Plants Are the New Pets. Owners Even Choose to Bury Them in Their Gardens When They Die

Plants are everywhere–in homes, offices, restaurants, and stores. However, for many people, plants have become more than just decorative items. They’ve become beloved companions. In fact, people are forming deeper connections with plants than ever before.

The new pets. I grew up surrounded by plants, but they never caught my attention. I couldn’t understand why people invested time and care into something that didn’t seem to reciprocate. After all, plants don’t wag their tails when you come home, come with you to the bathroom, or scratch you when you try to pet them. However, over time, my perspective has changed, and now I genuinely love them.

In fact, I relate to this meme quite a bit:

Houseplants have been part of people’s lives since Ancient Egypt. Archeological finds in Pompeii show that the people there also tended to houseplants. However, something shifted during the COVID-19 pandemic. With limited opportunities to leave the house, many began to cultivate a special relationship with their houseplants.

Several advantages. Research indicates that plants help people connect with nature and improve air quality. Additionally, they provide emotional benefits, such as reducing stress and fostering a calming atmosphere at home.

Houseplants are living beings that require care, but they demand far less attention than pets. Unlike pets, you don’t have to arrange for someone to look after them while you travel, and they don’t need to be taken outside in bad weather. Houseplants don’t create messes, make noise, or require the same level of commitment.

In some cases, individuals may have allergies to animal hair or may not be allowed to have pets in rented apartments. In these scenarios, houseplants are an excellent alternative.

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A deeper connection than it seems. The Conversation recently reported on a study conducted in Australia during the pandemic, which surveyed 115 adults (69% female, 30% male, and 1% non-binary) ages 18 to 69. The findings revealed an interesting scenario.

On average, respondents owned about 15 houseplants, with one individual reporting an astonishing 500. The study categorized their relationship with plants into four levels of engagement:

• Engaged: The majority of participants (42%) fall into this category. They care for their plants, enjoy having them around, and like watching them grow. However, their relationship is primarily practical, and they view growth as the main reward.
• Limited engagement: About 23% of respondents appreciated having plants but felt no emotional attachment to them. For these individuals, plants are simply part of their home decor.
• Highly connected: In contrast, 14% of those surveyed reported a deep emotional bond with their plants, considering them part of the family. They’re highly attentive to their plants’ health and can experience a deep sense of sadness or guilt if one dies, even if only one leaf gets broken off. The study notes that some even perform symbolic burials for their plants in the garden.
• No relationship: 12% of respondents placed themselves in this category. They indicated that they don’t pay attention to their plants and often have them only because they were given as gifts.

The remaining 9% of responses weren’t included in the study due to invalid answers.

The market is taking notice. On Reddit, there are several threads where people showcase their houseplants, discuss their care, and boast about their “collections.” Interestingly, many users mention starting these collections during the pandemic. Reflecting on this, I realize that my own mentality began to shift around that time, which the market is also observing.

Over the past five years, the global houseplant market has seen remarkable growth, with an annual increase of 5% since the pandemic. In 2023, the total market value was around $19.4 billion. It’s projected to reach $30 billion by 2032, with steady growth across all regions.

In recent years, a wide array of smart solutions has emerged for those who want plants without the responsibility of traditional care. These include home automation systems that can connect to phones and even smart pots with eye-catching designs that create the illusion of life for the plant.

Additionally, there have been countless memes about this topic, showcasing the humor and joy that houseplants bring to people’s lives.

Pet-friendly plants. If you have four-legged friends at home and are considering starting a plant collection, it’s crucial to choose plants that are safe for dogs and cats. While many plants are non-toxic, others can be harmful in varying degrees, from mild irritation to serious health issues.

Fortunately, there’s plenty of information available on this topic. Although not all sources are completely reliable, you can always seek professional advice.

Image | Matias Difabio

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