Who was St. Patrick, and Why Do We Celebrate Him Every March?

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It’s easy being green on St. Patrick’s Day, especially this year when we can enjoy an entire weekend filled with parades, provisions, and parties. It’s a fun holiday that doesn’t take itself too seriously and encourages us to let loose a little and celebrate.

You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. In fact, you don’t even have to wear green so long as you don’t mind some odd looks or an obligatory pinch. Best of all, you don’t even need to know a thing about St. Patrick, because he doesn’t even play a very important role in his own day!

Irish Trinity Tiffany Style Lamp from Durocher Florist

Sure, he was credited with driving all the snakes out of Ireland, but many historians downplay that claim anyway because apparently there weren’t any snakes there to begin with. So, who was this Irish saint, and why do we celebrate him half a world away by drinking green beer and chasing imaginary leprechauns around searching for their pot of gold?

For starters, he wasn’t even Irish! In fact, according to History.com, he was actually born in Britain and his family wasn’t particularly religious. His life did take an interesting turn in his teens, however when he was kidnapped and held captive by Irish raiders. While in captivity, he spent much of his time isolated from other people which led him to turn to spiritual thoughts for comfort and guidance and ultimately began his path towards sainthood.

Eventually, he escaped back to Britain but was sent back to Ireland on a mission after becoming ordained. His time there was reportedly rather unpleasant, and he was mostly forgotten after he died in 461 A.D. With those kinds of credentials, it’s no wonder why we have trouble understanding how he became the patron saint of Ireland, and thus, St. Patrick.

As with most tales from centuries ago, the story of St. Patrick has been fortified and romanticized through legends and folklore. It wasn’t until the early 20th century – over 2000 years after his death – that the celebrations of him started becoming more popular. Prior to that time, March 17 was unceremoniously observed with a large family feast and little more than a possible mention by the priests during church services.

Bottoms Up Bouquet by Durocher Florist

St. Patrick’s Day as we know it today may have actually originated in Boston where a group of elite Irish men gathered in 1737 for a special meal dedicated to an unknown Irish saint. Soon after, New York began hosting parades with Irish-American soldiers to honor St. Patrick and the holiday grew from there.

In other words, the St. Patrick’s Day that we know and love was largely an American invention began by Irish-American immigrants after they came to the United States. Those new citizens wanted a way to celebrate their culture while also embracing their new life in America. As the years rolled by, the parades and celebrations got bigger and more visible and were adopted by more people.

Today, the celebration of St. Patrick’s Day reaches far beyond its Irish-American roots and embraces people from all walks of life. As they say, “everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.”

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from your friends at Durocher Florist. We’re ready to help you celebrate with our special section of St. Patrick’s Day flowers, plants, and gifts. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, simply give us a call at (800) 770-1965 and we will be happy to make a custom design for you!

Join Durocher Florist as we celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8

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We love celebrating holidays here at Durocher Florist and one of our favorites is International Women’s Day which takes place every year on March 8. Although it doesn’t quite share the same notoriety as many of the other holidays, its significance and message are certainly no less important.

The observance of International Women’s Day dates back to the early 1900s, but the global holiday’s growth in popularity over the past decade has helped it evolve into a worldwide celebration of social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women around the world. IWD is not country, group or organization specific and belongs to all groups collectively.

Amazing Grace Bouquet by Durocher Florist

Unlike many other holidays where the same traditions are celebrated year-after-year, International Women’s Day features a new theme each year to highlight an important issue and raise awareness in order to help drive positive change for women and accelerate gender parity across the world.

This year’s theme is #PressforProgress which spotlights gender parity. The World Economic Forum predicts the gender gap won’t close entirely over the next 200 years, so International Women’s Day provides an opportunity for ground-breaking action that can drive greater change for women and speed up the clock on gender parity.

This year’s observance is a terrific opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women as well as a chance to take action to help raise visibility and awareness in order to help drive positive change for women and accelerate gender parity around the world. We can all do our part in helping drive better outcomes for women by becoming responsive and responsible leaders in creating a more gender-inclusive world.

