The benefits of having plants around are invaluable for our wellbeing and healthy living. Their green foliage will calm, balance, relax and inspire us, while the sensual aromas of their flowers evoke soothing emotions. They provide us with our basic needs of food, medicine, shelter and fresh air.

In Feng Shui, the wood element of indoor, the earth they grow in and the colour of their flowers and containers, can all be used to balance and harmonise a place elementally. Cut flowers and plants may be creatively introduced into specific areas to complement the decor and visual aesthetics of a living environment, ultimately to enhance the mood and wellbeing of its occupants.

It is scientifically well established that houseplants have sophisticated health-promoting eco-systems which absorb airborne pollutants, replenish daytime oxygen and re-humidify dehydrated air. Having a plant near a work desk helps to improve concentration, mind and performance. Orchids are an exception, they release oxygen at night so these romantic plants are ideal in a bedroom.

Your indoor plants will really appreciate some tender loving care. Mist them with lukewarm water to clean their leaves and to prevent the tips from drying out and turning brown, or give them a shower if you can manage that. Keep the water in cut flower vases fresh and clean to support you well. Remove all ailing leaves and blooms, but avoid prickly plants or droopy leaves. Breathing on a plant gives it carbon dioxide which it converts into oxygen to refresh the atmosphere beneficially.

Flourishing, vibrant healthy indoor plants and flowers make a home feel more welcoming, you cannot have too many of them. They thrive by living in harmony with us, whilst they connect us peacefully with the natural world. Win Win.