Plant growth of Hedera helix and Chamaedorea elegans planted in pots in the hospital room

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes of the growth of plants in the hospital ward depending on the types of media. After Hedera helix and Chamaedorea elegans which are the most commonly used for horticultural activities were cultured in three media such as horticultural bed soil, culture soil and tap water for 63 days, the growth status was examined. The results of the study are as follows. First, there was no significant difference in the plant height, leaf number and chlorophyll content of H. helix among three media. However, there was a significant difference in chlorophyll content of C. elegans as follows: Horticultural bed soil (SPAD=-0.2), culture soil (SPAD=-7.9) and tap water (SPAD=-14.7). There was no difference in the plant height among three media. Second, the changes of growth status between soil (horticultural bed soil and culture soil) and water (tap water) were compared. As a result, there was a significant difference in the height of H. helix (P=0.24). There was a significant difference in the chlorophyll concentration of C. elegans (P=0.24). Third, fresh weight and dry weight of plants growing in each medium were compared. The T/R ratio of fresh weight (9.51%) and dry weight (7.00%) of H. helix growing in horticultural soil was the highest. The T/R ratio of fresh weight (9.15%) and dry weight (9.00%) of C. elegans growing in tap water was the highest. According to the results of the investigation on the growth status of plants, there was no significant difference in the growth of H. helix depending on the media. However, it would be good for C. elegans to grow in soil rather than in tap water.