Happy Houseplant Appreciation Day!
January 10th is Houseplant Appreciation Day!
Why Celebrate?
Having houseplants is not only beautifying to your living space, but also just downright healthy. They give off oxygen and absorb the carbon dioxide that we exhale. So basically, they are filtering our air and making it better for us. Who doesn’t want that? They also increase the humidity levels and decrease dust within the home, and have been said to reduce cold-related illnesses by over thirty percent! Having plants around your living space can also reduce stress and lower your blood pressure. And what’s more, you can also grow plants that you can eat! So far, we’ve established that having plants is generally a good thing.
I really do love houseplants. There’s just this one problem… I kill them. I don’t even understand why I am so bad at taking care of houseplants. It really isn’t that hard. All they require is sufficient sunlight and water on a semi-regular basis (depending on the variety). I usually have five to six plants at one time, and they usually last me a few months before they are completely dead. I am horrible about remembering to water the poor things, and it doesn’t help that my cat likes to occasionally snack on them. Or knock them over. Or snack on them, and then knock them over. My only survivor is my Christmas cactus, which has been with me since I left for college nearly seven years ago. The little guy is a trooper.
The Gardener’s Network proclaimed today to be dedicated to the appreciation of our houseplants. Since it is winter, there isn’t much growing outside (depending on where you live), so it is the perfect time to nurture your indoor plants.
How to Celebrate
Go by your local nursery or any grocery store that sells houseplants and buy one! Now is the perfect time to start your houseplant collection, or add to it. And if you are like me, use today to resolve to get yourself into the good habit of taking care of your houseplants!
Quote of the Day
“Plants do not grow merely to satisfy ambitions or to fulfill good intentions. They thrive because someone expended effort on them.” – Liberty Hyde Bailey
Featured image via ShutterStock
