House Plant Appreciation Day is Jan. 10. The designation makes sense. As households take down and put away holiday decorations, the home may seem barren. The outdoors are bleak as well.
The Gardening Network created House Plant Appreciation Day. The network celebrates the benefits of houseplants and encourages everyone to grow some plants indoors. The organization reminds people that houseplants need a little special attention during winter.
At this time of year, we can appreciate the life a houseplant brings to a room. Signs of nature lift spirits on a gray day. Plants give us something to tend to and help us stay in touch with the earth until spring calls us outdoors.
Check any houseplants that might have been neglected during the hustle of the holidays, and ensure they are well watered. Add a dash of fertilizer if needed.
Talk to plants. Some folks believe plants that are talked to thrive better. Maybe while spending time with a plant, people simply become more aware of the plant’s needs.
Consider buying a new houseplant or two. Hernandez Flowers in Dos Palos reminds everyone that the peace lily, snake plant and Aglaonema are on the NASA Clean Air list. Among others, these effectively remove household air toxins.
Appreciate the effect houseplants have on health. Plants take in the carbon dioxide people exhale and return fresh oxygen. Stand by a plant and breathe deeply to take advantage of the oxygen it gives off.
In some cultures, a snake plant is placed at a home’s entrance. The belief is that virtues pass through the leaves into the home.
Various succulents make good houseplants because little care is required. Small succulents perk up a neglected area without taking up much space.
Colorful succulents add cheer to a drab space. Echeveria can complement a color décor, as they come in teal, green and pink. A gray echeveria might be used as an accent in any color scheme.
With attractive leaves, echeveria is known for its lovely rosette shape. When flowering, fleshy foliage contrasts with long stems lined with bell-like blooms.
Celeste and Serena Sharp with Frik N Frak Shack propagate succulents and plants in Dos Palos. Celeste explains, “NASA studies verified that the non-variegated spider plant is one of the best air purifiers available for homes. A bonus is that it is not toxic to pets.”
NASA’s research recommends the all-green spider plant with no white lines, the non-variegated variety. It is rarer but is considered an all-around plant.
Various research studies say aloe vera is also a vehicle that cleans the air in homes and workplaces. Celeste recommends Aloe barbadensis Miller, commonly called Aloe vera, as a great houseplant for air purification.
Aloe vera is known for its medicinal uses, too. The gel within the leaves is described at plantdesert.com as being “magical” for relieving burns. It is a plant you should have handy in the kitchen for accidental burns and sunburn.
Aloe vera gel works as a natural skin moisturizer. It has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and its vitamins and minerals facilitate skin health.
Contact Celeste at 916-547-7093 for more information about healthful plants propagated locally. In a continued spirit of giving, take a plant to a shut-in or someone elderly. Surprise a friend or teacher with a little houseplant.
Teach a child about caring for houseplants. This might be a grandchild, neighbor or friend’s child.
During these dreary winter days, keep a healthy environment at home. Add some fresh plants to serve as a physical and mental refresher.
Janet Miller is a freelance writer specializing in family faith. She offers Family Prayers and Activities: Weekly Guides on CD for families to explore the Bible. Contact her at jmiller@dospalos.org.
