Plant Power

 Plant Power  

Last year, we spent more time (than ever!) indoors meaning that many of us have or are thinking of becoming new parents, plant parents that is. From cacti to aloe vera, these leafy lovelies have become a home staple, so this #NationalHouseplantWeek we have teamed up with the amazing Leaf Envy to find out more about these green machines and their benefits beyond just their beauty.

We’re also giving one of our fab Fish followers the chance to win a bundle of new bud-dies to brighten their day, so keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram channel.

 A bit about Leaf Envy…

Leaf Envy was born when founder Beth Chapman moved to LA having sold all her possessions. Tired of spending money on mindless ‘stuff’, Beth decided to decorate her empty apartment with things that truly made her happy: aka plants. After two hours of furiously googling Latin names, $300 and a pretty stressful Uber ride later – she had her first plant collection…which she killed 2 months later.

But it was this first failure that led to what became a long and passionate love affair with plants! Plenty of plant reading and buying experiences later, she decided to take the plunge and move back to London to launch Leaf Envy. Which has been growing fast ever since.

Beth started Leaf Envy with pop-ups on her sisters’ canal boat on Regents Canal during the summer months. She then got accepted onto Google Startups Female Founder Program. Since then, Leaf Envy have launched a Plant Subscription Box, range of rare and unusual plant varieties, a chic pot collection and a plant installation service.

 What’s all the fuss about…

But plants not only look beautiful in your home, they have some incredible health benefits too.

That’s why Leaf Envy’s mission is to make plant parenthood simple, so more people can become plant people and excellent ones at that. Here’s why…

They have Meredith Grey’s seal of approval…

Scientific studies show that indoor plants reduce concentrations of Volatile Organic Compounds and carbon dioxide from the air by absorbing these toxins through their leaves. Plants also help create moisture in the air through the process of transpiration. The increased humidity makes it more difficult for flu viruses to survive, which goes to explain why some studies have shown how indoor plants can reduce sick-leave in the workplace by 60%! It’s also why Grey’s Anatomy has a “plant room” instead of a green room.

They get your creative juices flowing…

Plants help reduce attention fatigue and restore a feeling of calm with your surroundings. One US study found that the presence of plants can increase memory retention by as much as 20%, as well as boosting productivity and creativity by 15%. Plants help get those creative juices flowing and are why they make great companions in any living or working space.

They keep you calm as a palm… 

Plant parenthood is a rewarding experience. It’s a time where you can disconnect from technology and spend time caring for a living thing external to yourself. Much like the practice of mindfulness, plant parenthood is all about patience and acceptance. We, intrinsically as humans have an innate connection and adoration of nature which is an experience difficult to articulate. However, it does explain why scientific studies show that the presence of plants can help reduce depressive feelings by 58% and reduce tension and anxiety by 44%.

For more plant care tips and styling inspiration, head to their website (leafenvy.co.uk) or pop them a DM on Instagram (@LeafEnvy).

Don’t forget for your chance to win a £150 gift voucher for The Fish Hotel and a houseplant subscription with the amazing Leaf Envy keep your eyes peeled on our Instagram (@TheFishHotel) tomorrow. All will be revealed…

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