Plants are Alive!
Ranked #10,224 in Healthy Living, #168,101 overall
Plants are Living Creatures
Wikipedia's definition of Plants:
"Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. They include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The scientific study of plants, known as botany, has identified about 350,000 extant species of plants, defined as seed plants, bryophytes, ferns and fern allies."
With over 20 years experience with indoor gardening, I can truly attest to the fact that plants are more alive than we actually think they are. My first experience with how "alive" plants are was about 15 years ago. I had just re-potted a large philodendron (aka Epipremnum, Devils Ivy, or Golden Pothos). The plant was a little over 6 feet in length and a couple of feet wide. It hung from a vaulted ceiling about 15 feet high. After placing the plant in a larger container and hanging it from the ceiling, I stood back to admire its beauty. I retired to the bedroom and about 15 minutes later I heard a soft crash. The weight of the plant put a hole in the ceiling and the pot split into. What I saw next, for about 15-20 minutes afterwards was the leaves of the plant vibrating. The plant was in shock; hundreds of leaves vibrating, almost in unison. The philodendron never recovered as I watched it die a slow death over the next couple of weeks.
Devils Ivy is one of the easiest plants to care for but this one never recovered because of the tragic fall. The state of the plant and the consequences was eerily similar to what happens when humans go into shock.
Another true story related to the corporeal essence of plants is told by medium James Van Praagh:
Plants are extremely sensitive and often thrive very nicely when they sense a gentle and friendly environment in which they are cared for and loved. This reminds me of an interesting story.
When I was working a regular nine-to-five job, I drove a coworker home one day. As I sat in her apartment, I heard a very high-pitched sound. This screaming vibration was all around me. It was as if someone was hurt and crying for help. I looked around and finally realized what it was. All of the plants in her home were dried up and dying. They were screaming for water. I immediately told the woman, and she informed me that she hadn't watered them for over two weeks.
The idea of plants screaming might seem strange to many. To those, I suggest reading books on the subject, especially one called "The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tomkins."
We must realize that the magic of LIFE comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes, even plants.
"Plants are living organisms belonging to the kingdom Plantae. They include familiar organisms such as trees, flowers, herbs, bushes, grasses, vines, ferns, mosses, and green algae. The scientific study of plants, known as botany, has identified about 350,000 extant species of plants, defined as seed plants, bryophytes, ferns and fern allies."
With over 20 years experience with indoor gardening, I can truly attest to the fact that plants are more alive than we actually think they are. My first experience with how "alive" plants are was about 15 years ago. I had just re-potted a large philodendron (aka Epipremnum, Devils Ivy, or Golden Pothos). The plant was a little over 6 feet in length and a couple of feet wide. It hung from a vaulted ceiling about 15 feet high. After placing the plant in a larger container and hanging it from the ceiling, I stood back to admire its beauty. I retired to the bedroom and about 15 minutes later I heard a soft crash. The weight of the plant put a hole in the ceiling and the pot split into. What I saw next, for about 15-20 minutes afterwards was the leaves of the plant vibrating. The plant was in shock; hundreds of leaves vibrating, almost in unison. The philodendron never recovered as I watched it die a slow death over the next couple of weeks.
Devils Ivy is one of the easiest plants to care for but this one never recovered because of the tragic fall. The state of the plant and the consequences was eerily similar to what happens when humans go into shock.
Another true story related to the corporeal essence of plants is told by medium James Van Praagh:
Plants are extremely sensitive and often thrive very nicely when they sense a gentle and friendly environment in which they are cared for and loved. This reminds me of an interesting story.
When I was working a regular nine-to-five job, I drove a coworker home one day. As I sat in her apartment, I heard a very high-pitched sound. This screaming vibration was all around me. It was as if someone was hurt and crying for help. I looked around and finally realized what it was. All of the plants in her home were dried up and dying. They were screaming for water. I immediately told the woman, and she informed me that she hadn't watered them for over two weeks.
The idea of plants screaming might seem strange to many. To those, I suggest reading books on the subject, especially one called "The Secret Life of Plants by Peter Tomkins."
We must realize that the magic of LIFE comes in all forms, shapes, and sizes, even plants.
