Have you heard people say, “You can never have too many plants!”? I have. A lot. Due to the pandemic, I began noticing an increased shift in people purchasing plants, adding greenery to their homes, or taking up gardening. It felt like suddenly people discovered a newfound hobby. Like most of my blogs here on the website, I became curious and wanted to know some factors causing this shift. Here’s what I discovered!
The Younger Generations are Boosting the Plant Market!
Millennials and Gen Z are loving the houseplant craze. You know how many times I have heard my friends say they are a “plant parent” or “look at my new plant baby!” A lot. I haven’t explicitly counted but trust me, it’s a lot. Sometimes it feels like I cannot go a day without seeing someone post a picture of their plant(s) on their Instagram story. At the time of writing this, trending hashtags like #plantsofinstagram (12.4M posts), #plantsmakepeoplehappy (9M posts), and #urbanjungle (7.5M posts) are running the plant community on Instagram. To be honest, it’s wholesome content that is a nice change of scenery from the other posts on my feed.
In a survey conducted by National Gardening, they found that “18 to 34-year-olds now occupy 29% of all gardening households.” So, I got curious – why is this? Here are some reasons I found or came up with:
- Lots of Gen Z and Millennials are choosing to rent. Unlike a pet owner with a landlord, plant owners don’t have to adhere to strict pet policies and rules.
- It is easier to add or subtract a plant than it is a pet.
- Most renters live in urban centres where nature is limited. Bringing the outdoors indoors is an easy way to incorporate an outdoor environment into one’s living space.
- In urban centres, apartment rentals are common for the younger generation. Meaning, yard space is either (1) non-existent, or (2) limited. Indoor plants help combat this disruption.
- In an interview with the Huffington Post, Lily Ewing, a therapist in Seattle, said, “People are designed for connection and nurturing, but with more millennials waiting until later in life to have babies and settle down, young people are turning to plants.”
Out of curiosity, what are some reasons that made you gravitate towards house plants? Let us know on our socials listed at the bottom of the page!
Biophilic Design
Biophilia, a term coined by Erich Fromm, a German psychoanalyst, in the 1960s, is changing the way we interact with our spaces both in the office and at home. Fromm describes biophilia as “the urge to affiliate with other forms of life.” It wasn’t until the early 2000s when biophilia intentionally started making its way into different living environments at home and at the office. The biophilic design provides a sense of serenity – a calm, Zen-like atmosphere – and focuses on bringing the outdoors indoors through making connections to the natural environment. The atmosphere increases well-being by mimicking exposure to nature.
Biophilic design excites me! The first time I remember seeing a clearly articulated biophilic design was the Singapore Changi Airport, pictured above. It combines an indoor oasis with contemporary innovation and architecture, providing a joyful and calming experience for the busy traveller passing through. No joke, Singapore is on my bucket list to visit simply because of its airport.
Organizations are recognizing the benefits of biophilia in an office setting. Companies like Salesforce, Microsoft, Google, and Lululemon are leading the change in this design. Stōk, notes that “humans’ innate affinity toward the natural world, as well as studies linking nature-based design to productivity outcomes including better sleep, increased job satisfaction, and greater creativity, robust research is beginning to prove that nature isn’t just good for you – it has a serious ROI.”
Do yourself a favour and google “biophilic design” and scroll through the images listed. I’m sure you’ll say (or think) to yourself, “that’s so cool!” Begin thinking about how you can integrate biophilic design into your spaces, both at work and at home, to increase your productivity and overall satisfaction.
Covid’s Effect on Houseplants
According to Statistics Canada, potted plant sales have jumped significantly by 9.12% in the five years leading up to 2020. From 2019 to 2020, potted plant sales jumped 3.82%, from $852.97M to $885.58M in Canada.
In an interview with Global News, Kait Waugh, owner of Fat Plant Farm in Regina, was expecting sales to decrease in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, she ended up doubling her sales due to the so-called “plant boom,” an increased online presence, and customers choosing to shop locally. Waugh adds, “Snowbirds who are forgoing their annual escape south to warmer temperatures also seem to be making a return to houseplants.” People are opting for a nature-filled indoors to provide a feeling of being elsewhere.
Maybe this is the beginning of the biophilic design transformation? People are recognizing the need to bring the outdoors indoors and are looking towards potted plants as that first leap forward.
Houseplants Effect on Air Quality
A report published by Hort Denisa, Cantor Maria, Buta Erzsebet, and Andriescu Iona on the Benefits and Positive Effects of Some Houseplants on Indoor Air Quality found that plants increase the “humidity from 5 to 10%, [therefore reducing] the degree of discomfort associated with dry air inside homes and offices.” Additionally, the authors found that one of the main advantages to owning houseplants is their “power to sweat, releasing toxins and fine droplets that capture toxins and reduce the concentration of dust by 20% and automatically the concentration of allergens, germs, and bacteria by 50-60% in a room.”
Health Benefits of Houseplants
Numerous studies in Norway, England, Netherlands and United States have shown that the simple presence of plants in companies, universities, schools, and hospitals improve concentration, effectiveness and reduces absenteeism. They reduce fatigue, stress, headaches, colds, sore throats and flu-like symptoms, and stimulate creativity. In a study by the University of Norway, they found that sickness rates decreased by more than 60 percent in offices containing plants.
Conclusion
Oh my gosh, let’s not get too long winded about this topic (for now). Before writing this, I did not realize the rabbit hole a person can go through to learn about house plants. Plant booms, a Gen Z and millennial takeover, biophilic designs, increased air quality and health benefits – it all makes sense the further you dive into it!
If reading this blog inspired you to go out and buy a houseplant, tag us in a photo or your story on Instagram or Facebook (@rpmprofessionals)! Get started on your #urbanjungle.
Want to learn more? Follow along on our socials!
Facebook: @Real Property Management Professionals
LinkedIn: @Real Canadian Property Management Professionals Inc.