World-renowned feminist, journalist and activist Gloria Steinem once said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”

How to get involved

  • Together we can all play a role in promoting women’s issues and rights, especially for women in developing countries. One of the easiest ways to get involved is by sharing the #PressforProgress hashtag on social media posts and encouraging your friends and followers to join in the festivities.
  • Purple is the official color for IWD, so simply wearing a purple shirt or ribbon is a great way to show your support.
  • There are numerous festivals and gatherings planned for IWD and you can check the International Women’s Day event page to see a full list of activities in your area.
  • Consider donating time or resources to women-focused charities or groups
  • Volunteer to set up your own IWD campaign. Materials and instructions can be found here.
  • Most importantly, just speak out and make your support known!

Even if you don’t want to get involved in organized IWD events, the day itself is still a great opportunity to celebrate a special woman in your life by acknowledging their hard work and sharing their stories. A small gift, like a beautiful bouquet, is always an appropriate way to show your gratitude and the smile is causes can make a big difference!

Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Order Flowers for Valentine’s Day

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The Romantic by Durocher Florist

Valentine’s Day is still a few weeks away, but the best time to order your flowers is right now! Since February 14 is one of the biggest floral holidays of the year, nearly every florist in the country is busy working overtime to prepare for the big day.

But no matter how many flowers are ordered and how many extra delivery drivers are hired, there is only so much time and product to go around, so waiting until the last minute is not a good idea if you want to avoid the headaches of picked-over coolers and limited delivery availability. Some shops even raise the price of roses in the week leading up to Valentines Day since those last-minute flowers cost more from the wholesaler. In other words, there are many advantages or ordering early and not procrastinating.

This special day means different things to different people, but above all else, it’s an opportunity to let those you love and care about know how much they mean to you. To many people, giving a great and meaningful gift on Valentine’s Day isn’t always easy – especially when they’re crunched for time and trying hard to fulfill expectations. On this day of love and romance, the last thing you want to do is disappoint someone who may have been expecting something else, so planning ahead can help alleviate some stress or disappointment.

The most important thing to remember when finding the perfect gift is to not to overthink it or try to do too much. Quality is more important than quantity, and the key here is finding something special and out of the ordinary, to help show the recipient you care enough to go the extra mile. That doesn’t mean you have to go all out and spend tons of money, but it’s easy to distinguish a thoughtful gift from one pieced together with whatever happened to be left in the store – you’re not fooling anybody!

Remember, if it seems too good to be true…it probably is!

 

36 Long-stem Red Roses by Durocher Florist

There are a lot of enticing offers out there. We’re bombarded with them daily – online, on the radio and especially on television. But don’t let the “incredibly low prices” fool you because they usually tack on extra fees and hidden charges that bring the total cost up to a comparable level with actual flower shops – except they simply ship a box of flowers that you have to assemble yourself. You might end up saving a few bucks by having flowers shipped in a box, but does that gift truly convey how you feel about the recipient? Does it show the thought and attention you put into choosing a special gift, or does it suggest that you panicked and scrambled at the last minute?

 

There are so many options out there for flowers this Valentine’s Day, but where you buy those flowers makes a big difference. Presentation and visual appeal are the little things that go a long way in making a good bunch of flowers look great.

Having an experienced professional florist by your side – one who personally designs and hand-delivers your flowers – guarantees an outstanding personalized gift for your Valentine, all while making you look good at the same time!

So don’t stress out this Valentine’s Day because Durocher Florist is here to help! Give us a call at (800) 770-1965 and leave it to us to create something special that is sure to exceed expectations this Valentines Day. Just remember to order early – you’ll be glad you did!

Living Coral is Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2019

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What color will define your year in 2019?

The fine folks at Pantone have made their selection and have nominated “Living Coral” as their “Color of the Year” for 2019. They feel that this particular hue (PANTONE 16-1546) “embraces us with warmth and nourishment to provide comfort and buoyancy in our continually shifting environment.”

They go on to explain that, “Living Coral is a nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings and at the same time, displays a lively presence within social media.”

For over 20 years, Pantone has selected a color of the year and that color has influenced product development and purchasing decisions across a variety of different industries including fashion, interior, and industrial design, home furnishings and most importantly, flowers!