Contents at a Glance
Aglaonema Silver Queen
The Beauty and Efficacy of House Plants
Houseplants are a beautiful addition to any home decor. They add color, they're great for filling in empty spaces and they bring a little bit of the outdoors inside. But did you realize that they fight pollution indoors?I don't know about you, but how many of us actually have real houseplants in our homes or offices? Not all of us were born with a green thumb.
Some of us go crazy buying plants when a special occasion arises to add ambiance. Only to have them die because we didn't take care of them. Some of us have even received them as gifts which is nerve racking because honestly who wants to be responsible for killing a plant that's also a present. But remember, just as outdoor plants are beneficial to the great outdoors, indoor plants [Aloe Vera] are beneficial to our indoor environment.
Many studies have shown that houseplants fight pollution indoors. Our space program has been researching methods of cleansing the atmosphere in future space stations to keep them fit for human habitations over extended periods of time.
Many common houseplants and blooming potted plants are reportedly able to absorb significant amounts of harmful gases out of the air through what they do naturally, photosynthesis.
We all know that not only do plants absorb carbon dioxide and release clean oxygen into the air but research has shown that they also absorb benzene, formaildehyde and trichloroethylene. Dracaena marginata (Dragon Tree)
Some houseplants are better at removing certain than others. Unfortunately they don't take care of tobacco smoke. But there are enough known plants that do a good job of removing pollutants from the air we breath to cause us to view houseplants as more than just an attractive feature in decorating the interior environment. Think of how this could be beneficial to stuffy offices and schools etc.
The Secret Life of Plants
A book review:
In the first part of their book, the authors explore the attributes of plants and pretty much conclude they have everything in common with animals-except plants probably came first on the evolutionary ladder and prepared the way for animals. In fact, if earth was invaded by alien species, the authors suggest the aliens were probably plants. But, you say, plants have roots and stay put (for the most part) and plants produce chlorophyll. Shell fish (oysters, mussels) and sea anemones can be rooted to one spot and small protozoa-like creatures produce chlorophyll.
Probably the thing I like the best about this book is that finally, someone links the Chakras to real body parts-the seven endocrine centers--and explains the reasons why these "hot spots" are so important. Also, Tompkins and Bird explain the scientific reasoning behind Bach flower remedies and many other "new age" products you can find at Fresh Fields and other holistic stores.
Skeptics will always have doubts, but after 30 years of organic gardening and non-academic exposure to plants, I know Tompkins and Bird are onto something. So do many modern scientists who have discovered belatedly that much of what the authors described 30 years ago may be true after all.
Cutting edge scientists are frequently ignored. Once upon a time some people thought George Washington Carver was a fruitcake because he thought plants had feelings (they do). Carver discovered many unusual things as did a number of other later Nobel winners, although sometimes folks like Gregor Mendel were not recognized until it was too late.
If you want to be a better person, a wiser consumer, a great gardener, and healthier, you owe it to yourself to read THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS. It isn't all about them.
Probably the thing I like the best about this book is that finally, someone links the Chakras to real body parts-the seven endocrine centers--and explains the reasons why these "hot spots" are so important. Also, Tompkins and Bird explain the scientific reasoning behind Bach flower remedies and many other "new age" products you can find at Fresh Fields and other holistic stores.
Skeptics will always have doubts, but after 30 years of organic gardening and non-academic exposure to plants, I know Tompkins and Bird are onto something. So do many modern scientists who have discovered belatedly that much of what the authors described 30 years ago may be true after all.
Cutting edge scientists are frequently ignored. Once upon a time some people thought George Washington Carver was a fruitcake because he thought plants had feelings (they do). Carver discovered many unusual things as did a number of other later Nobel winners, although sometimes folks like Gregor Mendel were not recognized until it was too late.
If you want to be a better person, a wiser consumer, a great gardener, and healthier, you owe it to yourself to read THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS. It isn't all about them.
