Houseplants

Sophia Dewael, MVCurrent Writer

Houseplants are becoming more and more popular for both Generation Z and millenials. Not only are they a good decoration, but can be a form of company. Many indoor plants are given names like pets are. They also need to be looked after like pets, but just have different needs like water and sunlight. It mirrors parenting in the same way that taking care of a pet does. The owner gets to nurture the plant and watch it grow as a result, which gives a sense of doing a good job along with also helping aid in mental stability.

 

“Plants can also help with loneliness and depression: caring for a living thing gives us a purpose and is rewarding — especially when you see that living thing bloom and thrive,” said NBC News.

 

Plants are available at department stores like Walmart and Meijer. This makes it so easy to buy excessive amounts because customers see the display every time they go to get their groceries. There are so many different types also so people may be urged by the addictive nature and try to collect them all like they used to collect trading cards.


I recently bought my first plant, which is a succulent I named Rico. I bought this particular plant because I am a first-time plant owner and succulents are known to be low-maintenance and hard to kill. I see the addictive property of buying plants now, and will most likely buy another the next time that I get groceries. 

 

“They used to have names, but I gave up after about five,” said Kiley Hunziker, 11.

 

Kiley Hunziker has succumbed to the addictive nature of buying plants. She first bought a few, but then it turned into an addiction. She now has fourteen plants and keeps buying them.

 

“I feel like they make homes more comfy and homey,” said Hunziker.

 

Along with just being fun to buy and care for, houseplants actually offer health benefits. Plants take in carbon and release oxygen which helps to replace toxins, but they also can affect attitudes.

 

“Studies have proven that houseplants improve concentration and productivity (by up to 15%), reduce stress levels, and boost your mood,” NBC News said.

 

With all the benefits that they have, it is not shocking that for many, houseplants have become irresistible to buy.