Whether it's Women's Day, Mother's Day, graduation, or even Valentine's Day, you're sure to give or receive cut flowers as a gift.
Cut flowers are a beautiful sight, but they quickly fade and end up in the trash.
Fortunately, there is another option that will decorate our environment much longer: the potted plant!
Benefits of potted plants
Durability
Cut flowers only last a week or two in a vase before they wither and end up in the trash. However , potted plants, with proper care, can live much longer, even for several years . This way, they will bring joy to the recipient for a long time!
Waste reduction
While flower bouquets are often decorated with cellophane or other disposable items, the only non-organic waste generated after potted flowers is usually the pot , which can be reused after proper cleaning.
Health
Did you know that houseplants can also have a beneficial effect on your health? Potted plants can also produce oxygen, thereby purifying the air . But they can also improve our well-being. According to research, our anxiety can be reduced if we surround ourselves with houseplants.
Caring for plants also reduces stress.
Next time you water your plants, stop for a minute, take a few deep breaths, and enjoy the moment.
If you give a potted plant as a gift, add this message to it!
Buy domestic plants!
The imported string or even potted plants in different colors are really beautiful, but do we know what price they cost in domestic stores?
Not only do they have a large environmental footprint due to the thousands of kilometers of transportation, but they also raise social issues. Imported crops are often grown in Kenya or Ethiopia, where climate conditions allow year-round production and cheaper costs .
But perhaps more seriously, since they are inedible, they are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as edible crops, which means that the use of pesticides is much more common than is permitted for food. These have included compounds such as bromomethane, which is highly toxic to humans and can cause long-term damage to the nervous system if inhaled. Although it was banned in the US in 2005, in other countries it was only banned in 2015.
Just as workers in the fashion industry are often exposed to harmful substances during their work, people working in flower growing also struggle with similar issues.
Another important issue related to growing conditions is water use . It is estimated that a rose flower has a water footprint of 7-13 liters, and the cut flower market can consume water resources available for other industries, such as food production. This creates an additional challenge for water-scarce areas.
The next time you buy flowers or houseplants, find a local florist and ask them where the plant comes from!
Potted lilies, daffodils and hyacinths are mostly grown domestically.
But you can also support smaller, environmentally friendly initiatives like Risoplant , which sells succulents and plant florariums, and you can also visit the plant exchange organized by Zöldítők , where you can acquire new houseplants in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way in a friendly atmosphere.
You can also check out the greenhouse at the back of the Botanical Garden and ask if there is a current plant fair.
There are more sustainable options!
Ask around your friends to see if they have any houseplants that you can give as gifts. Maybe one of their plants has grown so much that they would be happy to give you one, which you can then pass on as a gift.
But it's also possible that some of your houseplants are waiting for a new owner.
Every plant-loving recipient will appreciate a home-grown houseplant!
Don't forget about aftercare!
Whether it's a houseplant for your own use or a gift, fresh soil loses its nutritional value in about 3-4 months.
If the plant has not outgrown the pot after this time, use a plant care product instead of repotting it unnecessarily!
CYCLE reNEW Nutrient Concentrate is an environmentally friendly and effective strengthening miracle for indoor and balcony plants!
The humic acid it contains is an extremely effective soil conditioner, and the right amount of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus is essential for plant growth.
Another ingredient is potassium , which helps with water absorption, sugar formation, and nutrient storage.
Phosphorus is responsible for aiding root development and disease resistance.
This means that it not only balances the soil condition, but also vitalizes the plants!
In addition, it is made with recycled ingredients, so its environmental impact is less than that of average nutrient solutions.
Can we give you one as a gift?
If you buy 15,000 HUF worth of CYCLE cleaning products now, you will receive a free nutrient solution in your cart!
If you would like to read more on the topic, we recommend these blog articles:
3 types of houseplants that are easy to care for
3 types of houseplants that thrive in dark places
3 common mistakes and how to avoid them when caring for houseplants
Sources used:
https://www.theforwardlab.com/the-true-impact-of-cut-flowers/
https://houseplantresourcecenter.com/2020/02/why-houseplants-are-a-better-gift-than-flowers/
https://www.mydomaine.com/why-you-should-gift-plants-over-flowers-5217678
