Having flowers and plants in your home is a wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of nature indoors. In fact, foliage plants can actually contribute to your indoor air quality. Take a look at nature’s original air filter!
Plants Have to Breathe, Too!
Just like all living things, flowers and plants breathe air in order to survive. Granted, the process is a bit different due to the lack of lungs in plants, but plants do take in carbon dioxide in a process called photosynthesis. Tiny holes on the underside of leaves, known as stomata, actually open and close to allow the uptake of air, as well as to prevent the plant from losing too much moisture.
Plants Breathe Opposite of Us
While humans and animals breathe in oxygen and exchange it for carbon dioxide, plants do the exact opposite. Since the product of photosynthesis—what the plant breathes out—consists basically of pure oxygen, the air quality of any space they inhabit improves tremendously. This is not to say, however, that a plant does not use oxygen as well. When plants are not making food, they do use oxygen and expel carbon dioxide, most usually at night when there is a lack of light that makes photosynthesis possible.
As they breathe, plants can also filter out pollutants in the air. Some plants, such as ivy, bamboo palm, and peace lilies, are more efficient at air filtering than other plants, but any foliage plant can be beneficial in the home to some degree. So, the next time you see a plant and think it’s only good as an interior décor piece, remember that they are also an inexpensive, self-renewing, very effective air filter.
If you are interested in adding foliage plants to your home or if you’d like fresh flowers for any occasion, contact us at Royer’s Flowers and Gifts. We design wedding flowers, holiday flowers, sympathy flowers, and gift baskets. Give us a call at (717) 769-1413 to learn more or to place your order.
4 Tips for Caring for Your East Bulb Plant
For many, the Easter bulb flower, also commonly known as the Easter lily, is the pride of the season. These large, trumpet-shaped white flowers carry a sweet fragrance and are impressive to look at. Caring for your Easter lily is not very difficult. Ask your florist for tips when you purchase your plant, and follow these recommendations:
- Water Regularly, But Not Too Much
The soil of your Easter lily should stay evenly damp at all times, but not sopping wet. Over-watering can be a bigger problem than under-watering, since it puts the plant at risk of developing root rot. Insert a finger about an inch deep into the soil daily. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give water and allow the container to drain thoroughly. Never let plants sit in pooled water. - Provide Light, But Stay Away From Heat
Easter lilies prefer bright, indirect sunlight to grow and bloom at their prime. Avoid placing your plant close to heat sources, such as electronic devices or in the path of heating ducts. Temperatures ranging from 65 to 75 degrees are ideal. Avoid placing your flowers directly in windows; choose a table or counter below a window instead. - Give it a Good Grooming
You can prolong the longevity of your Easter lily’s flowers by removing the pollen pods, called anthers, in the center of each flower. Simply grasp the pods and gently pull them away. Try to catch these before they begin to open to avoid dropping pollen on the petals or staining your fingers. - Save it For Next Year
Since Easter lilies are bulb plants, they will come back year after year if you plant them outdoors. You’ll be pleased to see your Easter lily popping up just in time for next Easter.
Give us a call at Royer’s Flowers and Gifts at (717) 769-1413 if you’d like to order your Easter lily or any other holiday flowers. We offer plants and fresh flowers for all seasons and occasions, and we can even help you out with gift ideas.