The kitchen is one of the most frequented rooms in the house, where we spend time cooking, gathering with family and even socializing with friends. Incorporating plants into this space not only improves the aesthetics, but also offers practical benefits, such as air purification and providing fresh herbs for culinary use. In this article, we explore the benefits of having plants in the kitchen and what the best options are for this space.
Why Have Plants in the Kitchen?
Plants can completely transform the atmosphere of your kitchen, making it more welcoming, healthy and vibrant. Here are some of their main benefits:
1. Improve Air Quality
Kitchens can be filled with grease fumes, smoke, and pollutants from gas stoves and cleaning products. Some plants have the ability to filter the air, absorbing toxins and improving the quality of the environment.
Plants that purify the air:
- Peace lily
- Boa constrictor
- Snake Plant
- Fern
2. They make the environment more cozy and aesthetic
Plants add color and life to a space, making the kitchen more inviting. They can be placed on shelves, hung from the ceiling or placed on the windowsill, creating a natural and charming decoration.
3. Availability of Fresh Herbs and Spices
Having a small kitchen garden allows you to have fresh herbs on hand, enhancing the flavor of your recipes and reducing the need for store-bought herbs. Plus, growing your own herbs ensures that they are free from pesticides and preservatives.
Easy spices to grow in the kitchen:
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Mint
- Parsley
- Coriander
- Scallion
4. Help Control Moisture and Odor
Some plants have the ability to absorb moisture from the air, which can be useful in closed-off kitchens with poor ventilation. Others have natural aromas that help neutralize strong odors.
Plants that help control odors and humidity:
- Lavender (neutralizes odors and perfumes the environment)
- Aloe vera (absorbs moisture and purifies the air)
- English ivy (reduces pollutants and odors)
How to Choose the Best Plants for the Kitchen?
To choose the ideal plants for your kitchen, it is important to consider some factors:
1. Lighting Conditions in the Environment
- Well-lit kitchens (with large windows or direct sunlight): Basil, rosemary, lavender, and aloe vera are great options.
- Kitchens with little natural light: Snake plant, snake plant and fern are plants that adapt well to environments with indirect lighting.
2. Size and Available Space
- For small kitchens: Opt for hanging pots, vertical shelves or small pots on the windowsill.
- For spacious kitchens: You can invest in larger pots or even a green corner with several different species.
3. Ease of Care
If you don’t have much time to care for plants, choose hardy species that require little maintenance, such as succulents, cacti and zamioculcas.
Tips for Caring for Plants in the Kitchen
1. Choose Pots with Good Drainage
Most plants don’t like soggy soil. Make sure to use pots with holes in the bottom to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
2. Keep Plants Away from Excessive Heat
Avoid placing plants directly next to the stove or appliances that emit heat, such as ovens and microwaves. Excessive heat can dry out the leaves and hinder growth.
3. Water Just the Right Amount
The frequency of watering depends on the type of plant and the humidity in the kitchen. Before watering, check that the soil is dry to the touch. Plants like succulents and cacti need less water, while fresh herbs like basil and mint require more frequent watering.
4. Prune Regularly
If you grow herbs, harvest the leaves periodically to encourage continued growth. Also, remove any dry or yellowed leaves to keep the plant healthy.
Conclusion: Transform Your Kitchen with Plants
Incorporating plants into your kitchen is a simple and effective way to make your space more beautiful, healthy and functional. In addition to purifying the air and helping to control odors, they also offer the convenience of having fresh herbs on hand.
Whether it’s a small pot of herbs on the windowsill or a vibrant vertical garden, there are options for every style and size of kitchen. Choose the plants that best suit your space and routine, and enjoy the countless benefits of adding a touch of green to your kitchen!