While this vibrant, yet mellow, coral hue with a golden overtone isn’t as bold of a selection as last year’s deep purple Ultra Violet, it also isn’t as serious. In fact, it was chosen in part for its lighthearted symbolism with a nod to our innate need for optimism, joyful pursuits and playful expression which represent the fusion of modern life.

Pantone based Living Coral on the energizing aspects of the color as it is found in nature – and coral reefs in particular as their glorious, yet elusive displays beneath the sea provide shelter to a diverse kaleidoscope of color.

In with the new

Joy Forever by Durocher Florist

Pantone puts a tremendous amount of thoughtful consideration into choosing their Color of the Year. They arrive at their decision by pouring over trend analysis and combing the globe in search of new color influences. Their decision is ultimately based on several different factors, but the end result is typically a good indication of the state of global and political climate and the emotions that many people are feeling at the time – if that feeling can be described as a color.

This year’s selection is all about optimism and the bright shining light that many people can use to start 2019 on the right note, but that doesn’t mean it has to represent your year. A fresh new year means a fresh new start and now is the perfect time to begin writing your own story – and choosing your own color – that will define your world in 2019.

Don’t miss out on the hottest new trend for 2019: Living Coral! Durocher Florist has many designs featuring this intriguing color which works well as an accent or as the featured color. Give us a call today at 800-770-1965 and we’ll be happy to help you find the perfect design for a birthday, anniversary, milestone or any other important event. Best of all, we offer same-day delivery anywhere in the U.S.A.

Still Shopping? It’s Not Too Late to Find the Perfect Gift at Durocher Florist

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Cardinals in the Snow by Durocher Florist

Christmas is days away – that’s great news for many of us, but it also means that those who put off their Christmas shopping until the last minute are beginning to panic. Many online retailers can no longer guarantee delivery in time for Christmas and the mall is going to be a madhouse this weekend – who wants to deal with that?

Fortunately, there is a better option because your friends at Durocher Florist are here to help you cross the remaining names off your list. We’re full of terrific ideas if you’re not exactly sure what you’re looking for and we have so many wonderful options to choose from that you’ll have no problem selecting the perfect gifts no matter who you’re shopping for.

Whether you prefer a timeless classic like a festive poinsettia plant or something with a bit more flair like a beautiful hand-designed holiday floral arrangement or Christmas centerpiece, you’re in good hands with Durocher Florist.

Joyful and Triumphant Centerpiece by Durocher Florist

It’s not too late to have your order hand-delivered by Christmas or you can always stop by and choose from our large selection of holiday flowers and plants. We also feature a fantastic variety of holiday gifts and décor that is sure to please anyone on your list! We’re also a great source for unique stocking stuffers and gifts for teachers, mail carriers, party hosts, co-workers, hair stylists, and more. Leave the last-minute shopping to the amateurs by trusting one of our professional designers to create the perfect one-of-a-kind gift. Give us a call today to check out what we have in store for you this holiday season!

Order online or by phone at (413) 785-5148, or better yet, stop by to see us and discover all the wonderful surprises in store that we don’t have on the website! We will be open and delivering all weekend and also Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas from your friends at Durocher Florist!

Celebrate National Poinsettia Day with Durocher Florist

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National Poinsettia Day is Wednesday, December 12 and Durocher Florist is here to help you celebrate the iconic red holiday plant that has become an unmistakable symbol of the season.

At first glance, it’s easy to admire the pretty Poinsettia and its bright crimson and green foliage but digging a little deeper into why the Poinsettia became such an important holiday symbol brings a much deeper appreciation for this phenomenal plant.

Poinsettia Plant from Durocher Florist

According to a Mexican legend, a poor child who could not afford a gift for Christ on Christmas Eve was told that even the most humble gift, if given with love, would suffice in God’s eyes. The child carefully picked some weeds from the side of a road and brought them to church as an offering to make God happy. As soon as the child entered the church, the weeds bloomed into beautiful red and green flowers and the congregation was sure they had witnessed a Christmas miracle. From that day on, Poinsettias were known as ‘Flores de Noche Buena,’ or ‘Flowers of the Holy Night.’

