Benefits of Plants Above Kitchen Cabinets
Bringing the outdoors in is a popular trend, and incorporating plants above kitchen cabinets is a simple way to add a touch of nature to this often sterile space. Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plants offer a range of benefits that can transform your kitchen into a more inviting and healthy environment.
Aesthetic Appeal
Plants can dramatically enhance the visual appeal of a kitchen. Their vibrant colors, diverse textures, and varying heights can create a sense of depth and interest, adding a touch of life and vibrancy to a space that may otherwise feel sterile or bland. For instance, cascading foliage plants like pothos or philodendron can soften the edges of cabinets, creating a more organic and inviting feel.
Mood Enhancement and Welcoming Atmosphere
The presence of greenery can have a profound impact on our mood and well-being. Studies have shown that exposure to plants can reduce stress, improve focus, and boost overall mood. In the kitchen, plants can create a more relaxed and inviting atmosphere, making meal preparation and dining a more enjoyable experience. For example, a vibrant bouquet of sunflowers or a lush fern can instantly brighten the space and create a sense of calm and serenity.
Air Purification and Improved Indoor Air Quality
Plants are natural air purifiers, absorbing harmful pollutants like carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. They release oxygen into the air, improving indoor air quality and creating a healthier environment. This is especially important in the kitchen, where cooking and cleaning can release harmful chemicals into the air. Popular choices for air-purifying plants include snake plants, peace lilies, and spider plants.
Psychological Benefits
The presence of plants in the kitchen can have a positive impact on our mental health. Studies have shown that being surrounded by nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity. This can be particularly beneficial in the kitchen, a space where many people experience stress and anxiety. Having plants in the kitchen can create a more peaceful and calming environment, making it a more enjoyable place to cook and dine.
Choosing the Right Plants
Adding plants above kitchen cabinets can transform the space, but choosing the right plants is crucial for success. Consider the light conditions, humidity levels, and your lifestyle when making your selection.
Low-Light Tolerant and Drought-Tolerant Plants
These plants are ideal for kitchens with limited natural light and can withstand occasional neglect.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia): This low-maintenance plant thrives in low light and can tolerate infrequent watering. It features glossy, dark green leaves that add a touch of elegance to the kitchen.
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Another low-maintenance option, the snake plant is known for its ability to purify the air. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it perfect for busy kitchens.
- Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior): True to its name, the cast iron plant is remarkably resilient and can tolerate low light, infrequent watering, and even neglect. It’s a great choice for beginner plant owners.
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): While peace lilies prefer bright, indirect light, they can adapt to low light conditions. They are known for their beautiful white blooms and air-purifying properties.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This trailing vine is a popular choice for kitchens due to its adaptability. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering and can be easily propagated.
Non-Toxic Plants for Pets and Children
If you have pets or young children, it’s essential to choose non-toxic plants. These plants are safe to have around, even if nibbled on by curious pets or children.
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This popular houseplant is known for its air-purifying properties and its ability to produce spiderettes, or baby plants. It’s also non-toxic to pets and children.
- Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura): The prayer plant is known for its unique leaves that fold up at night, resembling hands in prayer. It’s a beautiful and non-toxic plant that can add a touch of whimsy to your kitchen.
- Peperomia: This genus includes a variety of plants with different leaf shapes and colors. They are generally non-toxic to pets and children and can tolerate low light and infrequent watering.
- Calathea: These plants are known for their striking foliage patterns and their ability to thrive in low light. Most Calathea varieties are non-toxic to pets and children.
Trailing and Cascading Plants
These plants create a sense of movement and add vertical interest to your kitchen.
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): This classic trailing plant is easy to care for and can tolerate low light conditions. It can be grown in hanging baskets or placed on shelves to cascade down.
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): This succulent features cascading strings of pearl-like leaves. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade. It’s a beautiful and unique addition to any kitchen.
- String of Hearts (Ceropegia woodii): This trailing plant features heart-shaped leaves that cascade down. It prefers bright, indirect light and can tolerate some drought.
- Philodendron: Many philodendron varieties are trailing plants that can add a touch of tropical flair to your kitchen. They prefer bright, indirect light and can tolerate some shade.
Upright Plants
These plants add height and structure to your kitchen.
- Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides): This plant features round, coin-shaped leaves that grow in clusters. It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.
- Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus): This fern features large, wavy fronds that grow in a rosette shape. It prefers bright, indirect light and high humidity. It’s a beautiful and unique addition to any kitchen.
- Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana): While not technically a bamboo, this plant is often called lucky bamboo due to its resemblance to bamboo. It can be grown in water or soil and prefers bright, indirect light.
Practical Considerations
Before embarking on your plant-filled kitchen cabinet journey, it’s crucial to consider the practical aspects involved. These considerations will ensure a successful and enjoyable experience, maximizing the benefits of your leafy companions.
Essential Tools and Materials
A well-equipped arsenal of tools and materials will make planting and caring for your kitchen cabinet plants a breeze. This section Artikels the key elements needed for a seamless experience.
- Planting Pots: Opt for lightweight, durable pots made from materials like plastic or terracotta. The size should be appropriate for the chosen plant, allowing for sufficient root growth.
- Potting Mix: Choose a well-draining potting mix formulated for indoor plants. This will ensure proper aeration and water retention, crucial for healthy growth.
- Watering Can: A long-spouted watering can with a narrow opening will allow for precise watering without spilling onto cabinets.
- Gardening Gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and potential plant thorns with a pair of sturdy gardening gloves.
- Hand Trowel: A hand trowel is essential for transplanting, loosening soil, and removing weeds.
- Measuring Cup: A measuring cup will help you determine the appropriate amount of water for your plants, preventing overwatering.
- Plant Food: A balanced liquid fertilizer specifically designed for indoor plants will provide essential nutrients for healthy growth.
- Pruning Shears: Sharp pruning shears will allow you to trim dead or overgrown foliage, maintaining the desired shape and size of your plants.
Installing a Plant Shelf or Hanging Planters, Plants above kitchen cabinets
Installing a plant shelf or hanging planters above kitchen cabinets is a relatively straightforward process. Follow these steps for a successful installation.
Installing a Plant Shelf
1. Measure and Mark: Measure the desired location for your plant shelf and mark the wall with a pencil.
2. Install Brackets: Use a level to ensure the brackets are installed straight and securely attached to the wall.
3. Attach the Shelf: Carefully place the shelf onto the brackets, ensuring it is level and stable.
Installing Hanging Planters
1. Choose a Location: Select a suitable location above your kitchen cabinets, ensuring the weight of the planters is supported by the cabinet structure.
2. Install Hooks: Use heavy-duty hooks designed for hanging planters. Securely attach them to the cabinet or wall, ensuring they can withstand the weight of the plants.
3. Hang the Planters: Carefully hang the planters from the hooks, ensuring they are level and secure.
Watering Techniques and Frequency
Watering plants above kitchen cabinets requires a different approach compared to those on the ground. These techniques ensure proper hydration without damaging cabinets or causing water damage.
- Bottom Watering: Fill a tray or saucer with water and place the pot on top. The plant will absorb water through the drainage holes at the bottom.
- Watering Can: Use a long-spouted watering can to gently pour water directly into the soil, avoiding overwatering.
- Frequency: Check the soil moisture before watering. Water only when the top inch of soil feels dry. The frequency will vary depending on the plant species, pot size, and environmental conditions.
Controlling Pests and Diseases
While plants above kitchen cabinets are less susceptible to pests and diseases compared to outdoor plants, it’s essential to take preventive measures to maintain their health.
- Regular Inspection: Inspect your plants regularly for any signs of pests or diseases. Early detection is key to effective treatment.
- Neem Oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide and fungicide that can effectively control common pests and diseases. Apply it as a spray to the leaves and stems.
- Isolate Infected Plants: If you notice any signs of infection, isolate the affected plant to prevent the spread of pests or diseases to other plants.
- Proper Watering: Overwatering can lead to root rot, creating an environment conducive to fungal diseases. Water only when necessary and allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Plants above kitchen cabinets add a touch of life and vibrancy to the space, but they can also present a challenge for storage. A 2 door accent cabinet white can provide a stylish and practical solution, offering ample storage for kitchen essentials while leaving the space above the cabinets free for greenery.
The cabinet’s sleek white finish complements any kitchen decor, while its two doors conceal clutter and keep items organized.
Plants above kitchen cabinets add a touch of life and freshness to the space, but they can also present a challenge for accessing the upper cabinets. A simple solution is to consider a kitchen cabinet top extension , which creates a flat, accessible surface above the cabinets.
This extension can be used to house the plants, freeing up the cabinet space for storage while adding a decorative element to the kitchen.
