Yes, I’ve become one of the #PlanTitasOfManila! I‘ve always loved gardening and now that I’m mostly home, I’ve started to go back to it! I remember growing up, I’d be in the garden watering the plants and getting my hands dirty.
I always prided myself on having a green thumb. I have a small balcony at home with some potted plants. I can be away for weeks and come back home to see my plants wilted. I’d rescue them and mind you, I don’t use fertilizer. I play mantras in a loop all day or play the gong or crystal bowl to nurture them back to good health.
It’s true that indoor garden not only beautifies your space but also enhances your life! In fact, studies have shown that indoor plants reduce stress, boost mood and improve concentration and productivity.
If you’re going to start an indoor garden or in my case, an indoor jungle, here are some tips:
1. Choose plants that purify the air and get rid of harmful toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, xylene and trichloroethylene (given off by household cleaning chemicals and cigarette smoke). Pothos, peace lilies, spider plants, snake plants, aloe vera and dracena are considered low-maintenance air purifiers.
2. To sleep better and get that oxygen emitted by plants, choose plants that release oxygen at night. Yes, plants normally stop releasing oxygen at nigh. They only release oxygen during the day in the presence of natural light through the process of photosynthesis and at night, the plants uptake oxygen and release carbon dioxide. Examples are the snake plants, bromeliads, aloe vera and peace lily.
3. When the leaves start spotting or turn brown, it means that you’re overwatering them. I’ve learned that the hard way. I’ve actually bought a moisture meter to determine when to water them.
4. Place plants that need sunlight near a sunny window. These are for most palms, jade plant, aloe vera and crawling ivies. My herbs – basil, rosemary, dill, and oregano – are actually outside. I used to put my herbs in the balcony and see them eventually die. That’s when I discovered my window ledge with lots and lots of sunlight and most of my edible plants are there! Note though that mint can’t be exposed to too much.
5. When you water your plants, make sure you pour the water slowly. The pots should have a hole underneath so that you can see the water coming out.
6. And lastly, play mantras all day! The plants love them.
My next project is to grow my edible garden and start eating what I produce.
Return to our roots, return to our breath – let in positivity, and let out negativity.
In loving service,
Rosan