In the United States, we typically associate the poinsettia with Christmas so dedicating December 12 as National Poinsettia Day seems like a natural fit – except the timing of the observance is merely a coincidence. In fact, the United States has observed this official day since the mid-1800s in honor of the passing of the first American ambassador to Mexico, Joel Roberts Poinsett, and the plant he introduced to the U.S.

In 1828, Poinsett discovered the plant with vivid red leaves by the side of a road in Mexico and sent some cuttings home to his residence in South Carolina. Initially, many botanists dismissed the Poinsettia as a weed, but Poinsett’s work with the plant caused it to eventually gain acceptance as a holiday plant.

The holiday season is always a special time in the floral industry, and the star of the show is, of course, the venerable Poinsettia plant. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Poinsettias are the highest selling potted flowering plant in America and account for nearly one-quarter of sales of all flowering potted plants throughout the entire year.

Here are some things you might not have known about the Poinsettia:

  • Poinsettias are native to southern Mexico and have been used in religious ceremonies and to decorate churches there for centuries as the red color is a symbol of purity.
  • Contrary to popular belief, Poinsettias are not poisonous to people or pets, although the plant has been known to cause stomach irritation and discomfort if ingested. The danger to pets and children comes from the choking hazard of the fibrous parts of the plant and not the toxicity.
  • Although every state in the U.S. grows Poinsettias commercially; for much of the past 100 years, the Ecke Ranch in California has grown over 70% of all Poinsettias purchased in the United States and accounted for about 50% of the Poinsettias sold worldwide.
  • The word Poinsettia is traditionally capitalized because it was named after a person.
  • The Poinsettia had its own college football bowl game. The Poinsettia Bowl debuted in San Diego in 1952 and originally served as the military services championship game for four years before being resurrected from 2005 to 2016.
  • In the wild, Poinsettias have been known to grow over 12 feet tall.
  • Roughly three-quarters of all Poinsettias sold in the United States are red, but they also appear in white, pink, salmon, apricot, yellow and multi-colored marbled or speckled varieties. Overall, there are more than 100 known Poinsettia varieties with new ones appearing every year.

Durocher Florist is your one-stop-shop for the holidays! From Poinsettias to holiday flowers and gifts, we can help you deck the halls and find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Stop by or give us a call today and be sure to check out the holiday section of our website here.

Decorate like a Pro This Holiday Season with Durocher Florist

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Now that we’ve finished off all the turkey, it’s time to start decorating for the holidays. Whether you decorate like Clark Griswold or simply put up a tree and hang some stockings and call it good, a little planning and some careful attention to detail can go a long way in turning your home into a winter wonderland.

Choose with a theme

Before you begin decorating, the most important decision you’ll need to make is choosing a theme. You don’t have to be overly specific but focusing on one general theme will make your decorating easier and your outcome more cohesive.

When it comes to choosing a theme, it’s important to accentuate your home’s architectural features like fireplaces, windows, and staircases. Some people may choose to go all out and decorate everything in the house, but if you prefer to keep it simple, that’s okay too. Decorating even a few key focal points can make a very bold impression.

After you decide on a theme, the next step will be choosing a color palette. You don’t have to stick with the traditional red or green; you could opt instead for a more rustic look which is primarily white. Or, you could select a pink or blue theme – both of which can be very festive and original if they’re used consistently.

Whatever you choose, it’s wise to limit your base colors to one or two for optimal cohesiveness along with a complementary matching color. Gold, silver, white, and metallics, are all perfect for this task and will add an elegant holiday touch that draws all the elements together.

Start with the tree

Boxwood Tree by Durocher Florist

When trying to decide where to start decorating once you’ve picked a theme, the best place to start is with the tree. When the professionals decorate trees, they start by taking a step back and looking for holes. It’s possible to manipulate some of the branches to fill in the holes as long as it still looks natural when you’re finished.

Mesh ribbon takes up space and can fill in holes or strategically cover any unsightly areas. When adding ornaments, begin with solid colors and space things evenly before adding specialty ornaments or other decor.

