'It's joy in a pot': Why houseplants could make you happier

Jonny Balchandani is so passionate about plants he turned his spare bedroom into a greenhouse.

Known as the Bearded Plantaholic, he posts about his collection of thousands of plants to one million followers on social media and it has become a "lifestyle" for the 39-year-old.

From watering days that involve a few hundred plants to ordering the latest rare species, his home in Malvern, Worcestershire, has turned into a jungle.

"Plants were a hobby, a passion, and I could escape reality and numb out the thoughts of the everyday. I was more creative, happier and it's nurtured my mood and made me more of who I am," he said.

Balchandani said his passion "spiralled" about two decades ago when he realised the vast range of plants for sale and the benefits that came with being surrounded by greenery.

"It was the immersion in nature and having things that were green around me that made me feel happy, and plants were an escapism," he said.

To boost people's happiness and morale, Balchandani created a monthly "prescription" box filled with rooted plants and unusual species to help plant lovers grow their collection.

"I always thought of myself as a prescriber of happiness and I wanted to create a monthly medication in plants that arrives at your doorstep," he said.

The content creator said that having plants in the home brought "some of the outside in" and helped people feel a sense of wellbeing even in the gloomy months.

"We've created some micro-climates in the house and for me I don't feel the gloom because I simply move from one room to the other," he said.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) says that filling our lives with greenery is associated with a boost in physical, social and mental health.

Founders of plant shop Root 13, Dave and Katy Williams would agree - they have created a calm sanctuary so customers can escape from city living into nature.

Kitted out with running water, rocking chairs, big leafy plants and an aquarium, the space in Kings Heath, Birmingham has proven popular for those looking to de-stress from their busy lives.

"Mental health goes with everybody so if we can help somebody in their day by surrounding them in green, then we will," Dave Williams said.

The couple have about 250 plants in their home and have noticed a rise in customers purchasing plants rather than flowers as they look for longer lasting items in their home.

"[Plants give] a sense of caring for something, people like to see something grow and see it thrive, it's joy in a pot," Katy Williams said.

It is not only homes that are getting greener, but office spaces too.

Workplaces are being filled with moss walls, desk-side plants and hanging plants to promote productivity and a sense of calm among workers.

The company behind it all, Plant Plan, based in Leicester, was founded in 1977 by two brothers working in a garden shed, and has seen sales double in the last five years.

Head of marketing Carlsson Elkins said that companies started prioritising plants after lockdown to make spaces more appealing and get workers back into the office.

"People are realising that during Covid we spent a lot more time in nature and people want to have this connection to nature again," he said.

Plant Plan has transformed offices including Octopus Energy's building in Coventry and eateries such as Gail's and Dishoom.

Five easy-to-grow plants recommended by RHS include the Madagascar dragon tree, English ivy, rubber plant, Boston fern and Sansevieria trifasciata.

According to the charity, plant owners may notice improved attention spans and mood, along with reduced stress levels and blood pressure.

"The greater the number of plants used, the more likely the benefit to air quality and overall well-being," the charity said.

Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.