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a plant for every<br />
space in your house<br />
The sale of houseplants has grown considerably in the last few<br />
years - a 10-15% year on year increase since 2013 according to<br />
the RHS. It is particularly prevalent among young people - not<br />
so much as part of a décor choice but more to fulfil a desire to<br />
have something to care for and look after. For urban dwellers and<br />
workers there are also the perceived health and well-being benefits.<br />
The RHS website has the following: ‘As well as looking good,<br />
houseplants support human health in homes, offices, school and<br />
hospitals. Research suggests that the greatest benefits of indoor<br />
plants are through well-being and productivity improvement. There<br />
is discussion around their influence on indoor air quality’.<br />
If you have never had a plant in your life, having a plant at home<br />
is the perfect place to start – and there is such a lot of choice!<br />
Gone are the days of a dusty ‘mother-in-law’s tongue’ Sanseviera<br />
trifasciata or a Kentia palm Howea forsteriana waving brown<br />
fronds in distress - we have a plethora of options to suit every mood<br />
and every place in your home. My first books were on the subject of<br />
house plants and I love to have plants of all types sharing our family<br />
home.<br />
There is an enormous body of research going on at the moment<br />
into the beneficial effects of various species, how many you need<br />
to benefit either physically or mentally, what specific problems<br />
they can alleviate and which species can best tolerate the various<br />
conditions they are exposed to indoors. Lack of light, temperature<br />
fluctuations, infrequent watering - or too much watering - pity<br />
the poor indoor plant and yet for all of the privations we put them<br />
through they still flourish!<br />
As I travel around the country I see so many lovely orchids on<br />
windowsills and the moth orchid or Phalaenopsis must be present<br />
in a high percentage of<br />
British homes. These<br />
orchids are incredibly<br />
long lasting and even with<br />
the most basic care will<br />
flower again and again.<br />
You could also chose a<br />
Spathiphyllum or peace<br />
lily, a Madagascar Dragon<br />
Tree, Dracaena marginata<br />
or an English ivy Hedera<br />
helix - drape them from<br />
cupboards and bookcases,<br />
group them for more<br />
impact, have one large statement plant for a<br />
Wow factor, whatever you choose make room in your<br />
life for a plant!<br />
A Practical Guide to Growing Healthy Houseplants<br />
by Matthew Biggs<br />
www.matthewbiggs.com<br />
Quality Care 24 hours a day in an idyllic location<br />
• 24-hour Person-Centered Care<br />
• Highly trained, caring and attentive staff<br />
• Daily stimulating entertainment and activities<br />
• Home cooked, nutritional and appetizing meals<br />
• Safe and secure environment<br />
• Daily visits by District Nurses<br />
• Regular visits by Chiropodist, Hairdresser,<br />
Dentists, Opticians and GP’s<br />
• Beautiful personalized en-suite bedrooms<br />
• Respite and Long-term Care<br />
Ermington House, Ermington Nr Ivybridge, Devon PL21 0LQ<br />
Email: enquiriesermingtonhouse@outlook.com | Tel: 01548 830076<br />
www.southhamslifestyle.co.uk | 39
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