Once the tree is complete it should inspire confidence in the rest of the decor falling into place. If your family tradition is to wait until later in the season to put up the tree, you can always start somewhere else and save the tree for last – just be sure to save enough space for the tree and all the presents that will find their way underneath.

If you do have some special packages that can’t wait for Santa, you can wrap them with paper or other fabrics to match the theme of the tree and the room. Newspaper makes an excellent wrap if you’re going for a more nostalgic or rustic theme. Don’t forget to top them with ribbons or bows to complete the look.

Tend to the table

Decorating your table with a festive holiday tablescape allows your creativity and personality to run wild with unlimited possibilities. Don’t be afraid to use live greenery, lights, and metallic elements according to your theme when decorating your table.

Buffet and side tables are great multifunctional pieces that can be adorned to match your theme. Large glass urns and hurricane vases are excellent all-season focal points that can be filled with different items depending on the holiday. Experiment with fabrics as well – quality textiles can have a dramatic effect and add an elegant look and feel.

Now it’s time to shine

After the tree and table are complete, the next area you’ll want to decorate is your home’s entrance. Welcome guests into your home by transforming it into a warm and inviting space decked with festive decor.

Royal Christmas Centerpiece by Durocher Florist

Lighted garland is a terrific way to adorn a banister and it also works well in making mantels, cabinets, and shelves pop. For a special touch, you can use natural greenery inside your home. Fresh evergreen smells exactly like the holidays should smell while magnolia leaves and eucalyptus are also good alternatives.

No matter how you decide to approach holiday decorating, remember that the best results will come when you let your personality shine through. Decide what would make you cozy and warm and what feels natural to you, then decorate based on that feeling. Keep it simple by mixing texture and color while keeping in mind that you can always add depth with layers. To add the finishing touch, dim the regular room lighting and let your holiday lighting shine through.

Now comes the best part, making new memories with loved ones this holiday season in your beautiful home surrounded by spectacular holiday décor and feelings of warm tidings and cheer!

Make Durocher Florist your one-stop-shop for the holidays! From flowers to gifts and decor, we have everything you need to make this holiday season one to remember. Stop by for a visit or shop online here. If you don’t see what you’re looking for or just can’t decide, give us a call at (800) 770-1965 and speak to one of Santa’s helpers who will be happy to assist you! Happy Holidays from Durocher Florist.

Why Do We Carve Pumpkins and Dress Up in Costumes at Halloween?

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We love to honor tradition by celebrating holidays, especially ones with seemingly absurd origins which bring about colorful characters like the Easter Bunny, Leprechauns, Cupid, and Father Time.

We typically don’t delve too deep into why these particular characters show up, or how they got to be so popular in the first place, because it’s more fun just to go along with it than to question every little detail. But sometimes you just have to wonder why every October we let our kids dress up as pirates and princesses and take to the streets of the neighborhood searching for sugary treasure.

Halloween Magic Bouquet by Durocher Florist

When left to the imagination, there aren’t many holidays that are more fun than Halloween. From carving pumpkins to trick-or-treating and haunted houses, Halloween has become a whimsical celebration of things that most people find scary or downright chilling any other time of the year.

Carving jack-o-lanterns is a tradition that began several hundred years ago in Ireland, but back in those days, they were carved from potatoes and turnips. It wasn’t until years later, after the Irish immigrated to the United States, that they discovered that pumpkins made for a much better medium due to their abundance in the new world, thus a new tradition was born.

Legend has it that the jack-o-lanterns were originally intended to frighten away the wandering soul of Stingy Jack, who was sentenced to roam the earth for eternity after tricking the devil and later finding out he wasn’t allowed into heaven or hell.

This also loosely explains why we dress up in costumes – to disguise ourselves from the souls wandering amongst us – including Stingy Jack!

Or perhaps it doesn’t.

According to Lisa Morton, author of “Trick or Treat: A history of Halloween,” dressing up as a way to scare off evil spirits is a common misconception about the holiday. Morton contends that people didn’t start dressing up until much later – as in the 1800s.

Boo-tiful Bats by Durocher Florist

By that time, Halloween was known for pranks which were becoming more and more elaborate and dangerous. So much so that towns and cities were thinking about canceling Halloween because many felt that the pranks were getting out of hand.

