Succulents

Succulents

Friday, July 28, 2017

5 Health Benefits of Live Indoor Plants



When is a living indoor plant more than a beautiful accent for home or office?  The answer is “nearly always” if you consider the health benefits of having live plants in your space.

According to Kifumi Keppler, owner and founder of Exotic Plants, “Research shows that the benefits of living plants in our home and workplace help us live healthier and even happier lives.  If you’ve noticed that you feel better around your plants, there are plenty of studies that back you up.”

Here are five health benefits of plants that may help you decide to add more green to your indoor environment. 

Plants can help:

1. Improve air quality.

Research by NASA has shown that plants improve air quality by removing certain chemicals from the air in enclosed spaces.  These chemicals, including compounds like benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia, have been linked to physical complaints such as headaches, eye irritation and more.

2. Help you breathe better.

In the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen.  Since we breathe in oxygen, people and plants make good partners.  At night, most plants stop photosynthesis and release carbon dioxide.  However a few plants like orchids, succulents and certain others, do just the opposite, releasing oxygen at night time, making them a great choice for the bedroom.

3. Reduce stress.

A study conducted in Australia found that plants in the work environment can reduce stress.  Their research found reductions in anxiety, depression, anger and hostility, all of which can negatively affect one’s health.

4. Improve health.

Norwegian and Dutch research discovered that adding plants to the workplace can reduce the incidence of physical ills such as fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms. 

5. Speed recovery for surgical patients.
A Kansas State University study compared the recovery rate of patients in rooms with and without plants.  Those in rooms with plants requested less pain medication and were released from the hospital sooner than those patients without the plants.

Of course, not every plant may be the right fit for you.  Some are toxic if eaten and so should be avoided in homes with children and pets.

As Kifumi says the value of plants goes far beyond the aesthetic value. “Plants add a natural and spiritual aspect to our lives. There’s a symbiotic relationship between people and plants.  They give us so much—food, oxygen, energy, medicinal remedies and more. Nature is our connection to the earth, and keeping live plants in the house and office reminds us of this.”

If you have questions or think you don’t have a green thumb, Kifumi invites you to call or visit Exotic Plants.  She says her staff love answering questions and will do their best to help you maintain healthy and beautiful plants.

Monday, May 1, 2017

3 tips for spring indoor plant care


What your plants would like you to know now that Spring is here

Shouldn’t your indoor plants automatically thrive now that it’s springtime?  After all, the weather is warmer, there’s more sunshine and everything outside is starting to bud and grow.  Not necessarily.

Here are 3 things you should be doing for your plants now:

1. Start fertilizing.  During the colder, darker weather, plants usually don’t grow fast but that’s changed now that Spring is here.  Give them the nutrients they need for healthy growth with a good, natural fertilizer.  We use Age Old Kelp which is a natural solution that provides a fast acting source of major nutrients.

2. Check your plant’s soil for moisture.  Additional warmth and light mean your plants are drinking more.  So check them more often and water as needed.

3. Examine your plants for pests.  They can be a problem at this time of year, especially if you have windows and doors open.  Look your plants over on a regular basis to ensure they don’t have uninvited “guests.”  If they do, a solution of Neem oil applied according to directions usually handles them.

These 3 actions will have your plants thanking you!

Tuesday, January 3, 2017

January Sale


Have your eye on some plants for your home or office?  Or just in the mood to liven things up?  Wait no longer!  This sale is one of our customers' favorite.

Buy 1 plant and get 40% off the 2nd one of equal or lesser value.  (In-store only.  No double discounts.  Some exclusions apply.  Expires 1/31/17.)

Wednesday, October 5, 2016

October Sale



Bring the beauty of autum indoors with our

October Sale

15% off 
plants & containers

In-store only.  No double discounts.
Some exclusions apply.  Expires 10/31/14.


Friday, July 15, 2016

July & August Sale



Why are July & August the perfect months to fill your home or office with live plants?  Because it's time for one of our customers' favorite sales!

Buy 1 plant, get
40% off
your 2nd plant
of equal or lesser value

(In-store only.  No double discount. 
Some exclusions apply.  Expires 8/31/16.)

Tuesday, May 3, 2016

3 Tips for Spring Indoor Plant Care

What your plants would like you to know


Shouldn’t your indoor plants automatically thrive now that it’s springtime?  After all, the weather is warmer, there’s more sunshine and everything outside is starting to bud and grow.

Not necessarily.  Here are 3 things you should be doing for your plants now.

1. Start fertilizing.  During the colder, darker weather, plants usually don’t grow fast but that’s changed now that Spring is here.  Give them the nutrients they need for healthy growth with a good, natural fertilizer.  We use Age Old Kelp which is a natural solution that provides a fast acting source of major nutrients.

2. Check your plant’s soil for moisture.  Additional warmth and light mean your plants are drinking more.  So check them more often and water as needed.

3. Examine your plants for pests.  They can be a problem at this time of year, especially if you have windows and doors open.  Look your plants over on a regular basis to ensure they don’t have uninvited “guests.”  If they do, a solution of Neem oil applied according to directions usually handles them.

These 3 actions will have your plants thanking you!

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

How to tell if your orchid is getting enough light

Ever wonder how much light orchids should have?  Check out this video with Kifumi, owner and founder of Exotic Plants.