Millennials’ new obsession with plant parenting has swept the globe. Recent years have seen a rise in the popularity of houseplants, with hashtags like #plantparent and #plantsofinstagram taking over social media with a combined average of more than 16 million posts on Instagram alone. I have noticed this trend and decided to look further into its roots (pun intended) and the factors that contributed to its appeal.
Over 30% of all UK households, according to a poll by the National Gardening Association, have indoor plants. When compared to a few years ago, when houseplants were more frequently associated with older generations, this is a huge increase. This rise in popularity can be ascribed to both the advantages that houseplants offer as well as the shifting values and priorities of millennials.
The growing attention millennials are giving to sustainability and environmental friendliness is one of the main factors contributing to the popularity of plant parenting. An increasing number of people are seeking for solutions to lessen their carbon footprint as environmental awareness grows worldwide. Houseplants are a natural way to accomplish this because they enhance the quality of the air in our residences and workplaces by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen.
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The need for a sense of responsibility and purpose is another factor contributing to the popularity of plant parenting. Maintaining a living thing, like a plant, can give one a sense of success and purpose. This is crucial when talking about real estate because many millennials are afraid to buy a home or invest in real estate because of the current status of the economy.
Additionally, many millennials now use plant parenting as a stress-reduction strategy. According to studies, being around plants can have a relaxing effect on the body and mind, lowering stress levels and enhancing well-being. Plants offer a means to unwind and recharge as many young adults struggle with the stresses of modern life.
Plant parenting can be a social activity in addition to these psychological advantages. Social media is used often by members of the plant community to offer their insights and advice, which fosters a sense of connection and community. Meeting new people and making friends can also be accomplished by going to plant swaps or by joining community gardening clubs.
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New to the craze is photographer, Cobbie Brent who runs a diversified page on Instagram dedicated to houseplant care and tips, Cobbie | Houseplants Care & Tips (@cobbie_theplantguy). With just a handful of followers, Brent shares useful tips on caring for houseplants and more. According to the page, four of the most “easy-going” plants a beginner could start with are ZZ, Snake, and Chinese Evergreen plants which appeared twice on the list in two different variants.
Brent tells Landmark Magazine that
The Royal Horticultural Society reported that sales of indoor plants are anticipated to increase over the coming years, with millennials serving as the primary catalyst for this trend. Due to this, there is now a higher demand for uncommon and exotic plants, with some species fetching hundreds of pounds.
The real estate market has been impacted by the rise in popularity of houseplants. Indoor plants are a desirable alternative because many millennials are choosing to live in smaller apartments or homes that may not have outdoor space. A space can feel cosier and more domestic by adding a touch of greenery and life with houseplants. In certain circumstances, having plants has even helped properties sell themselves, with real estate brokers emphasising the advantages of having a room with enough light that is ideal for plant development.
Despite the advantages of plant parenting, it is essential to remember that maintaining indoor plants demands expertise as well as dedication. Specific amounts of water, sunlight, and nutrients are needed by plants, and failing to supply them with these can cause wilting, disease, or even death. Many rookie plant parents may experience frustration and disappointment as they struggle to keep up with the responsibilities of caring for their plants.
Even if the plant parenting phenomenon may come and go like many other fads, it is evident that houseplants have established themselves as an essential part of many millennials’ daily lives. The act of caring for a plant can offer a sense of fulfilment and happiness that is challenging to recreate elsewhere, whether for reasons related to the environment, psychological advantages, or social connection. Plant parenting will probably continue to be popular in the years to come as long as this generation continues to place a high priority on mental health and sustainability.
As a writer in the real estate industry, it is important to note the impact that houseplants have had on the market, with their popularity leading to an increase in demand for smaller, more affordable properties that may not have outdoor space but provide ample natural light for indoor plant growth.
