THE Philippines’ long and strict quarantine protocols motivated many to find new and alternative hobbies they can spend their time on while staying in the comforts of their home. 

Some tried baking and cooking, some committed to getting their bodies in shape through yoga and home workouts, while others attempted knitting, embroidery, and painting. However, one of the most prominent new-found hobbies during lockdown was gardening.

Gardening or the plantito/plantita culture in the country has flourished, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Since Filipinos were forced to stay inside their houses, they tried to reduce their stress levels. These green leafy creatures had been a source of peace for many, especially in times of crisis.

Benefits of plants

During science classes back in grade school and high school, students were taught about the many benefits plants provide the planet. 

Plants are considered to be a critical resource because they primarily support most life on earth. They are earth’s chief oxygen providers, regulating the water cycle, food, clothing, and even materials to build houses and other infrastructures. 

Plants, in fact, are one of the essential resources on the planet, known for their ability to support life and supply habitat and food for wildlife and humans.

These are just basic benefits people get from plants. 

The good news is that individuals can get more of these as they surround themselves with more greenery.

Stress busters 

Studies have shown that when plants are placed inside rooms, they help people relax and reduce the stress they experience. 

According to a study published by the Journal of Physiological Anthropology, interactions with indoor plants tend to minimize psychological and physiological stress.

This is done through the suppression of “sympathetic nervous system activity and diastolic blood pressure and promotion of comfortable, soothed, and natural feelings,” it said. 

Further, plants help in easing anxiety levels as being surrounded by plants can make people feel more relaxed and calm.

Why You Need Plants in Your Life 

Plants don’t only make your living spaces look pretty and alive; they make people feel sanguine and healthy, too! 

Aside from boosting people’s moods, plants also positively impact productivity and concentration and encourage the brain to release creative and innovative ideas.

Also, plants help in reducing and overcoming stress, anxiety, fatigue, sore throats, colds and even help people sleep better at night. 

Noise, toxins, and humidity levels are also reduced due to plants’ ability to produce oxygen and absorb carbon dioxide.

Breathe in

Do you ever notice how the air feels cleaner and lighter when you have a variety of plants in your room? This is because they clean the air in your spaces, which helps you avoid respiratory illness, allergies, and dry skin due to better air quality.

Additionally, plants indeed make people happy because it is therapeutic to care for these. 

Hala-mom feels 

But how hard is it to grow your own plants?

According to Angeline Ramos, a nursing student and a certified plantita, taking care of plants is the same as taking care of a child. 

“You talk to them, you provide for their needs, you take care of them when they’re sick. You give them adequate attention, and it makes you smile from ear-to-ear when you see a new leaf budding out from their stems,” she told republicasia.

The Ultimate Guide to Not Killing Your Plant

Contrary to the belief of many, anyone can propagate and grow plants in the comfort of their homes. 

Plants are designed to survive various environmental conditions, but there are ways to help them stay healthy and avoid common plant diseases. 

Here are several tips on how to not kill your houseplants:

Do not overwater. 

Believe it or not, overwatering kills your plant. When you feed them too much water, their roots tend to rot, causing dry leaves and molds that could eventually lead to their death. 

Remember that underwatering is better than overwatering. What you need to do is to research how much water your plant needs. 

Also, you can use the finger technique to find out if your plant is thirsty or not. All you have to do is poke your index finger in your plant’s soil then pull it out. 

If soil sticks to your finger and you feel the moisture in the soil, do not water your plant. If there is little to no soil stuck on your finger, that’s the only time you need to water your plant.

Place your plant under indirect sunlight. 

Plants need the sun to grow, but placing them directly under the sun makes them lose their moisture and dries out their leaves. 

The best thing to do is to put them under indirect sunlight. Here, they will have enough light to produce oxygen without having to sacrifice their precious leaves.

Create your own potting mix. 

Plants need a sound drainage system so that the water you give them can be dispersed evenly. It is best to create your own potting mix. 

Here are the ingredients: 1/3 cup organic potting mix, 1/3 cup orchid bark (for air), 1/3 cup horticultural charcoal (for bacteria), and perlite (for water distribution). 

The amount depends on how large your pot is. Also, it is imperative to remember that the more perlite you put in the mixture, the more drainage there would be for your plant. So, if your plant needs more water, use less perlite.

The bigger the plant, the bigger the pot. 

One of the most common mistakes you can make is not repotting your plants. 

Keep in mind that your plants are constantly growing. There will be a time when they will outgrow their pot. If you don’t want to stop their growth, transfer them to a bigger pot. Believe me, if your plants could talk, they would thank you for that!

Taking care of plants is surely an excellent hobby because of the many benefits it provides. You aren’t only keeping yourself healthy, but you’re also promoting a greener environment.

Indeed, in plants, there is peace.