Getting Green - Why You NEED Plants!

Plants Plants Plants!

As we know it - plants and green life hold such a strong impact on the world around us. From oxygen levels to fighting climate change and even reducing personal stress levels. Plant life is important, and everybody should be involved in some ways!

I can PROMISE you - increasing plant activity around your desk and workspace will increase your success here at WA because your focus will be increased, stress reduced, you will be further enlightened, oh the LIST GOES ON!

How to Start with Houseplants?

Many believe they are either plant people or simply not, but this couldn't be further from the truth! Everybody is capable of taking care of plants in their own home or even outside with ease. To begin, it is important to make sure you have the proper lighting and space to take care of your plants - having an open and light space is essential.

Furthermore, there are other key factors in maintaining the health of your plan

• Soil - different plants require different types of soil to ensure proper nutrition and filtration for the roots. For example, a cactus will need more filtration than most houseplants. Using cacti soil and sand in the bottom of the pot will help ensure your cacti's roots are not going to rot!

• Sunlight - just like soil, certain plants refuse to grow without abundant sunlight whereas others will literally be burnt from over-exposure. Most Cacti are not shy of the sun but a plant such as the Money Tree (Guiana Chestnut) will welter with too much. Most Cacti are not shy of the sun but a plant such as the Money Tree (Guiana Chestnut) will wilt with too much.

• Water - everybody understands that plants require water but often times plants are left with too much or too little. It is important to do research on your plants before purchasing to ensure a proper watering schedule. Plants preferred to be water in the morning and use the sunlight throughout the day to provide more energy in absorbing water - reducing the chances of obtaining root rot in one of your plants.

Which Plants do I Purchase First?

Depending on the space you are trying to fill, there is always a niche within the plant world that will be the happiest given your conditions. Here are a few examples on separate scenarios regarding lighting, soil and placement..

Loads of LIGHT

• Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
• Ficus/Hibiscus
• Polka-Dot Plant (Hypoestes phyllostachya)
• Jade Plant (Crassula argentea)
• Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Schefflera Arboricola)

These plants are just few of many sun LOVERS - these are great for windows that get anywhere from 6-12 hours of sunlight per day!

Medium Amounts of Light

• Boston Fern (Nephrolepis bostoniensis)
• Begonia
• African Violet (Saintpaulia)
• Bamboo Palm (Chamaedora seifrizii)

These plants will have trouble surviving without any sunlight but if left in DIRECT sunlight - they will burn & wilt!

Lovers of the DARK!

• ZZ Plants (Zanzibar gem or Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
• Snake Plant (many variations)
• Maidenhair Fern
• Pothos
• Peacock Plant (Calathea)
• Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum )

Why Plants?

I am a firm believer that plant life will greatly influence your indoors work enviornemnt, being surrounded by nature has been scientifically proven to have many benefits. Some being - focus, increased mood and reduced stress.

So, if you don't have much green in your home or work space - I strongly recommed starting with some of these options!

Have a great day, stay focused and work hard!

Nikki