The incredible benefits of having indoor plants and flowers

Glenda’s Lakewood  Flowers, Holland
Glenda’s Lakewood Flowers, Holland
Photo: Glenda’s Lakewood Flowers

By Kelsey Smith

It’s no secret — indoor plants and flowers enhance the appearance of a space, but they also have more benefits than you may realize. Plants and flowers have been shown to boost moods, reduce stress, eliminate air pollutants and increase creativity — what’s not to love? 

With spring coming near, there’s never been a better time to add some color to your home, or to gift it to someone else.

Pat Johns (left), owner of Pat’s European Fresh Flower Market, and Tammi Van Huis
Pat Johns (left), owner of Pat’s European Fresh Flower Market, and Tammi Van Huis
Photo: Carmel Brown/DeVries Photography

“Flowers are just something that make you feel happy,” said Pat Johns, owner of Pat’s European Fresh Flower Market in Holland. “People will come in here and go, ‘Wow, I just need these flowers.’ They make you smile and definitely lift your spirits. And people feel very loved when they receive flowers — they know people are caring about them and thinking of them.”

As for health benefits, indoor plants have many.

“Plants improve health by decreasing carbon dioxide and increasing oxygen,” said Glenda McKinley, owner of Glenda’s Lakewood Flowers in Holland. “The chemicals plants release decrease pollutants in the air inside the home, including formaldehyde and benzene — English ivy has been shown to reduce airborne mold by up to 78%. Plants also produce airborne chemicals that reduce stress and promote immunity to fight off colds, flu and other illnesses.”

Working with plants, even indoor varieties, can also be therapeutic.

“For people experiencing the symptoms of mental illness, indoor gardening can be helpful,” said Sarah Boetsma, owner of Picket Fence Floral & Design in Holland. “Researchers have used horticultural therapy to increase feelings of well-being among people with depression, anxiety, dementia and other conditions.”

Plants and flowers bring the outside in. They can make you think of open spaces and nature, and bring you a sense of calmness.

“Indoor plants and flowers have been shown to calm the family space and enhance relationships,” McKinley said. “Plants personalize spaces, just like photos and mementos. Flowers and flowering plants bring scents and a sense of color into the home during wintry and rainy months.”

And, if you’re not a green thumb, there’s no need to worry. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that can spruce up any space.

“Look for plants that are suited to your environment,” McKinley said. “Ask the experts about plants suited to less care, low light, less watering. The peace lily, one of the easiest plants to care for, is also one of the best for cleaning the air.”

Brighten up your spring with the help of these local florists:

Pat’s European Fresh Flower Market
505 W. 17th St., Holland
616-796-3221

Picket Fence Floral & Design
897 Washington Ave., Suite 20; Holland
616-355-0229

Glenda’s Lakewood Flowers 
332 E. Lakewood Blvd., Holland
616-994-6444

Huisman Flowers
11595 E. Lakewood Blvd., Holland
556 N. Beacon Blvd., Grand Haven
616-399-5060 (Holland)
616-842-4340 (Grand Haven)

Wasserman’s Flowers & Gifts 
1595 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon
231-755-6536

V.S. Flowers
2914 Blue Star Highway, Douglas
269-857-4613

Spring Lake Floral
209 W. Savidge St., Spring Lake
616-842-3358

Back to the Fuchsia – A Flower Shop
439 Butler St., Saugatuck
269-857-2963