Latest news with #Aglaonema
Hindustan Times
10-05-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Heart-healthy garden: What to grow indoors and eat for lower BP and better blood circulation
As environmental and health concerns converge in today's world, the concept of cultivating a heart-healthy garden emerges as a simple, accessible and deeply impactful solution. What we choose to grow has a direct influence on both our well-being and the planet's health. She advised, 'Adding bitter gourd (karela) to your garden can provide even more heart-protective benefits—it's known for regulating blood sugar levels and promoting healthy lipid profiles. Herbs like basil aren't just flavorful—they contain antioxidants and natural compounds that may help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation.' For your indoor spaces, Dt Pooja Gupta recommended, 'Consider adding oxygen-rich plants like Aglaonema, Peace Lily, Snake Plant, and Spider Plant. These not only purify the air but also create a calming, clean atmosphere that supports overall well-being, including cardiovascular health. With a thoughtful mix of vegetables, herbs, and houseplants, your garden can nourish both your body and your environment, naturally and beautifully.' According to Maninder Singh, Founder and CEO at CEF Group, by growing crops that naturally aid in lowering blood pressure and promoting better circulation, individuals take active steps toward preventive health, while also supporting a broader movement toward sustainable living. Certain plants have well-documented benefits in this space. Maninder Singh explained, 'Garlic helps reduce arterial stiffness; beetroot, rich in dietary nitrates, aids in blood vessel dilation; spinach provides magnesium and potassium, essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure; while herbs like basil and turmeric deliver anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support.' Maninder Singh elaborated, 'These are not just culinary ingredients; they are nature's preventive tools, offering everyday solutions for cardiovascular health but the benefits extend well beyond individual health. Cultivating these crops at home, like on rooftops, balconies, or in shared urban plots, reduces dependence on resource-intensive food systems. It lowers transport emissions, cuts down packaging waste and minimises exposure to synthetic chemicals. Each plant grown with purpose contributes to reducing our ecological footprint.' At the same time, these practices nurture greener, more resilient communities. Maninder Singh said, 'Decentralised cultivation models, like vertical gardens and rooftop farms, are essential for climate-smart urban planning. They make nutritious, heart-healthy food more accessible, improve urban air quality, reduce heat islands and strengthen local food resilience.' He concluded, 'This model of growing for health aligns with the principles of circular development, where wellness, food systems and environmental care reinforce one another. It's about fostering ecosystems where growth is measured not only in yield but in long-term impact on lives, cities and the climate. Promoting a heart-healthy garden is part of a larger vision: where well-being begins in the soil, thrives in local communities, and flourishes in harmony with nature. Because sometimes, the most powerful transformations begin with something as humble as a seed planted for the heart, for the planet and for the future.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
The Independent
28-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
Office plants add warmth to the workplace. Only some will thrive
Lush, green plants have the power to transform a space, imparting character, warmth and charm. And there is no space I can think of that could benefit more from a little character, warmth and charm than your average office cubicle. But growing plants in windowless spaces can be challenging, to say the least, no matter how green your thumb is. Fortunately, there are several 'low-light' houseplants that will not only survive but thrive under the overhead fluorescent light fixtures common in commercial office spaces. These plants also have low water needs, which means they won't miss you when you take a weeklong vacation. And they're all easy to care for, making them perfect for new houseplant owners. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) A vining plant with waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 feet long. Hang a pot from a hook or place it on an overhead storage unit and allow its long stems to hang over the edge. There are many varieties, with golden, jade and satin among the best for low-light conditions. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Glossy foliage and an upright habit that can reach 3 feet tall. Its narrow profile makes it perfect for placing on the floor beside your desk. Consider the green-leaved standard, the speckled variegated or trendy black Raven varieties. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Smooth, glossy, sometimes variegated or mottled leaves. Consider a variety whose green leaves have vibrant red or orange striations for a pop of color, a cream or creamy-pink variety for elegance or a speckled or blotchy one for a touch of whimsy. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) The common name is one of two bestowed on this old-time favorite with upward-growing, sharp, pointy leaves (the other is mother-in-law's tongue). Opt for the standard green variety. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) A shade-loving tropical plant that actually prefers artificial lighting over sunlight. The plant is as strong as its name implies. Its sword-shaped green leaves can also handle the too-warm or too-cool temperatures often spewed by finicky office thermostats without wilting. Air Plant (Tillandsia) Grows well under fluorescent lighting without natural sunlight. It also grows without a pot or soil. You can even glue one to a frame to create a living portrait. As far as care goes, just mist it with water every couple of days or give it a good soaking every week or two (more often if the air is dry). Air Fern (Sertularia argentea) Not to be confused with air plants, air ferns are marketed as plants that don't require any sunlight or water. Sound too good to be true? It is. Air ferns aren't actually plants at all. They're not even alive. The dried skeletal remains of marine hydrozoans are dyed green and sold as no-maintenance "houseplants." ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Office plants add warmth to the workplace. Only some will thrive
