Amid a remarkable surge of over 300% in “mood boost quickly” searches within the past year, Tapi has collaborated with esteemed plant connoisseurs to unveil the top three mood-enhancing plants and share essential tips for preventing plant-related damage in your home.
As plants are widely recognised for elevating a living space’s ambience, flooring and carpet retailer Tapi has teamed up with Jo Lambell, founder of Beards & Daisies, and Dr Susanne Lux of Stars for Europe to expertly identify the ideal botanical additions for invigorating your interiors.
Devil’s ivy
Devil’s Ivy is a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant. It is said to bring good luck and fortune, so perfect to boost your mood. The plant needs indirect sunlight and does not need much watering, only when the soil is dry.
Peace lily
Peace lilies have delicate white blooms and make any home a tranquil space. Peace lilies are great for inexperienced plant owners, as they do not require much water and are also happy in lower light. The only thing it won’t be too pleased with is overwatering, as peace lilies go into a dormant stage in winter and won’t need much water.
Colourful poinsettias – the ‘Christmas star’
The colourful poinsettias, also known as ‘Christmas Star’, are plants that come in a variety of colours and sizes, so there are plenty of choices to find the perfect fit for your interior style. Typically, warm colours, such as red tones are great for energising and setting a happy mood, while green is known to have a more relaxing effect and is great to add a calming feel. Poinsettias prefer direct sunlight, so ideally a spot near a south-facing window. These plants do not like cold draughts, so this needs to be avoided.
If you’re unsure when to water the plant, simply push a finger into the soil by about 2 cm, if you then feel moist soil, you can add a little water. Be sure to allow any access water to drain off.
Once you have chosen your favourite plant, it is important to find the right spot and sometimes this includes placing a plant pot on your floor, so Tapi has put together tips on how to keep your carpets and flooring fresh and clean for years to come:
- Remove carpet indentations from plant pots. To eliminate indentations left by plant pots on carpets, consider using feet or a tray to raise the pot off the carpet. To restore the carpet’s fluffiness, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda over the area, work it into the fibres with a stiff brush, and let it sit overnight. Vacuum the baking soda the next morning, and then mix equal parts vinegar and cold water in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the carpet and work it in with a stiff brush to make the carpet look new again. To prevent further indentations, periodically move plant pots while maintaining the plants’ ideal light conditions.
- Clean spills immediately. Regardless of your flooring type, promptly clean up any water or soil spills. For wet spills that can’t be vacuumed, use a clean cloth to gently press the stain, working from the outside in. Avoid rubbing the stain, as this can cause it to penetrate deeper into the carpet fibres and potentially cause permanent damage.
- Avoid rubber-bottomed plant pots. Rubber-bottomed plant pots can react with LVT and vinyl flooring, so avoid placing them directly on the floor. Instead, use a protective mat to prevent damage.
- Avoid plant pots with drainage holes. While drainage holes in plant pots are helpful for plant health, they can cause water to seep through and damage flooring. LVT and vinyl flooring can blush if moisture becomes trapped beneath the pot, but this should disappear once the floor is aired out. To prevent this issue, use a plant saucer with floor protectors attached underneath.
Commenting on the research, Johanna Constantinou, Brand and Communications Director at Tapi, said: “Adding plants is a great mood booster and adds a little extra flair to your home. By keeping our simple tips and tricks in mind you won’t have to worry about damaging your flooring either.”
Incorporating plants into your living space not only elevates the ambience but also contributes to a positive mood. By choosing the right plants and following Tapi’s expert advice, you can enjoy the mood-enhancing benefits of greenery without compromising the integrity of your carpets and flooring. These simple tips and tricks can help you create a beautiful, worry-free environment that promotes well-being and adds a touch of nature to your home.
