmosphere, opt for plants that are captivating enough to hold your attention, like the pothos with its cascading vines, but limit the number of plants with vibrant patterns and bold colours.

The quantity that matters

Choosing a larger quantity of plants does not always lead to greater benefits. Sometimes, just one thoughtfully selected indoor plant can be enough to improve our mood. Studies in Japan have shown that having leafy plants around can boost creativity in work settings. However, if you need to concentrate on a task, having too many plants could end up being a hindrance rather than a help.

In conclusion, houseplants can indeed have a positive impact on our mental health. However, the specific choice of plants can significantly affect the level of benefit we receive. When selecting houseplants for their mental health benefits, it is important to consider not only their physical appearance but also their ability to capture our interest and attention.

By carefully choosing plants that appeal to us aesthetically and emotionally, we can maximise the potential for improved wellbeing within our living spaces. Therefore, when adding greenery to our homes, let’s prioritise plants that not only look beautiful but also resonate with us on a deeper level, enhancing the positive impact they can have on our mental health.

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