With the future of travel so uncertain and city dwellers looking for tranquility at home, we’re increasingly seeking the presence of nature in our everyday lives.
Embracing nature in our homes brings mental and physiological benefits. Not only are you more calm and relaxed at the sight of plants or any form of natural life in your living environment, but your air is also clean of toxic chemicals that may be floating around the city. It doesn’t take a lot of time and effort to keep air-filtering plants alive, and the benefits are priceless.
Snake plant
Named after its snakeskin-like shape and pattern, snake plants don’t just look cool, they are also known to survive droughts and filter air so you can breathe easily in your own home. It’s the perfect plant for newbies who want to add a bit of nature to their daily lives. Put them in a cute pot and place them anywhere around your home; snake plants can survive in both high- and low-lit areas.
Bird’s Nest fern
This beautiful plant, with its vibrant color and rippled edges, is sure to make your space more playful. This fern thrives best in medium indirect sunlight and a humid environment. It’s great for adding color to your bathroom. Another plus is that this plant has been shown to filter formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene — chemicals usually found in household products like hairspray and nail polish remover. It’s pet-friendly, too.
Aloe vera
Functionality meets beauty in the aloe vera plant. You can cut up a branch of aloe and use its juices to heal wounds and moisturize your skin with its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics. It also purifies the air around it, so you can keep it in your bedroom. Place your aloe vera plant in a sunny spot. Despite its plump leaves, it prefers dry soil.
Spider plant
Give your room that jungle feel with the Spider plant. With its wild, spiky leaves, the Spider Plant will be sure to give any room life and spice. This plant actually prefers absolutely no sunlight, so keep them away from the windows in a room. The Spider Plant is a great air purifier; it will keep your home free of any nasties in the air.
The perfect plant for the tropics is the Citronella. Known as an effective mosquito repellent, this plant has a powerful but fragrant citrusy smell that drives away those pesky bugs. The Citronella plant is at its best in warm weather and direct sunlight, so this plant should be kept on your balcony or by the windowsill.
SMDC has brought the calming presence of nature onto bustling Chino Roces Avenue in Makati City with its newest condominium development, Mint Residences.
Mint Residences’ amenities were designed to calm and refresh, enhancing its residents’ living experience with nature and leaving a positive impact on their daily lives.
To further enhance your experience with nature, you can add low-maintenance houseplants that will brighten up your Mint Residences home.
As you navigate through the new normal and seek serenity in the concrete jungle, take comfort in knowing that you don’t have to travel far to find peace within nature.
Residents can turn to developments such as SMDC’s Mint Residences to provide you with the haven you need amid the city’s noise and bustle.
For more information on Mint Residences, visit www.smdc.com/properties/mint-residences/.—Therese Jamora-Garceau
