Did
you know that history records the use of interior
plants in Babylon as far back as 814BC? In the 4th
century BC. in the Mediterranean area, potted plants
and rooftop gardens were common. The Egyptians had
an obvious love of plants, but history shows they
only started to bring plants indoors in the 3rd.
Century BC when they were placed in the inner courts
in clay vessels for decorative purposes.
Archaeological findings proved that 2000 years
ago indoor plants were also used in Pompeii. The
Emperor Tiberius built greenhouses using Lapis
Specularis which allow a glimmer of light rather
than full sunlight. The heat of the sun on the
manure used in the greenhouse produced the heat
necessary to ensure growth even in winter, so
it would cultivate the exotic plants that Tiberius
gathered on his campaigns. It was only in 290
AD that glass was used and buildings heated.
In the main, indoor plants were utilized for medical
and nourishment purposes only. It was only later
that they were used for decorative purposes. Now
in the 20th and 21st centuries plants are accepted
as an integral part of any indoor setting to promote
a healthy and pleasant environment.
