Millennials are known to be the most diverse, tolerant, connected, educated, and idealistic age group. According to a study by the Pew Research Center, they comprise the most prominent adult generation surpassing baby boomers.
This age group has been at the forefront of specific issues, such as climate change. Very recently, they are again at the forefront of a revolution — the love for houseplants.
The 2019 National Gardening Survey revealed that spending on houseplants in the 18-34 age group had grown more than other age groups since 2014. So why is this attraction for houseplants very strong among Millennials? Keep reading to find out.
Why Millennials love houseplants
People in the 1960s and ’70s were also engrossed with houseplants. And now they are becoming popular once again, thanks to the Millennials. According to the Pew Research Center study, Millennials are postponing marriage and childbirth for houseplants.
What is fueling this fascination for houseplants among this young generation?
1. Satisfies the need to nurture
Most members of this generation have put off buying homes, marriage, and childbirth but still need to satisfy their need to nurture. With houseplants, young people can care for a living thing and still make a connection without making any commitment.
Like humans, plants need care and attention in a relatively low-maintenance manner. As a result, plants have given Millennials temporary substitutes for pets and kids.
2. Offers alternatives to screens
Houseplants drive their attention away from smartphones and other devices for this age group. It gives them something tangible to do with their hands away from answering emails or checking social media. Also, it gives them something to do that does not involve staring at a computer screen during their jobs.
3. Encourages community building
Caring for houseplants provides opportunities for Millennials to bond with like-minded people. Social media is beaming with plant collectors who share pictures and stories about the plants they collect. In addition, social media provides plant lovers and collectors a venue for sharing tips and secrets or trading cuttings from their collections.
Houseplants have taken social media by storm, allowing houseplant lovers to build a community and discover other people who share the same passion for plants.
4. Creates healthy spaces
Health and wellness are top priorities for Millennials, and houseplants fit the bill perfectly. A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) revealed that Millennials have the highest average stress rate of any generation and are having difficulty coping with it.
Houseplants help create healthy living spaces by purifying the air, boosting mood, and reducing stress. Millennials, especially those living in the city, use these green spaces to destress. According to the APA study, the stress level among this age group compared to the current national level is 5.4.
5. Promotes physical and mental well-being
Houseplants offer physical and mental health benefits. Studies have shown that interaction with houseplants can help decrease blood pressure, boost the nervous system, and promote healthy well-being.
Additionally, caring for plants can be a good relaxation technique because it slows us down. Finally, it allows Millennials to take a break from technology, which is one of the causes of stress due to the social media notifications they receive 24/7.
6. A piece of nature indoors
Most Millennials have a hectic schedule at their work and may no longer have time for some nature activities. Also, most live in cities and urban areas where conditions for plants and trees can be brutal. However, houseplants allow Millennials to have a touch of nature inside their living or working spaces. Additionally, they may be renting apartments without a backyard.
In conclusion
Millennials are leading the charge in fueling the continued rise of houseplants. One thing is clear houseplants are no longer a fad but are set to create a long-term impact on people. Millennials love houseplants, and it augurs well for the industry.
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