This time last year I was just settling into my new work environment and getting to know my co-workers. Most of them had a plant or two at their desk, but Fagel had four or five and would talk about them like they were her children. I never cared for plants. My husband used to beg me to have more houseplants and I flat out refused. I feel a little silly about that now. For the purposes of this blog, I counted how many houseplants I actually have indoors, 42. And come the first freeze, that number will grow to 60. Unless I buy more between now and then, which highly likely.

Here are FIVE REASONS why I love houseplants, and I think you should too:

Peacefulness.

I am not going to site the research that has been conducted by NASA because there is all of this other opposing research, so who really knows… So, for now, just think about when you go outside (when it isn’t hot or cold AF), the weather is just right, don’t you feel at peace? You take a deep breathe and look up at the sky and the trees and suddenly feel a little better, right? Well, I do. I’m not going to grow an Oak tree, or paint the ceilings blue, so the next best thing to do was to get a shit ton of plants.

Everything was going a little crazy in my life at the time. My husband was in and out of rehabs for alcohol addiction and was battling his own demons; severe depression and anxiety. I was a single parent to our first baby, suffering from PPD/PPA, and going back to work full time for the first time in two years. It was a lot. When I saw the joy that Fagel had when looking at her plants, or just talking about them, it was contagious and I needed that in my life.

My employer required that I take an hour lunch break, which I thought was dumb… until I started using my lunch break to go to Lowes Garden Center, or Anderson’s Garden Center. I found peace walking around all of the plants and the people, (you can’t help but be nice and friendly when you are around plants) and I knew I needed to bring that feeling home. So, 50+ plants later, I do feel pretty damn peaceful.

Health

I’m putting this one as number two, because it is a bleed-over from 1. And again, because this is my blog, I’m not siting research, you can find it on my Pinterest page. I’ll just write about how houseplants have improved my health, my child’s health and maybe even my husbands’ (who doesn’t even live here).

Most of my houseplants are concentrated in my office, which is also the rec room, craft room, workout room, guest room and portal to my other plant oasis, my back deck. This is a space that I gravitate towards and enjoy being in. I breathe better, relax more, find more focus, and I take my time. My anxiety is less, my stress level decreases and I smile a lot. All of these things contribute to my overall fantastic health.

My 18 month old daughter also likes to come out here to take care of our houseplants. She helps me deadhead the houseplants and wipes up the water that spills on the floor. Anyone who has met her will tell you that she has to be the happiest, sweetest baby on the planet. She’s also only been sick once. So, for all of those judgers about formula-feeding versus breast-feeding, I raise your breastmilk to my 50+ plants.

And then there is my husband, Christopher. Maybe I should have added houseplants all of those times he asked me to – or maybe he should have taken his ass to Lowe’s and bought some houseplants for himself. Who knows if that would have helped him, but I think it helps him now. When he comes over he is happy and calm, and most importantly, sober. I have given him five houseplants to have in his room at his sober-living house and I think they definitely contribute to his continued happiness and sobriety.

Personality

Don’t think plants have personality? Yours might not, but mine do. Some of them are fussy and dramatic, like my Fittonia. I love her though, she actually tells me when she needs water by wilting to a near death look. Others of them pray, like my Rattlesnake and Maranta leuconeura – they do this to conserve energy, basically. A couple of them love light, like my Peperomia caperata frost and English Ivy. Others don’t care, like my Heartleaf Philodendron (also that link goes to a really great blog) and all of the Sansevieria plants (these are both great houseplant for beginners, as they are indestructible).

Accomplishment

Out of my 52 plants, 18 of them are approaching a year old. They are my original babies that I am proud to say I didn’t kill. There were a few fatalities along the way, and I was devastated each time. But, oh my my, when you see babies popping up, or blooms beginning to blossom, it is the best feeling! I am so proud of myself and what I helped that plant create, and I am so proud of the plant for thriving under my care!

Variety

Y’all, they are just like us. There are bazillions of houseplants. They each require something different to thrive and grow (think: babies & kids). Each one offers a different color and shape from the next (think: the human race). Houseplants will return your love and care by growing to its best ability (think: good humans). They are living, breathing, beautiful pieces of art, just like each one of us.