As the third Monday in January earns its reputation as the year’s most challenging day, Biophilic Design offers a much needed antidote. Rooted in our innate connection to nature, biophilic principles remind us that even small encounters with living systems—particularly plants—can positively influence mood, reduce stress and restore emotional balance. By introducing calming blue-green foliage and flowering plants into our homes and workplaces, we can soften the impact of “Blue Monday,” using colour, texture and life itself to create spaces that nurture wellbeing. In this spirit, renowned interior landscape designer, houseplant stylist and author of At Home With Plants, Ian Drummond shares his favourite “blue plants” to lift the spirits and bring a smile when it’s needed most.

Houseplants are a great way to help combat “Blue Monday “ By incorporating mood -boosting and air-purifying plants into your homes and offices , there are many blue-green plants that fit the theme and help create a calm indoor environment.

The colour Blue has long been associated with the feeling of relaxation.

Here are some of my favourite plants

Vanda coerula (blue vanda) - Dramatic Orchids with exposed roots and striking bluish purple flowers

Echeveria “blue Star” - A succulent that has blue-green rosettes .

Bromeliad “blue tango”have a unique appearance with electric-blue spikey flowers and hot pink stems

Epipremn pinnate (cebu blue pothos) - Rare variety of pothos known for its beautiful silvery-blue shiny foliage!

Phlebodium aureum (blue star fern) - A fern with muted Blue-Green wavy fronds .

Sainpaulia (African violet) - Have intense Purple-Blue flowers

To find out more about Ian have a listen to our podcast on our website or search for Journal of Biophilic Design Ian Drummon wherever you listen to your podcasts (Spotify, iTunes, Audible, etc). https://journalofbiophilicdesign.com/podcast-journal-of-biophilic-design/at-home-with-plants-plants-at-work

Biophilia can battle Blue Monday!

Vanessa Champion