Earlier this week we were listing to The Slow Home Podcast by Brooke McAlary. We listened to the episode ‘Florence Williams on the importance of getting your nature fix’.
Florence is a journalist, podcaster, public speaker, and author of The Nature Fix in which she explores the science at the confluence of environment, mood, health and creativity.
As quoted from The Slow Home Podcast, Florence states, ‘We don’t have to think of nature as being pristine, we don’t have to think of it as being a wilderness area. That just makes it kind of unattainable in terms of our daily connection. I think that we can find nature where we are – we have to find it where we are.’
L-R: Flor Planter photographed by Meghan Plowman, Table Hat Cafe by Hiroyuki Shinozaki Architects, Idokoro House by mA-Style Architects.
The concept of nature-emersion is both age old (see: shinrin-yoku) and still relevant in contemporary studies. McAlary also references research by Nisbet & Zelenski in which findings suggest a happy path to sustainability, whereby contact with nature fosters individual happiness.
Whilst the psychological virtues of time in nature are immense and well documented, with the arrival of our Flor Planters from Italy next week we have also been considering the physical benefits of bringing the outside in.
According to the Conversation, indoor plants ‘remove volatile compounds from the air including ozone and carbon dioxide. They turn the carbon dioxide into oxygen, meaning air quality is drastically improved. Higher oxygen levels inside a small apartment mean well-being may be improved for the occupants.’
This is echoed in Eartheasy, where they suggest indoor pollutants are a causal factor for sick building syndrome which manifests through allergies, headaches, fatigue, nervous-system disorders and disease.
With backyards and time spent outdoors becoming increasingly rare in our busied inner-city lives, indoor plants are a humble solution to enhance your wellbeing and evoking a daily connection with nature.
5 indoor plants to enhance wellbeing
According to research by NASA directed by environmental engineer from and research scientist Dr B.C. Wolverton, certain houseplants are optimal for atmospheric cleansing properties, ease of growth, and maintenance. We have selected five for both their practicality and aesthetic harmony with our minimalist, blonde wood furniture.
Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
According to Wolverton’s research, the Areca palm removed more toluene and xylene in the air than any other plant. It also emits water vapour for particularly low-humidity locations.
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Lady palm is famous for how easy it is to grow, due to its durability and preference for semi-sunlight and temperate conditions (16 - 21°c).
(L) Arecia Palm and (R) Lady Palm.
Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
The Rubber Plant grows well inside and is tolerable of temperatures as low as 5°c. Its deep green leaves and well-formed leaves juxtapose the lightness of our clean, minimalist furniture.
Philodendron
The Philodendron thrives with little attention. The Heart Leaf Philodendron is a self-sufficient climbing vine, effective for removing formaldehyde. Be mindful with children, if eaten the Philodendron is toxic. The vines look especially good draped from our Shibui shelves, their tendrils intertwining with the Birch and Oak.
Ficus Alii
We have two Ficus Alii in our Northcote showroom for their durability and ease of growth. They are also very effective at removing chemical vapours from the air.
