Stress is inevitable, especially amid the fast-paced modern lifestyle. It’s up to you to find ways how to manage it. One effective technique is living in green surroundings. A research funded by the European Commission reveals a strong link between quantity of green space in the living environment and general health. It suggests that green spaces can stimulate recovery from stress and mental fatigue.
Lucky for you, you don’t necessarily need to pack up for the countryside. There are condos in the Philippines that offer green spaces, including access to pocket gardens, in the middle of bustling cities. DMCI Homes’ La Verti Residences in Pasay City is a testament that green living is possible in the metropolis. Some of its state-of-the-art green features and amenities include landscaped gardens, and the inclusion of Lumiventt technology in its design. If you are looking for condo communities in Pasay, you should check out La Verti Residences.
You may also bring the forest feel inside your condo unit by getting houseplants. These low-maintenance plants can thrive under the shade and help clean indoor air. Here are 10 of the most popular plants for your indoor green space.
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
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Maximize condo living by creating a stress-free sanctuary in your home. Hang spider plants, also known as St. Bernard’s lilies, in your terrace or in isolated corners of your living room. This flowering perennial herb can grow to about 75 centimeters and bends downwards. Spider plants can survive in varied climates (from 2°C to 32°C). Just make sure you keep the soil moist at all times.
Gerbera Daisy
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Staying indoors doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re free from air pollutants. There are contaminants from the chemicals we use and the items we bring from outside. These pollutants include trichloroethylene and benzene. Gerbera daisy, a flowering plant, absorbs free radicals in the air and adds life to any design element. Place this houseplant on your coffee table or by your bedroom window.
Snake Plant (Sanseviera trifasciata)
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Being able to create your own home design is an advantage of living in a condo. Add a touch of nature in your unit by hanging snake plants in darker corners of your home. The stiff leaves of this perennial evergreen plant grow vertically, giving it a sculptural appearance. The dark green leaves with light green cross-banding blend well with your minimalist home design.
Snake plants thrive in low light levels and need little water. Instead of using artificial air fresheners, opt for these houseplants which can absorb air toxins such as nitrogen oxides and formaldehyde.
Peace Lilies (Spathiphyllum)
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Let your stress evaporate in the air with the help of green spaces in the comforts of your home. Peace lily plants not only brighten up your place, they also help clean indoor air. According to the NASA Clear Air Study, these houseplants clear the air of pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde.
Peace lilies are low-maintenance plants. It can survive on little sunlight. You just need to water in once a week, leaving the soil moist.
Cactus Plant
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The cactus plant typically originates from dry places. There are, however, a few varieties that live in lush forests. Nearly all cacti are succulents, or those that store lots of water. Some of the most popular varieties that you may consider for your indoor green spaces are the rat’s tail, which are great as hanging ornaments; the bunny ears, which have oval-shaped stems; and the Christmas cacti plant.
It is essential to know the right time to water cactus plants. Use a water meter to determine the moisture in the soil before adding water. To avoid the buildup of salts, regularly repot this houseplant. Caring for plants is a great conversation starter in the DMCI Community. Share your ideas on how to turn your units into mini “secret” gardens.
Aloe Vera Plant
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The aloe vera plant, a succulent plant species, is known for its cosmetic and medicinal uses. It is an effective coolant for sunburn and a conditioner for dry hair. Cosmetic companies also add aloe vera extracts in moisturizing creams, makeup and other beauty products.
The aloe vera plant is a perfect ornament in your kitchen and bathroom. Place them in small pots next to windows. This houseplant is mainly made up of water like a cactus. Make sure to keep the soil moist and put it in areas with bright light. Put this plant on elevated areas as it has toxins dangerous to house pets.
Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
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Lift the mood in your condo unit with lovely anthurium plants. This flowering plant, also known as flamingo flower, usually comes in shades of red, pink and white. Anthuriums are perfect decorations in living room and bedroom corners.
This plant thrives at indoor temperature of 16°C to 22°C and low light. Keep its soil moist and simply wipe its leaves with water to remove dust.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
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The beautiful chrysanthemum will enhance not only your interior design but also your indoor air quality. This houseplant filters out harmful chemicals from paint, plastics and detergent products. Put it near an open window in your kitchen or living room to encourage it to bloom.
Lucky Bamboo Plant (Dracaena sanderiana)
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One compelling reason why you should live in a green condo community like the La Verti Residences is the positive impact of green spaces to your health. Walking down the landscaped atriums can help cut down your stress levels. Infuse some zen in your condo space by placing lucky bamboo plants in your bedroom.
The lucky bamboo plant is an important feng shui plant. It is believed to bring good luck and fortune to the household. To care for this houseplant, place it in places without direct exposure sunlight or air conditioning. Put the plant in a vase filled with pebbles and add at least an inch of water. Put a single drop of liquid fertilizer in the water every other month.
Bonsai Trees
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Not all types of bonsai trees can survive indoors. Choose those of tropical and subtropical species for your condo space. The Ficus bonsai, Crassula, Fukien Tea and the Sweet Plum are popular species that can thrive under the shade. Place the bonsai tree in front of a window where it can have direct access to sunlight. You can also use fluorescent lighting. Remember to mist the plant a few times daily to maintain its humidity.
Condo living offers a long list of advantages from convenience to practicality. With DMCI Homes, you are offered an additional benefit of living in a condo community—green surroundings. Dr. Richard Ryan, professor of psychology at the University of Rochester, explains the energizing effect of being exposed to nature: “Often when we feel depleted we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature,” he shares. By adding plants inside your home, you’re boosting both your interior décor and your health.