The Secret Life of Plants
Amazon Price: $9.72 (as of 06/04/2012)
List Price: $17.99
Books on House Plants
Books on Orchids
House plants that provide the greatest level of air purification
- Aloe Vera
- Areca Palm Tree
- Bamboo Palm
- Boston Fern
- Chrysanthemum
- Date Palm Tree
- Dragon Tree
- English Ivy
- Ficus Alii
- Heart leaf philodendron
- Janet Craig - Dracaena
- Lady Palm
- Peace Lilly
- Philodendrons
- Rubber Plant
- Snake Plant/Mother-in-Laws Tongue
- Spider Plant
Plant Links
- Common House Plants
- Most common house plants we know and grow are popular for two basic reasons. One, they're attractive, and two, they're easy to grow.
- Beautiful House Plants
- A picture list of some of the more common house plants. Check it out and put a name to the plants you have in your home.
- Spider Plant
- Chlorophytum comosum, often called the spider plant, is a species of Chlorophytum native to South Africa.
Spider plants have long narrow leaves that are 20-40 cm (8-15 in) long and 5-20 mm (0.2-0.8 in) broad, growing from a central rosette. At the spot where a leaf would normally develop a node, the plants produce adventitious roots down into the soil, and new above-ground shoots. It also produces branched stolons with small white flowers and baby plantlets. - How to care for a Peace Lily
- The peace lily is grown for its bold, shiny green foliage in stemless crowns. Although the leaves are the main attraction, they are complemented by white flower stalks. Unlike many houseplants, peace lilies do not require a winter rest and need consistent care throughout the year.
- House Plant Care Tips
- There's really no mystery to keeping house plants healthy. And there's no such thing as a brown thumb, only a lack of know-how.
House plants are simply plants that once grew and thrived in their ideal natural climates. Yes, I know...they weren't just plucked from the wild and placed in a pot. Many are hybrids. AND they've been domesticated, pruned and polished before they ever enter your home. - Easy House Plants
- Are you looking for a happy-go-lucky house plant? One that doesn't need fussing over?
Your ability to keep house plants alive and healthy has a lot to do with putting the right plant in the right place. Even an expert can't make a shade-lover survive in a sunny window.
Blogs about House Plants
- Special greenhouse for orchids holds gardener's passion
- "I would experiment with different plants and arrange flowers, but wasn't until I started visiting with Toni and buying orchids from her that I got hooked." A pharmacist who suspended her practice some years ago, Bossier borrowed skills from her ...
- Orchids are now a favorite and accessible bloom with a long-lasting bonus
- And my display tables are now used to sell orchid plants, where those plastic boxes of corsages used to be. Today, I can even incorporate stems of orchids in my flower arranging, which would have been only a costly and exotic option decades ago.
- Green thumb app tells users when plants need watering
- Wilted, starving, thirsty houseplants could soon be getting more tender loving care thanks to a new plant sensor and app that tells owners when it is time for watering and feeding. The Koubachi Wifi Plant Sensor, which is placed in the soil of the ...
- Traverse City Events: Memorial Day Orchid Show Brings the Exotic to Traverse City
- Experts will also be on hand for information on enjoying orchids in your home, including tropical orchids as houseplants, or Northern Michigan's native orchids in your garden. Native orchids should not be disturbed, especially those in Northern ...
Plant Stands
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dellgirl
Apr 11, 2012 @ 8:14 pm | delete
- Such an informative lens. Thank you for sharing the personal experience, makes me wish I had house plants again.
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Rosaquid
Mar 11, 2012 @ 10:14 am | delete
- I enjoyed this lens! After reading it and understanding your love of plants, I appreciate even more your comment and support of my own houseplant article. Thank you!
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taskeinc
Mar 11, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
- You're welcome. it's always nice to cross paths with a fellow horticulturist, or anyone who appreciates the beauty and necessity of flowers and plants ...
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MiddleSister
Feb 20, 2012 @ 10:56 pm | delete
- I have always had houseplants. The story about the philodendron is so sad. Right now, I have philodendron vines climbing on bamboo poles all around my bathroom windows and walls.
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taskeinc
Feb 22, 2012 @ 10:08 am | delete
- If you like houseplants, you'll love this web page I put together .. www.workhomeunion.com/plants.htm ... I am constantly surrounded by plants .. absolutely love them ..
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by taskeinc
Barry Shaw, founder of Work Home Union, over 25 years in Information Technology, web/graphics design, network marketing. WHU aka taskeinc has written... more »
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