Posted on by evhkiehn

Be-leaf in yourself! ( and other tips on raising indoor plants)

Let me just say, I’m sorry about the pun. Nevertheless, it’s true. The best way to deal with bringing plants into your living space is to be confident about what you are doing, and to gain that confidence by actually knowing what you are doing.

That’s where this article comes in.

I’ve compiled a list of some introductory plants for people with no prior houseplant experience, as well as bits of advice on how to not completely kill your plant (at least within the first week). Hopefully it serves it’s purpose, and your living spaces soon all get a little bit greener.

For more information regarding plant toxicity for pets, see the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animal’s website

Snake Plant

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping plant that draws attention without too much care, this slithery piece of greenery should be your go-to. Growing well in just about any light, snake plants can be placed in almost any room. They also need minimal watering (about once a week) and depending on the variety can grow between 2 and 3 feet tall!

Disclaimer: all parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Spider Plant

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Another astoundingly durable plant, spider plants can thrive in almost any light condition, and even do well in artificial light, making them ideal for offices. They require minimal to moderate watering, and even sprout tiny white flowers when in bloom.

Additionally, this plant is non-toxic for both dogs and cats!

Golden Pothos Vine

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This trailing vine comes in a variety of colors, and can grow up to 30 feet if well cared for (although feel free to prune if that seems too large). It can handle almost any type of lighting, and is notable for being particularly effective at purifying indoor air of harmful chemicals.

Disclaimer: all parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Aloe

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Aloe is well known for being one of the most widespread medicinal plants in the world, as well as one of the most ancient. It is also surprisingly easy to care for, as it is a succulent. This means that it requires minimal watering, but as a trade-off need lots of direct sunlight. These small plants are eye-catching and vibrant, and make an adorable addition to any windowsill.

Disclaimer: all parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Peace Lily

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Despite this misleading name, peace lilies are not actually lilies, but rather a tropical perennial. They can grow up to four feet tall, and are remarkably good at purifying indoor air. They can grow in both low and bright light, though it is only in bright light that they produce blossoms. Keep the soil of this plant moist, and you are sure to have a striking new addition of foliage!

Disclaimer: all parts of this plant are toxic to cats and dogs.

Sources

“Aloe Vera Plant Care – How To Grow An Aloe Plant.” Gardening Know How, 8 May 2018, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aloe-vera/aloe-vera-plant-care.htm.

“How to Grow and Care for Peace Lilies.” Miracle, www.miraclegro.com/en-us/library/indoor-gardening/how-grow-peace-lilies.

Iannotti, Marie. “How to Grow Pothos.” The Spruce, The Spruce, 2 Aug. 2019, www.thespruce.com/pothos-an-easy-to-grow-houseplant-1403154.

“Poisonous Plants.” ASPCA, www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/toxic-and-non-toxic-plants/p.

“Spider Plant Care: Gardening Tips For Spider Plants.” Gardening Know How, 2 Apr. 2019, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/spider-plant/spider-plant-care-gardening-tips-for-spider-plants.htm.

“Snake Plant Info – How To Grow A Snake Plant And Snake Plant Care.” Gardening Know How, 5 Apr. 2018, www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/snake-plant/snake-plant-care.htm.

Posted on by Jolene Truong

Helpful preventative actions to avoid getting sick

Have you ever wondered why they call fall and winter the “sick seasons”? It’s because when our internal body temperature drops due to cold weather, germs are likelier to thrive and increase the probability of catching a cold. Being on a small campus like UWB/CC, people getting sick can spread like wildfire. On top of getting your annual flu shot, here are some preventive actions that you can take to avoid getting sick this season:

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Hygiene

Sicknesses that are most common on college campuses like the common cold and the flu are spread by coming in contact with someone who is already sick. Practicing and building hygienic habits can save you in the long run.

  • Wash your hands frequently in order to stop the spreading germs. Carrying hand sanitizer is very helpful.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with dirty hands.
  • Wash your bedding every two weeks and immediately after you’ve been sick.
  • Don’t share any food or drinks with others so that you don’t give each other whatever sickness is going around.
  • Keep a clean space. Dust harbors millions of microscopic bugs that can make you sick.
  • Remember to cover your coughs and wear a medical face mask when needed.

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Eat right

A balanced diet that gives you the nutrients you need to boost your immune system is a vital part in preventing you from getting sick, but for when you do catch something nasty, your body begins to battle through the sickness throughout the day. Eating the right foods can help restore its energy and have you feeling better quicker.

  • Chicken soup – This classic remedy is full of nutrients like vitamins and protein that are essential to your body’s recovery.
  • Herbal tea – A hot cup of tea can help with congestion and you can also add honey to help soothe a sore throat.
  • Ginger – Eating ginger can reduce nausea and it has an effect to make you feel warm. You can cut up pieces of ginger and mix it into hot water or cook it in with soup.
  • Orange juice – Orange juice is packed with vitamin C that helps your immune system. If you want to try something different, freeze the orange juice and eat it as shaved ice or a popsicle.

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Sleep

This is essential. When you’re sick, your body needs sleep now more than ever. If you’ve noticed that you feel even more tired and sleepy than usual, that’s your body giving you a sign to go to bed. During sleep is when your body does the most fighting and recovering so in order for you to get over your sickness, get enough rest. The recommended hours of sleep for adults is 7 to 9 hours.

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Survival items

You never know when you’ll start feeling sick so it is best to be prepared by carrying some essential items in your bag. If you find yourself coming down with something while on campus, most of the items listed are sold at the University Book Store located inside Food for Thought Cafe.

  • Water
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Mini tissue packs
  • Pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol
  • Cough drops
  • Emergen-C packets

References

“5 Ways to Prevent Getting Sick as Weather Transitions.” GoHealth Urgent Care, 22 Nov. 2017, www.gohealthuc.com/library/5-ways-prevent-getting-sick-weather-transitions.
Jones, Taylor. “The 15 Best Foods to Eat When You’re Sick.” Healthline, 17 June 2016, www.healthline.com/nutrition/15-best-foods-when-sick.
Rossen, Jeff, and Jovanna Billington. “Dust in Your Home Can Make You Sick: Here’s How to Fight It.” Today, 27 Apr. 2017, www.today.com/health/dust-your-home-can-make-you-sick-here-s-how-t110831.