Having Plants on Wooden Floor

In our busy everyday lives, we are constantly running around, we are constantly under pressure – about the course of our lives, our career or our families. A long time ago people knew how to find respite and relaxation in nature. In modern times this is not the case. However, it seems that no matter how much we alienate ourselves from nature, we cannot completely separate ourselves from it. And we shouldn’t. Maybe it is because of this that so many people have plants in their homes. Some small piece of life which not only help us feel more comfortable in our own homes but comes with some practical benefits. Maybe this is also why most of us have hardwood floors – a natural product, instead of some synthetic vinyl or laminate. Unfortunately, if you want to mix houseplants and hardwood flooring you must be careful how to prevent the floor from suffering long-term damage. Here is how:

Why Do We Have Houseplants?

Easier to breathe. Humans breathe oxygen and release dioxide. Plants do exactly the opposite. It is a symbiosis which works well for both parties. Why not make good use of it?

Air purification. The air in our homes can be full of chemicals without us even releasing it. Those chemicals are called VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and are harmful to our health. Plants absorb them from the air and convert them into nutrition for them.

Health effect. It seems that certain sicknesses and discomforts like sore throats, coughs and headaches appear much more rarely in offices and workplaces containing plants.

Concentration. Studies have shown that the presence of plants in rooms improves our focus and ability to learn new things.

How to Protect Our Hardwood Floors?

Hardwood flooring is susceptible to moisture. Water damage is one of the worst things that can happen to it because often the only solution for a warped or buckled board is a replacement. In terms of appearance, liquid spills can also leave your hardwood floor permanently marked unless you sand the surface and completely remove the old finish.

One of the big benefits of houseplants which we did not mention before is their ability to release water. Around 97% of the water taken by the plants is evaporated in the air through the leaves.  The humidity level, of course, rises and many viruses have trouble thriving in such an atmosphere. As a result, interior plants decrease the chance of having a respiratory disease or disposition.

The real problem with the plants is the possibility of liquid spills and high condensation. A simple way to prevent excessive moisture is to never place plants directly onto a wood floor even if they are in a waterproof saucer. Always use trivets or short stands under the pot and saucer so that air can circulate underneath. This will prevent condensation on the saucer from damaging your wooden floor. It will also be easier to see if the plant is overwatered or if the liquid has spilt onto the floor.