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Let’s Put a Plant in Every Classroom this Year!
It’s back-to-school time, and you know what that means—it’s time to deck out those classrooms with some leafy friends! We’ve gathered some of the best indoor foliage plants to give away to local teachers for their classrooms. It’s a totally “no strings attached” offer. If you’re a local teacher, just stop by and let us know you want a plant for your classroom!
Why are we giving away plants this school year? Well, besides the fact that I’m absolutely plant-obsessed (you probably already guessed that), there’s a bit more to it. I grew up in a family farming business surrounded by plants. Both Alec and I both went to school in Lunenburg, where the greenhouse program made sure plants were part of the classroom experience. Yep, I basically went to school with plants! It wasn’t until college that I realized how special it was to have those green companions in the classroom.
I’ve visited classrooms that do indoor plants really well, and I’ve also been in some that are seriously lacking in the green department. There’s a noticeable difference in warmth and welcoming vibes in the rooms with plants. Indoor plants aren’t just pretty—they purify the air and create a cozy atmosphere.
There’s a surprising amount of information on Google about the benefits of having plants in classrooms. Studies show all the amazing perks that green plants offer to students.
Here’s why every classroom needs at least one plant:
- Air Quality Improvement: Studies by NASA and several universities have shown that indoor plants can clean the air of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and formaldehyde.
- Oxygen Boost: Plants increase oxygen levels by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. Science class in action!
- Moisture in the Air: Plants release moisture through transpiration, combating dry skin and nasal passages.
- Stress Reduction & Productivity: Various studies have shown that plants reduce stress levels and boost productivity. They’ve even been shown to improve memory and attention span. Check out Texas A&M Agrilife Extension for more on the emotional and physical effects of plants.
So, let’s talk plants! Here are our top 5 picks for classrooms (and offices too!):
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): These are some of the toughest houseplants around. Their stiff green leaves stand tall, growing up to 3-4 feet. They can handle bright sunlight, no sunlight—pretty much anything, except being overwatered or never watered. Imagine telling your students you have a Snake Plant in your classroom!
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): These are our ‘Plants of Steel’! They’re nearly indestructible as long as they don’t stay wet all the time. They thrive in high to low light and dry air. No need for pruning, just remove old leaves as they age. There are many varieties, so you can have a collection and watch how they each grow differently.
- Pothos (Epipremnum): These lovely cascading plants are resilient and hardy, perfect for any classroom. They adapt to low/medium/high light and low/medium water. Fun fact: Grow it on a totem for larger, more tropical-looking leaves, which clean even more air!
Classroom Plant Criteria:
- Adaptable to Dry Air and Various Light Levels
- Resilient to Temperature Fluctuations (thanks, school HVAC systems!)
- Tolerant of Lapses in Watering (because “watering duty” rotates among students)
- Low Maintenance (little repotting or pruning needed)
- Air-Purifying
Help us spread the word! If you know a local teacher, tell them to stop in for their classroom plant!
Happy August!
Michelle and the Plant Geeks at Lakeview!
