Plant power

I’ve always had a few houseplants around the place. There was always a spider plant or three at home when I was growing up and I think I just continued the habit. But since lockdown I now have at least one plant in every room because I’ve had more time to tender and even propagate them and because the joy of something green and growing in these uncertain times has brought comfort and pleasure. I’ve learned how to water or to spritz or not to water at all, depending on the type of plant or even the type of compost. I know more about too much light or too much heat and I cluster pots of plants together where I can to try to increase humidity. What I didn’t realise until recently is that I was not actually enjoying the bonus of clean air, courtesy of my plants. Latest scientific research shows that unless you live somewhere totally crammed with greenery, like inside the Palm House at Kew Gardens, the claim that plants de-toxify the air in a domestic setting is very unlikely. Better to just open a window to improve circulation. But I’m pleased to say that research does show that plants improve your mood so I’ll continue to tend to my trusty collection and enjoy my daily dose of Mother Nature.