When cabin fever sets in, but the winter temperatures still have you inside, bring some of nature into your home with indoor plants and turn your home into a lush oasis. With so many plant shops in Chicago's western suburbs and springtime still months away, now is the perfect time to explore the benefits of having indoor plants in your home. Not only do they add a touch of natural elegance to any space, they also have numerous health and wellness benefits, from purifying the air to reducing stress.
If you want to add indoor greenery to your home, you're in luck! Keep reading to find out Visit Oak Park's favorite nurseries and plant shops, where you will find a stunning selection of orchids and other beautiful indoor plants to brighten up your space and cure the winter blues.
An indoor plant is the gift that keeps on giving, whether you're getting it for yourself or others. Here are some of the benefits of having plants in your indoor spaces:
Improved Air Quality
Indoor plants are known to purify the air by filtering out toxins, such as formaldehyde, benzene and volatile organic compounds. Plants also release oxygen, which improves indoor air quality and creates a healthier living environment.
Increased Humidity
Many indoor plants release moisture through transpiration, which can help increase the humidity levels in dry indoor spaces, helping to combat your dry, itchy skin and other uncomfortable side effects of having the heat on in your home.
Stress Reduction
Indoor plants promote relaxation. Being around nature and greenery has a calming effect on the mind by lowering levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, therefore boosting your mental well-being.
Enhanced Productivity
Indoor plants in the workplace or study environment can increase productivity and concentration by reducing mental fatigue, improving focus and boosting overall cognitive function.
Improved Mental Health
Taking care of plants and being surrounded by nature can provide a sense of purpose, responsibility and satisfaction, which improves mental well-being and minimizes symptoms of depression and anxiety, and an overall improved mood.
Natural Decor
Indoor plants can add a touch of natural beauty and aesthetics to any indoor space. They enhance the visual appeal of a room, add color and texture and create a more inviting atmosphere.
Sound Absorption
Some indoor plants, particularly those with large leaves or dense foliage, help absorb sound and decrease noise. This can be especially beneficial in spaces with hard surfaces or high noise levels, such as offices, apartments or busy urban areas, turning those spaces into more peaceful environments.
Health Benefits
Studies have shown that indoor plants can have various health benefits, such as fewer headaches, better sleep quality and minimized allergy symptoms and respiratory issues.
Eco-friendly
Indoor plants are a sustainable way to decorate and enhance indoor spaces, as they do not produce harmful emissions or require excessive resources. And they can be easily recycled or composted, making them a greener choice for interior decor.
Educational and Therapeutic
Indoor plants can also be educational and therapeutic, particularly for children and elderly individuals. Taking care of a living plant teaches the importance of personal responsibility, while also providing sensory stimulation and being a calming activity.
Bloom3, nestled in La Grange, is a floral haven that offers one-of-a-kind floral creations with a modern twist. From wildflowers to whimsical stems, this shop is a must-visit for those who appreciate sophistication in their floral arrangements. Notable clients, including the Chicago Tribune and Louis Vuitton, have recognized the exceptional talent at Bloom3. For them, it's not just about pretty flowers; it's a lifestyle. With their incredible floral designs, Bloom3 brings a touch of elegance and artistry to every arrangement. Make sure to stop by and experience the floral magic for yourself.
EcoWilde Flower Co. in Forest Park is a floral and plant design studio focusing on sustainability and positively impacting the environment and community. With a unique approach that emphasizes community collaboration and cooperation, EcoWilde works closely with couples, families, businesses and industry vendors to create meaningful, eco-friendly floral experiences. What sets EcoWilde apart is its signature full-circle floral process, which aims to leave as little behind as possible.
They use toxin-free, reusable tools, source products made from recycled and compostable goods, minimize the use of plastics and opt for a fuel-efficient vehicle for transportation. Additionally, EcoWilde supports local growers during the Midwest growing season and minimizes waste by donating, composting and reusing decor at the end of events. Their commitment to sustainability and community sets them apart as a unique and environmentally-conscious floral and plant design studio.
Shop for plants and garden decor, consult with a garden coach or plan floral arrangements at the Good Earth Greenhouse River Forest. Their native plants and organic gardening aids make it easy to grow your garden. They also stock gardening supplies and a tempting array of containers, fountains and other gardening decor. Located on Madison Street, the greenhouse is easy to get to. You'll love the carefully chosen selection of trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, tropical plants and houseplants! You can also call or email to set up a time for easy pickup or delivery!
Moss Modern Flowers is a unique floral and design studio that embraces the simple aesthetic of "wabi-sabi," the Japanese aesthetic of finding beauty in the imperfections and profundities of nature. Owner Chris Geoghegan, a painter, sculptor, and graduate of both the Kansas City Art Institute and The University of Chicago, is passionate about aesthetics and collects a curious mix of items, from bird nests and bones to lichen and moss, as well as sacred and ancient objects from around the world.
Moss Modern Flowers offers various services, including delivery and shipping, floral design classes, wedding and event consultation and floral arrangements, custom plant design and installation of objects purchased at Moss.
Visit Moss to discover Earth's treasures and be transported to a place of pure bliss through their unique and artistic approach to floral and design aesthetics.
