National Indoor Plant Week
#IndoorPlantsWeek
National Indoor Plant Week is observed every year during the third week of September. This annual event serves as a reminder of the many benefits that indoor plants bring to our everyday lives. From improving air quality to boosting mood and productivity, indoor plants play a crucial role in creating healthier and more pleasant living and working environments.
National Indoor Plant Week was founded in 2007 by Mark Martin, a plant expert who wanted to raise awareness about the value of live plants in indoor spaces. His goal was to highlight how something as simple as a houseplant could help people reconnect with nature, even inside offices, homes, and classrooms. Since then, the movement has continued to grow. Today, plant lovers from around the world come together each year during National Indoor Plant Week to promote the positive effects of indoor greenery.
Many companies, institutions, and organizations also participate in the event. While some host plant giveaways or share educational content, the central message remains the same: indoor plants are not just decorations—they’re an important part of a healthy indoor environment.
Indoor plants offer numerous physical and psychological benefits. One of their best-known functions is improving air quality. Plants take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, but their value doesn’t stop there. Some studies have shown that certain indoor plants can help remove harmful toxins from the air, such as formaldehyde and benzene, which are often found in building materials and cleaning products.
Indoor plants also help reduce noise levels. Their leaves and stems can absorb, deflect, or refract sound, allowing them to create quieter and more peaceful spaces. In office settings, they can soften harsh sounds from phones, typing, and conversations, making the environment more comfortable for employees.
The presence of plants has also been linked to improved mental health. Research suggests that having greenery indoors can reduce stress, anxiety, and even fatigue. For people who spend a lot of time inside—whether working from home, living in urban areas, or attending school—plants offer a much-needed connection to nature. This connection is important for emotional well-being and can even influence mood and creativity.
Studies have also shown that indoor greenery can enhance productivity. People working in offices with plants often report higher levels of concentration and satisfaction. According to some recommendations, having at least one potted plant per 100 square feet can be enough to begin feeling the positive effects.
Beyond individual potted plants, interior landscaping elements such as moss walls, vertical gardens, and green partitions are becoming increasingly common in public and commercial buildings. These features contribute to energy efficiency by regulating indoor temperatures and stabilizing humidity levels. They also enhance the aesthetics of a space while making it feel more alive and welcoming.
Popular indoor plants include peace lilies, pothos, succulents, spider plants, and Chinese money plants. These varieties are renowned for their low-maintenance nature and adaptability to various indoor environments. Their popularity continues to grow as more people become aware of the long-term advantages they provide.
National Indoor Plant Week is an opportunity to appreciate the significant role that greenery plays in our lives. Whether in a busy office, a quiet classroom, or a small apartment, plants help make indoor spaces healthier and more enjoyable. The week serves as a reminder that by bringing a bit of the natural world inside, we’re not only improving our surroundings—we’re also supporting our well-being in simple, lasting ways.
How to celebrate:
- Visit your local florist, nursery or greenhouse and pick up an indoor plant
- Take a plant class to learn about plant care, arranging and propagation
- Learn about the benefits of indoor plants
- Gift an indoor plant
- Make your own planter, terrarium or plant stand
- Take care of your current house plants
Fun facts:
- The first houseplants were grown by the ancient Egyptians
- Plants are allergic to dust (it can stop them from photosynthesizing)
- Music helps plants to grow
- Plants talk to each other through their roots
- Plants have a circadian rhythm
- Cacti can live up to 100 years
- A rare Shenzhen Nongke Orchid was sold at an auction for $224,000 in 2005.