That led to a gradual push from families, communities and civic organizations to change the nature of the holidays from pranks to the “trick or treat” traditions we know today.

Sadly, Morton’s version of buying off kids with treats and costumes is probably a bit closer to reality than the warding off evil spirits angle, but as with most holiday traditions, you never really know for sure!

Whatever the reason for dressing up and trick-or-treating, your friends at Durocher Florist are here to get you in the mood for a spectacularly spooky Halloween! Make no bones about it, our ghoulish delights will make the wickedest witches green with envy, so stop by today – if you dare!

Simplifying Sympathy Flowers

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Flowers are a wonderful way to communicate thoughts and feelings in times when words just aren’t enough. We love to send and receive them on joyous occasions such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, achievements and milestones.

But flowers also play a very important role in some of life’s most somber moments as well because of their ability to express sincere sympathy and lend support to those grieving over the lost a loved one when no words will do.

For many, ordering sympathy flowers can be a confusing and intimidating task, especially when you consider the circumstances, emotions, and responsibilities that you are suddenly forced to handle without much prior notice or time for planning. It can feel very intimidating, but your friends at Durocher Florist are here to help guide you through the process and address any questions or concerns that you have in order to put your mind at ease.

Selecting the flowers

Reflections of Gratitude Casket Spray by Durocher Florist

When deciding on sympathy or funeral flowers, the first thing to consider is your relationship with the deceased. Traditionally, the immediate family selects a memorial wreath or casket spray for the service. Close family and friends often opt for personalized floral tributes that reflect the deceased’s personality, occupation, hobbies or passions. These flowers are typically displayed during the funeral service.

Other friends, relatives, and co-workers have many other options available including plants and simple floral baskets which can either be used for the service itself or sent to the home of the bereaved. The best choice in this instance are flowers that reflect the personality or relationship with the deceased as many modern funeral services focus on the celebration of life more so than mourning the passing.

When to send flowers

Timing varies greatly depending upon several factors, but a good rule of thumb is to order funeral flowers at least 24 hours in advance of the funeral or memorial service, and even 48 hours for larger pieces like wreaths or sprays. Many funeral homes prefer to have the flowers in place several hours before the ceremony, so the earlier you order, the better. This also helps the florist by reducing the number of deliveries they need to make.

Sympathy flowers that are intended for the family and not the service may be sent directly to the home. The timing of these deliveries isn’t particularly as important, so any time after the service is over is appropriate.

In lieu of flowers

There is often some confusion when obituaries contain the phrase: “In Lieu of Flowers.” Contrary to popular belief, this terminology does not mean that the family does not want flowers. If that were the case, the phrase “please omit” would be used instead. It does, however, indicate that you have the option of making a donation instead of – or in addition to – sending flowers. Unless specifically stated, flowers are always an appropriate symbol of sympathy.

Other things to consider

With so many different types of memorial services and so many other variables based on religion, cultural, or family preferences, understanding funeral etiquette is not always a simple task. At Durocher Florist, we’re here to help you make an appropriate selection and choose a thoughtful gift when filling your funeral flower order.

When words just aren’t enough…

Beautiful Heart Bouquet by Durocher Florist

The most important thing to remember is that a gift of flowers can make a big difference for grieving family members and friends. It can often speak louder than words and lets them know you are thinking of them during one of the most difficult times in their lives.

Your friends at Durocher Florist will help you find the right type of arrangement, and we are happy to offer guidance and suggestions if you’re unsure which style or design you wish to send. After you order, you can rest assured knowing that we will handle all the details to make sure your flowers are delivered to the proper place, at the proper time.

Celebrate National Indoor Plant Week with Durocher Florist

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September 17-21 is National Indoor Plant Week and your friends at Durocher Florist are ready for this fun celebration that was established to promote and increase public awareness of the importance of live plants in interior spaces.

Beyond their alluring beauty – which enhances nearly every living space – green plants provide a multitude of health benefits that go far beyond the aesthetic for the people and pets who live amongst them.

Plants work around the clock to clean the air by creating oxygen and removing carbon dioxide: which also helps to decrease stress, enhance mood and even improve sleep.