Lush, green plants have the power to transform a space, imparting character, warmth and charm. And there is no space I can think of that could benefit more from a little character, warmth and charm than your average office cubicle. But growing plants in windowless spaces can be challenging, to say the least, no matter how green your thumb is. Fortunately, there are several 'low-light' houseplants that will not only survive but thrive under the overhead fluorescent light fixtures common in commercial office spaces. See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. By signing up, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. These plants also have low water needs, which means they won't miss you when you take a weeklong vacation. And they're all easy to care for, making them perfect for new houseplant owners. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) A vining plant with waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 feet long. Hang a pot from a hook or place it on an overhead storage unit and allow its long stems to hang over the edge. There are many varieties, with golden, jade and satin among the best for low-light conditions. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Glossy foliage and an upright habit that can reach 3 feet tall. Its narrow profile makes it perfect for placing on the floor beside your desk. Consider the green-leaved standard, the speckled variegated or trendy black Raven varieties. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Smooth, glossy, sometimes variegated or mottled leaves. Consider a variety whose green leaves have vibrant red or orange striations for a pop of color, a cream or creamy-pink variety for elegance or a speckled or blotchy one for a touch of whimsy. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) The common name is one of two bestowed on this old-time favorite with upward-growing, sharp, pointy leaves (the other is mother-in-law's tongue). Opt for the standard green variety. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) A shade-loving tropical plant that actually prefers artificial lighting over sunlight. The plant is as strong as its name implies. Its sword-shaped green leaves can also handle the too-warm or too-cool temperatures often spewed by finicky office thermostats without wilting. Air Plant (Tillandsia) Grows well under fluorescent lighting without natural sunlight. It also grows without a pot or soil. You can even glue one to a frame to create a living portrait. As far as care goes, just mist it with water every couple of days or give it a good soaking every week or two (more often if the air is dry). Air Fern (Sertularia argentea) Not to be confused with air plants, air ferns are marketed as plants that don't require any sunlight or water. Sound too good to be true? It is. Air ferns aren't actually plants at all. They're not even alive. The dried skeletal remains of marine hydrozoans are dyed green and sold as no-maintenance "houseplants." ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to
Associated Press
28-01-2025
- General
- Associated Press
Office plants add warmth to the workplace. Only some will thrive
Lush, green plants have the power to transform a space, imparting character, warmth and charm. And there is no space I can think of that could benefit more from a little character, warmth and charm than your average office cubicle. But growing plants in windowless spaces can be challenging, to say the least, no matter how green your thumb is. Fortunately, there are several 'low-light' houseplants that will not only survive but thrive under the overhead fluorescent light fixtures common in commercial office spaces. These plants also have low water needs, which means they won't miss you when you take a weeklong vacation. And they're all easy to care for, making them perfect for new houseplant owners. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) A vining plant with waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 feet long. Hang a pot from a hook or place it on an overhead storage unit and allow its long stems to hang over the edge. There are many varieties, with golden, jade and satin among the best for low-light conditions. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Glossy foliage and an upright habit that can reach 3 feet tall. Its narrow profile makes it perfect for placing on the floor beside your desk. Consider the green-leaved standard, the speckled variegated or trendy black Raven varieties. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Smooth, glossy, sometimes variegated or mottled leaves. Consider a variety whose green leaves have vibrant red or orange striations for a pop of color, a cream or creamy-pink variety for elegance or a speckled or blotchy one for a touch of whimsy. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) The common name is one of two bestowed on this old-time favorite with upward-growing, sharp, pointy leaves (the other is mother-in-law's tongue). Opt for the standard green variety. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) A shade-loving tropical plant that actually prefers artificial lighting over sunlight. The plant is as strong as its name implies. Its sword-shaped green leaves can also handle the too-warm or too-cool temperatures often spewed by finicky office thermostats without wilting. Air Plant (Tillandsia) Grows well under fluorescent lighting without natural sunlight. It also grows without a pot or soil. You can even glue one to a frame to create a living portrait. As far as care goes, just mist it with water every couple of days or give it a good soaking every week or two (more often if the air is dry). Air Fern (Sertularia argentea) Not to be confused with air plants, air ferns are marketed as plants that don't require any sunlight or water. Sound too good to be true? It is. Air ferns aren't actually plants at all. They're not even alive. The dried skeletal remains of marine hydrozoans are dyed green and sold as no-maintenance 'houseplants.' ___ here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___
