When you walk into Wellspring, there’s one thing that you will notice. Plants! They’re everywhere! You might find yourself asking, why? Why so many plants and why in the classroom? Let’s dive in deeper and explore the benefits of putting plants where people are.
Benefits
Studies done by NASA have shown that plants can literally scrub the air clean of toxins in the air. Toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. These carcinogenic toxins are released in the air from furnishings, carpet, and paint. Plants are quite effective at helping to decrease these toxins in our air.
On top of that, research has proven that plants and a natural environment improves students' learning capabilities, calms the sympathetic nervous system, and can make people feel happier by having a positive effect on their mood and energy levels.
Participation in the nurturing of plants in our daily lives encourages us to release our pent up frustrations and stress as well as the ability to care for something beautiful. Nurturing plants gives people a coping mechanism for their daily frustrations as well as reducing stress levels.
Plants have been proven to help with concentration and memory in both the home and workplace. People who are tasked with jobs performed with better accuracy and quality when surrounded by natural environments and plants.
Healing yourself both body and mind? Don’t forget the plants! Research has shown that patients who interact and take care of plants and flowers have a significantly reduced recovery time after medical procedures.
Wellspring is all about teaching our students how to have compassion for their peers and gain social skills. Did you know that ornamental plants increase the level of compassion that people feel towards others? Studies have shown that people who nurture and spend more time around plants are more likely to try to help others and have more advanced social relationships. Exposure to nature and plants also increases people's compassion for the environment and animals as they find themselves more involved in the world they live in.
Lower stress, more compassion, better learning, increased learning, and cleaner air are just some of the reasons that Wellspring has a lot of plants!
Let’s talk about a few tips for bringing plants into your own space.
1: Safety
Not all indoor plants are created equal. Some of our favorite indoor plants we should be cautious of being within arms (and mouth) reach of children. These plants are best raised up and admired from out of reach. Some might include:
Pothos
Peace Lily
Cactus
Aloe Vera
Sago Palm
Dieffenbachia
Plants that are safe for closer interaction with children
Boston/Lace ferns
African Violets
Marigold
Herbs -basil, rosemary, parsley
Baby’s tears
Bamboo
Christmas Cactus
2: Light / Water
Indoor plants' needs vary from plant to plant. Look at the light and watering needs of plants that are going into your space and proactively plan where each plant should go. For watering needs, this is a great opportunity to get your children involved and create a weekly rhythm where you can check each plant’s needs. Older children can even help create a watering schedule.
3: Propagation
One of the best things about indoor plants is the opportunity to teach your children how to propagate your plants. Certain plants like ivy and pothos are great for cutting, putting in water and watching the roots grow. After you the roots have had a chance to grow, get out a pot and dirt and plant them together as a family.
Wellspring is excited to show off our plants both in the classroom and in our building. Try incorporating some plants in your house and let us know how it goes!