Plant-Human Coexistence Indoors
Created By RISC | 10 months ago
Last modified date : 10 months ago
Why do we plant trees?
There are lots of reasons, such as beauty, shade, heat reduction, dust protection, improved views, and fruit.
People also see plants as companions, even if they can’t walk or jump. A study found that looking at greenery makes us feel calmer. Watching plants grow, with new leaves or flowers, can boost our mood.
Plants photosynthesize through sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide. Some plants can cope with little light, without needing direct sunlight or a light bulb. These plants are popular for use indoors.
Plants that do well indoors include Ficus lyrata Warb., Epipremnum aureum (Linden & André) G.S.Bunting, Zamioculcas zamiifolia (G.Lodd.) Engl., and Philodendron spp. Some plants can absorb toxic substances indoors, such as formaldehyde, xylene, toluene, benzene, ammonia, and alcohol. Air-purifying plants include Dracaena trifasciata (Prain) Mabb., Ficus elastica Roxb. ex Hornem., Monstera spp., Chamaedorea seifrizii Burret, and Spathiphyllum spp.
Air-purifying plants can help eliminate airborne contaminants as well as providing a green oasis. But the indoor atmosphere is very different from the world outdoors. Indoor plants need looking after. Too much humidity, for example, can lead to mold. Don’t overwater plants and check them regularly.
Indoor plants could be another step toward real human-plant coexistence. Living in harmony with nature entails taking care of one another. We should take good care of plants since they benefit us.
Story by Teerajet Iamphan, Intern from Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University and Thanawat Jinjarak, senior researcher Environmental Department Urban Environmental & Biodiversity Engineer, RISC
References:
JOMM YB. 2023. https://www.baanlaesuan.com/139157/plant-scoop/air-purification-tree
AP THAILAND. 2021. https://www.apthai.com/th/blog/design-and-decor/designanddecor-air-purifying-plants-for-bedroom
MONIQUE C. VALERIS and KATARINA AVENDAÑO. 2023. 22 Best Indoor Plants for Any Room. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/gardening/advice/g1285/hard-to-kill -plants/
Agnes van den berg and Magdalena Van den Berg. 2015. Health benefits of plants and green space: Establishing the evidence base, https://www.researchgate.net/publication/282426219_Health_benefits_of_plants_and_green_space_Establishing_the_evidence_base