February 2025: THE POWER OF PLANTS

A reminder of why we do what we do—bringing interiorscaping to our clients. Having plants in our lives enhances both mental and physical well-being. Since COVID, there has been a significant increase in plant sales, as people spending more time at home have gained a new appreciation for the power of plants. For years, scientists have emphasized that simply being around plants can boost joy and productivity—something more relevant now than ever. According to the National Gardening Association (NGA), household plant purchases grew by 30% between 2020 and 2021, surpassing $2 billion in sales.

Regardless of how or why you bring plants into your space, their presence has been valued for millennia. While the exact origin of interior plants is unknown, written records indicate that Egyptians began bringing plants indoors around 300 BCE. The ruins of Pompeii reveal that interior plants were used there nearly 2,000 years ago. Ancient drawings from the same period depict wealthy individuals in China cultivating miniature stylized trees for their homes. The houseplants we know today can be traced back to 17th-century England when explorers returned from their travels with plant specimens, eventually introducing them into homes and offices.

The modern houseplant movement surged in the 1970s with the rise of environmentalism—when macramé plant hangers and other decorative ways to bring the outside in became all the rage, a concept now known as biophilia. The interiorscaping industry emerged in the late ’70s and early ’80s, and Plantscapers joined the movement in 1981, bringing innovative plant designs to corporations and homes throughout Southern California. Over the years, we have installed thousands of plants—and we’re still going strong!

How our green friends enhance our well-being:

• Plants make us happier: Studies repeatedly show that spending just 15 minutes in a room with plants can increase feelings of happiness and tranquility.
• Plants ease stress: Whether in an office, at home, or in a garden, research indicates that being around plants helps buffer daily stress.
• Plants benefit physical health: Having plants nearby can reduce pain, decrease fatigue, aid healing, and improve overall self-perception of health.
• Plants boost productivity: Studies show that work performance and productivity increase by 15% when plants are present in the workspace.

The acclaimed writer Jamaica Kincaid once said, “Plants contain the world.” They do more than just beautify our offices and homes—each plant carries a rich history and offers unique benefits to us, they’re human companions. So next time you see a plant in your space, take a moment to say thank you!