Ten Fun Facts About Houseplants

Houseplants and humans

Houseplants or indoor plants, have been a part of human history for thousands of years. There is a lot of evidence from ancient civilizations to modern times that show people have been cultivating plants indoors for both practical and aesthetic purposes. In this article, we will explore the history of houseplants and how they have evolved over time.

Ancient Cultivation

The ancient Egyptians were some of the first cultivators of indoor plants. They would bring plants indoors to protect them from the hot desert climate, to purify the air in their homes and potentially for the aesthetic. Ancient Greeks and Romans also had a love for indoor plants and would decorate their homes with them. In particular, the wealthy would display exotic plants in their homes as a symbol of their wealth and status.

Medieval Times

During medieval times religious monasteries were some of the only places known to have grown plants indoors. Monks would cultivate medicinal plants in their herb gardens and use them for medicine and healing. They also grew fruits and vegetables in greenhouses to supplement their diets.

Growing, collecting and preserving flowers and herbs was also evident with midwives and holistic practitioners.  References to journals, cookbooks and ailment recipes are scattered among generations of women that grew plants indoors for medicinal purposes.

Victorian Era

The Victorian era saw a resurgence in the popularity of houseplants. With the advent of the greenhouse, more exotic plants were able to be grown indoors. The Victorians were also obsessed with the idea of creating a “hothouse” atmosphere in their homes and would often overcrowd their rooms with plants. They believed that plants had the power to purify the air and improve the overall health of the household.

Modern Times

Today, houseplants are a popular form of décor in homes and offices. With the advancements in technology, it’s extremely easier than ever to care for indoor plants to keep them happy and thriving. Many people now see indoor plants as a way to bring a bit of nature into their homes and to improve their mental and physical well-being.

Houseplants are here to stay

Houseplants have a long and rich history, dating back to ancient civilizations. From the Egyptians to the Victorians, people have been cultivating plants indoors for both practical and aesthetic purposes. Today, indoor plants continue to be a popular form of decor and are valued for their ability to improve the air quality and overall well-being of a space.   Click here to see our current and upcoming inventory

References:

• NASA, “Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement”
• The Royal Horticultural Society, “The Health Benefits of Houseplants”
• Psychology Today, “The Benefits of Plants in the Workplace”