Vagabond Botanical in La Grange is a bespoke plant studio that brings plants and joy into homes without the hassle of caring for them. Green is the new black at Vagabond, where you can finally enjoy a plant without worrying about killing it. This is not your ordinary nursery; Vagabond specializes in custom succulent arrangements, interior plant styling and artisan seasonal outdoor containers.
Jenna Lee Fowler, a fashion designer turned plant stylist, is the creative force behind Vagabond. Her self-taught skills and passion for unique and bold botanical arrangements have gained recognition in the industry. From her early days as a pioneer in the apparel industry with her mobile showroom for her clothing line, JLee Silver, Jenna's love for drought-tolerant arrangements grew when her clients asked her to bring her effortless style outdoors and style their outdoor planters. At Vagabond Botanical, you can expect innovative plant styling and a touch of artistic flair from a true plant stylist.
Phillip's Flowers is a premier flower and plant shop ranked in the top 1% of the nation's florists. Conveniently located in La Grange Park and within a few minutes of downtown La Grange, Phillip's has been serving customers in the Chicago area for over 100 years.
The shop offers an incredible selection of plants and decorations, as well as freshly cut stems, floral arrangements for every occasion and wedding, funeral and event bouquets. You can count on Phillip's to use flowers to help you express your sentiments with style, quality and trusted service.
If you want to envision what your space might look like with an indoor plant, here is a list of ideas of common indoor plants you can ask about.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a popular succulent plant known for its fleshy, pointed leaves and medicinal properties. Its thick, spiky leaves are typically green or bluish-green in color and arranged in a rosette pattern, making it particularly attractive. The aloe vera plant is known for its ability to store water in its leaves, making it well-adapted to survive in dry and hot climates. It is often grown as a houseplant for its ornamental value and gel-filled leaves, commonly used in skincare products. Put your aloe vera plant in bright, indirect sunlight in a pot with well-draining soil. Water it sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, as overwatering can cause root rot.
Fiddle Leaf Fig
The fiddle leaf fig is a popular houseplant known for its large, glossy, violin-shaped leaves. Native to tropical regions of West Africa, this plant has become a trendy choice for interior decoration. Requiring bright, indirect light and well-draining soil, the fiddle leaf fig thrives in temperate climates as it can be sensitive to drafts or sudden temperature changes. It requires regular watering, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Monstera
The monstera plant is prized for its lush foliage and ability to grow as a climbing or trailing plant. This popular tropical plant has large, fenestrated leaves, giving it a unique appearance. Monstera leaves can reach impressive sizes, with deep cuts and holes resembling Swiss cheese.
These stunning plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil and should be watered moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. They also appreciate higher humidity levels, so misting their leaves or placing them near a humidifier can help create a more optimal environment.
Orchid
Orchids are elegant flowering plants known for their exquisite blooms and distinctive appearance. They feature long, slender stems with leathery leaves and various flower shapes and colors, ranging from delicate whites and pinks to vibrant purples, yellows and reds. Orchids require specific care, including bright, indirect light, warm temperatures and high humidity. Water your orchids thoroughly but not excessively and fertilize them with a balanced orchid fertilizer. Orchids require specialized potting mediums and may need to be repotted periodically. Although they need a little more specialized caring than other plants, their stunning beauty is worth it.
Philodendron
Philodendron is a famous group of tropical plants known for their lush foliage and vining habit. They are prized for their attractive leaves and ease of care. Philodendrons have large, heart-shaped leaves that come in various colors and patterns, ranging from deep green to variegated with shades of white, yellow or red. Philodendrons are relatively low-maintenance and can be grown in pots or hanging baskets, allowing their vines to cascade down. They prefer bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions, making them ideal for indoor spaces with little natural light. Pot them in well-draining soil and water moderately, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Pothos
The pothos plant is a popular trailing vine indoor plant cherished for its lush foliage and ease of care, making it a great plant for beginners. Its heart-shaped leaves vary in color, ranging from green to variegated with yellow, white or even neon green. Pothos are known for tolerating various lighting conditions, from low to bright indirect light, making them versatile for different indoor spaces. Like other indoor plants, pot your pothos in well-draining soil and avoid overwatering it by letting the soil dry out fully between waterings.
Rubber Plant
The rubber plant is a popular indoor plant known for its large, glossy, dark green leaves and distinctive appearance. Rubber plants prefer bright, indirect sunlight but tolerate lower light conditions. They thrive in well-draining soil and need moderate watering.
Snake Plant
The snake plant is a popular, low-maintenance indoor plant with long, tall, sword-like leaves that are thick and fleshy and have a distinctive vertical variegation pattern of dark green and light yellow. Snake plants are known for their ability to thrive in various lighting conditions, making them ideal for beginners or those with low-light spaces. They are drought-tolerant and need infrequent watering.
Spider Plant
The spider plant is a popular and easy-to-care-for indoor plant with cascading foliage and the ability to produce "spiderettes," plantlets that dangle from long stems. Spider plants have slender, arching leaves that are typically green with white stripes. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Spider plants adapt to various room temperatures and thrive in average indoor humidity. They need well-draining soil and should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings to prevent overwatering.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant is a popular indoor plant loved for its low-maintenance nature and unique appearance. Its thick, waxy, dark green leaves grow gracefully upright, making it unique. The ZZ plant can tolerate a wide range of lighting conditions, making it ideal for all indoor spaces. This drought-tolerant plant can go without water for extended periods too, a benefit for busy or forgetful plant owners.