As you can see, I have a mini jungle in my home and it receives minimal light. Initially, I only appreciated their beauty but eventually I developed an emotional attachment to plants. I did not always have a “green thumb.” Besides the benefits, I will share scientific theories about plant emotions as well as tips to care for them.

Like all living things, plants are spirits. They are, therefore, very sensitive to thought patterns as well as words, sounds and touch. Scientists have been researching plant perception, since the early 1800’s. In 1848, Dr. Gustav Theodore Fechner believed plants had emotions and that talking, attention and affection promoted healthy growth.

Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, in 1900, believed plants had a sensitive nervous system and that they grew fast with pleasant music and slow with loud music. In the 60’s, Cleve Baxter conducted experiments to prove that plants had a sort of ESP. He believed they could sense human intentions.  There are videos of his experiments on youtube.

You can find a lot more info online. However, I would like to leave you with one more video recorded this year.  In April 2013, Monica Bermolin, conducted an experiment to demonstrate how plants feel pain. You might find a video about this experiment on youtube.

The Benefits Of Having Plants In Your Home:

1. Plants filter pollutants and reduce carbon dioxide.

2.  Plants are natural humidifiers.

3. Plants create a calm, tranquil environment.

4. The oxygen from plants will improve your sleep, if you have one in your bedroom.

5. Caring for a living thing can give you a sense of purpose in life, improving mental health. This is especially true for those who are lonely or depressed or recovering from trauma.

6. Plants lower your blood pressure and alleviate stress.

7. Plants improve brain functions: focus, concentration, and the generation of ideas.

8. Plants add beauty to your home.

How To Select And Care For Your Plants

1.  Select plants according to your home environment and lifestyle. (e.g., if you have a north facing apartment with lots of light, you would choose plants requiring bright light. If you travel often, you would choose plants that only require weekly or bi-weekly watering.)

2. Purchase self-watering pots. Some self-watering pots require Perlite to be added to the soil and to the bottom of the pots for the prevention of root rot.

3. Wait a few months before repotting your new plants into your desired pot. Many plant experts suggest spring for repotting.

4. Always research the needs of each plant. If your plant comes with a care tip stick, leave it there as a reminder.

5. Under-watering is almost always better than over-watering. Get a watering can to help you slowly add water to your plants.

6. Most plants like to have mist on their leaves. Purchase a spray bottle so that you may lightly apply mist.

7. Fertilize your plants at least every three months. Almost every potted plant needs fertilizer as the soil eventually becomes depleted of minerals.

Sources:

PLANT PERCEPTION, Wikipedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plant_perception_(paranormal)

15 FABULOUS HEALTH BENEFITS OF PLANTS, Leslie

http://www.mastersinhealthcare.com/blog/2011/15-fabulous-health-benefits-of-house-plants/

IMPORTANCE OF PLANTS IN YOUR HOME, The Heathline Editorial Team

http://www.healthline.com/health/importance-plants-home?toptoctest=expand