Plants have become the new pets. So much that we even bury them in the garden when they die

If you watch a video about how decorate your work spacesurely a plant appears. Also in offices, restaurants or stores: they are everywhere. But for many, they are no longer just a decorative element. The plants have become more close: they have become A new pet.

Moreover, there are people who see them like their “girls.” And the reason is that we are developing a very deep relationship with them.

The new pets. I have grown surrounded by plants and yet they never caught my attention. I did not understand the interest that people had to take care of something that did nothing. They do not move the tail when you return home, do not accompany you to the bathroom at your most intimate time and do not scratch you when you tried to make a caress. Little by little I have changed to look like and, now, I love them. I also feel very identified with this meme:

It is not new. Now, interior plants have been with us since ancient Egypt, remains in Pompeii reveal than the Pompeyans They took care of Interior plants But something change with the Covid-19 pandemic. Perhaps because he cannot leave the home so much for a few weeks or for other reasons, it seems that we begin to develop a special relationship with indoor plants.

All advantages. There are studies that talk about this, precisely, how interior plants help us connect with nature. He also has investigated On the improvement of air quality and a series of emotional benefits, such as stress reduction or its properties when creating a quiet environment at home.

But beyond all this, there is the fact that they are living beings that need Our careit is satisfactory to see them grow and develop and, above all, do not require attention as demanding as those that Yes, pets may need. If we go on a trip, do not leave them to anyone, they do not need to go out to do their things on a rainy day, they do not dirty the home, they do not make noise and, ultimately, they are easy to take care of.

It is also possible that we simply have allergy to animals hair or do not let us have a pet on a rental floor, and they are all perfect scenarios for an interior plant.

Deeper connection of what it seems. Let’s go back to that we are forming a link with plants. The conversation He has published a study which was performed in Australia during the aforementioned pandemia. In total, the researchers surveyed 115 adults (69% women, 30% men and 1% non -binary) between 18 and 69 years and found a curious scenario.

The majority had an average of 15 interior plants (one had 500, and I have not sneaked into a zero) and the most interesting thing is that the relationship between them and the plants varied considerably. The study identifies four “commitment.” Are the following:

• Committed – The majority of adults, 42%. They take care of their plants, like and enjoy them. They are satisfied to see them grow, but the relationship is practical and that growth is the reward.
• Limited commitment – 23% of respondents value having plants, but have no emotional attachment. They are simply part of the decoration.
• Highly connected – We go with the opposite poles. In this category, 14% of respondents said they maintain a deep emotional bond with plants, coming to consider them as part of the family. Not only do they take care of them, but they care intensely about their health, they seek how to take care of them in the best possible way and join a spiral of sadness and guilt if a dies. Even if only one sheet is broken. In the study they point out that sometimes they carry out symbolic burials in the garden.
• No relationship – (Here I could have been a few years ago). 12% of respondents said they don’t pay attention to them and that if they have them, they have been given them. There is 9% left to reach 100%, but their answers were not valid and were not included in the study.

And the market shows it. In Reddit there is a lot Of threads in which people show their indoor plants, comment on their care and boast of “collections”, but something interesting is that in many comments they point out that they began that collection following the Covid-19 pandemic. Thinking about it, I think it was also at that time when my mentality began to change, and this is something that the market is noticing.

Money. In the last five years, it is estimated that the global interior plants market has experienced remarkable growth, with an annual rate of 5% from the pandemic. The total market value was about $ 19.4 billion in 2023 and wait that reaches 30,000 million for 2032 with a growth sustained in all regions.

In fact, these last years have been launched many intelligent elements so that whoever wants plants, but not a responsibility, can have them at home. We talk about Home automation systems With mobile connection and even Intelligent potssome with very striking designs Thanks to screens that give “life” to the plant. And there are also memes, many, many memes on this matter.

Plants ‘Pet Friendly’. Now, if we already have four -legged friends at home and we are thinking of starting in the world of plants, there is some vital importance, literally: the plants we choose should be suitable for dogs and cats. There are many plants that are not toxic, but many others areand in different degrees: from some irritation to much more severe problems.

The good thing is that there is a lot of information and, although It is not the most reliable in the worldwe can always ask for advice from Chatgpt When we are in the nursery, even sending a photo of the plant To analyze it and guide us.

Image | Smrithi Rao

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