In addition to all the amazing health benefits that indoor plants provide, they are also little green powerhouses that work hard in improving their environment by increasing humidity, keeping temperatures down and reducing airborne dust levels in the home or office.

With all the amazing claims about the benefits of indoor plants, it’s easy to be a bit skeptical and wonder if they really live up to the hype or if their benefits are born from legends and wives’ tales. The answer to that was confirmed by NASA after their research discovered that houseplants can remove up to 87% of air toxins in 24 hours, which alone seems like reason enough to surround yourself with them as much as possible.

Which Plants are Right for Me?

Environmental scientist Dr. Bill Wolverton was heavily involved with the NASA studies on the benefits of plants and published his findings in a simple consumer-friendly book, “How to Grow Fresh Air: 50 Houseplants That Purify Your Home or Office” in which he recommends the following plants in order of most effective to least in a typical home:

  1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
  2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
  3. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
  4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
  5. Deacaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena dermensis)
  6. English Ivy (Hedera helix) English Ivy (Hedera helix)
  7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
  8. Ficus “Alii” (Ficus macleilandii)
  9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
  10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
  11. Corn Plant (Dracaena fragrans)
  12. Golden Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
  13. Kimberley Queen Fern (Nephrolepis obliterata)
  14. Pot Mum (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
  15. Gerbera Daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
  16. Dracaena “Warneckei” (Dracaena dermensis)
  17. Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
  18. Red Emerald Philodendron (Philodendron erubescens)
  19. Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum)
  20. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia “Exotica Compacta”)
  21. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
  22. Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
  23. Schefflera / Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola)
  24. Wax Begonia (Begonia Semperflorens)
  25. Lacy Tree Philodendron (Philodendron selloum)
  26. Heart-Leaf Philodendron (Philodendron Oxycardium)
  27. Snake plant / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata / laurentii)
  28. Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia camilla)
  29. Elephant Ear Philodendron (Philodendron domesticum / tuxla)
  30. Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria heterophylla)
  31. King of Hearts (Homalomena wallisii)
  32. Prayer Plant (Maranta leuconeura “Kerchoveann”)
  33. Dwarf Banana (Musa cavendishii)
  34. Christmas Cactus (Schlumbergera buckleyi)
  35. Easter Cactus (Schlumbergera gaertneri)
  36. Oakleaf Ivy (Cissus rhombifolia “Ellen Danika”)
  37. Lily Turk (Liriope spicata)
  38. Dendrobium Orchid (Dendrobium)
  39. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
  40. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema crispum “Silver Queen”)
  41. Anthurium (Anthurium andraeanum)
  42. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum pictum)
  43. Poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima)
  44. Dwarf Azalea (Rhodedendron simsii “Compacta”)
  45. Peacock Plant (Calthea makoyana)
  46. Aloe Vera (Aloe barbadensis)
  47. Cyclamen (Cyclamen persicum)
  48. Urn Plant (Aechmea fasciata)
  49. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
  50. Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe blossfeldiana)

It’s important to remember that Dr. Wolverton’s book was published over 20 years ago so his list if focused on houseplants that were popular at the time. That also means that a lot of modern house plants weren’t included on the list.

But, regardless of whether a particular plant is on this list, keep in mind that nearly every plant on the planet has air-cleaning abilities so the best plants for your home or office are really a matter of personal preference. It’s up to you to decide which ones give you pleasure and best fit your lifestyle. Some plants require more maintenance and care than others and some thrive better in particular environments.

If you’re looking for plants primary based on their health benefits, certain varieties excel more than others in particular duties. For example: orchids, snake plants, succulents, and bromeliads emit oxygen at night, making them an outstanding choice to have in the bedroom. Some plants are also more sensitive to direct sunlight and cold drafts, so it’s a good idea to take that into consideration as well.

If you are unsure of which plants you would like for your home or office, our experts here at Durocher Florist will be happy to help you choose the plant that is perfect for you. Stop by and check out our selection of indoor plants and we’ll help you find exactly what you’re looking for. And if you can’t decide on the perfect plant, pick up a few different varieties and see which ones you like best!