Amazing Benefits of Houseplants

House Plants….here at Bank of Flowers we love them. Why do we love them you ask??? Well, not only are they a longer lasting gift option than a fresh arrangement, they also beautify the home.  But most importantly, they provide many benefits to our health and wellness.  

What are the Health and Wellness Benefit of Plants?  Research has shown that plants remove toxins from the air.  NASA (yes NASA!) has come up with a list of plants that are best at removing toxic substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from our environment.  The 3 top air cleaners you ask??? They are the florist chrysanthemum, the peace lily, and the red-edge dracena, all available at Bank of Flowers!

Another benefit to having house plants is that they provide us with an oxygen rich environment. Through photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  A few of these plants not only do this during the day but also in the evening.  The bromeliad, the succulent, and my personal favorite, the orchid plant are wonderful for increasing oxygen in the house during day and evening hours.

Plants increase humidity in the air by releasing moisture vapor.  As a result, having indoor plants actually helps prevent certain illnesses.  Increased humidity levels in the air helps to lower health problems like dry cough, colds, sore throats, and dry skin.  They are the perfect cure for our long Wisconsin winters (Buurrr!!!!)

How many plants do I need?  How do you create this refreshing, calming, purifying, humidity enriched-environment at home? The recommendation is slightly different based on your goal.  If your goal is to improve your health and decrease stress then one 8” diameter pot every 130 square feet is recommended.  If your goal is to purify the air around your home then it is recommended that there be a larger plant ( 6-8” pot size) or 2 smaller (4-5" pots) every 100 square feet.

What if you don’t have a "Green Thumb"?  It's OK, not all of us at Bank of Flowers have green thumbs either.  Most of us figure out what plants work best in our homes simply through trial and error.  The point is to just try one and see.  We can help you to find a plant that fits the space in your home, your level of sun exposure, and what level of care you can provide; or if there is a particular plant you’re looking for we can help with that too.  Just because you don’t see it in the shop doesn’t mean we can’t get it for you.  Please ask as we are here to help!!

Here are some of the plants that we care for and love in our own homes!!

Finding Your Perfect House Plant

 

 

At Bank of Memories & Flowers, we help people and house plants live happily ever after.
How do we do it?  After answering a series of questions about you and your indoor space our savvy staff will connect you with your perfect plant.  We will have you answer questions like: "What is your sun situation?"  "How often are you willing to water your plant?"  "What kind of container are you looking for to put your plant in?" The key is to find a house plant to fit your lifestyle, space and budget.

We want to bridge the gap between plants and people.  There are so many pros for house plants.  Plants will make your home easier for you to breathe.  Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  Indoor plants will release moisture in the air and even purify the air in you home.  But most important, plants can improve your health and make you happy!

 

Come on in to our shops and meet your potential plant mates.  We have succulents, English ivys, peace lilies, air plants, palms and pothos, along with many pots and decorative containers in every shape and size.

Melissa Maas
~Owner
Bank of Memories & Flowers

Krista's Pick for Winter Bloomers!!

Winter can be a cold and dreary time of the year here in Wisconsin, but I've got some great blooming plants to brighten up this chilly season!

Cinerarias have many little daisy-like blooms and come in many bright shades including magenta, red, purple, blue, and even white!  They do well in the winter months because they thrive in cool temperatures around 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit.  Cinerarias prefer bright, indirect sunlight and like to stay moist at all times.

Kalanchoes are one of my favorites because they are so easy to care for.  They prefer bright direct sunlight and like to dry out between waterings.  They come in a variety of vibrant colors including red, orange, yellow, and hot pink!

Phalaenopsis orchids are just so elegant!!  Many people think they are hard to care for, but actually, they are quite simple.  They will flourish indoors with moderate, indirect sunlight and only need about 2 ice cubes per week.  My only suggestion is to make sure you don't over-water orchids.  They do not like any standing water in the bottom of their containers.

Cyclamen are sometimes called the poor man's orchid.  You can find them in a variety of shades of pink, red and white.  They prefer bright, indirect sunlight and moist soil.  Their vibrant blossoms and interesting leaves make this plant a popular indoor blooming plant choice.

African violets come in many varieties with flowers ranging from white and light pink, to violets, blues, and purples.  Foliage varies from dark green to lighter variegated leaves, and most have a deep purple tone underneath the leaves.  They enjoy indirect bright light and a slightly moist soil.

So stop in and brighten up someone's day with a colorful winter blooming plant!

Krista Roskopf
Manager, Menomonee Falls