If you love flowers but don't have any in your living space, that's unfortunate! It would help to benefit from flowers' physical and mental health benefits. They enhance your environment with their beauty and contribute positively to your well-being. Flowers are beautiful but rare, and exotic flowers are genuinely in a league of their own! They convey a passionate message of "Welcome," there's nothing more positive than that, especially when you can't say it in person.
Whether buying a single stem or a boIfuq
uet of exotic flowers, they will undoubtedly add elegance to any space. Not only do they enhance beauty, but they also help purify the air. Let's explore how this curated list of exotic flowers can transform your environment. Flower lovers, enjoy the read—thank me later!
Five Exotic And Healthy Flowers For Your Garden
- Strelitzia (Birds of Paradise)
The Strelitzia, or "Bird of Paradise," is a striking plant known for its vibrant blue and neon orange flowers. Native to South America but also found in hot regions like South Africa, it belongs to the Strelitziaceae family.
This plant not only brightens up any space but also purifies the air and can enhance your mood with its exotic appearance. It thrives indoors or outdoors, requiring warmth, bright light, ample space, and humidity. It needs regular misting and watering, especially in the African hemisphere. Additionally, it is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
- Amaryllis (Hippeastrum)
Amaryllis is a large flower resembling a lily or bell belonging to the subtribe Amaryllidinea. The more well-known species, 'Amaryllis belladonna', is native to South Africa, while the other, 'Hippeastrum', is found in tropical South America.
Besides its beauty, amaryllis offers health benefits, as research suggests its extracts may have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. Its pleasant scent also promotes relaxation, making it an excellent indoor plant for unwinding after a long day.
- Heliconia
Heliconia is the only genus in the Heliconiaceae family, featuring around 200 flowering plants native to tropical America and some western Pacific islands. Commonly called "lobster claws" or "parrot flowers," these plants have colourful, beak-like bracts and large, banana-like leaves on sturdy stems that support pollinators like hummingbirds and bats.
Beyond their decorative appeal, Heliconia plants offer health benefits; their extracts are used in folk medicine to treat hypertension, infections, and jaundice. They are known for antimicrobial properties that can help fight various illnesses and support gynaecological health by inhibiting yeast infections. Although often grown indoors, they thrive best outdoors in suitable conditions.
- Lotus-
The lotus, or 'Nelumbo nucifera', is an aquatic plant belonging to the Nelumbonaceae family. Commonly known as the sacred lotus, it thrives in India, China, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Australia.
To grow successfully, the lotus needs full sunlight and moderate fertilization. Its beneficial compounds can reduce swelling, kill cancer cells and bacteria, lower blood sugar, aid fat breakdown, and protect the heart, skin, liver, and brain.
Initially, lotus can be grown indoors in a water-filled container, but once it sprouts, it should be relocated outdoors to a pond or stagnant water body for optimal growth.
- Star of Persia
Star of Persia, commonly called Allium cristophii or Persian onion, is a member of the Amaryllidaceae family. It's a flowering plant that can completely change the overall vibe of your garden with its presence. It is a popular ornamental plant worldwide, and we can see why!
It is known for its large, spherical flower clusters of tiny star-shaped blooms. It originates from Central Asia, particularly Iran (Persia) and Turkey. Like other Allium species, Star of Persia contains compounds with antioxidant properties. These properties help fight free radicals, boost the immune system, and reduce inflammation. Due to sulfur compounds, it also has mild antibacterial and antifungal effects, lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol levels.
In conclusion, exotic flowers offer more than just visual appeal; they provide a range of health benefits, from boosting immunity to promoting mental well-being. Incorporating them into your gardens can enhance beauty and health, making them valuable additions to a holistic lifestyle. Their unique origins and therapeutic qualities underscore the remarkable diversity and potential of the plant world.