More Australians are buying indoor plants to help them switch off and relax
The pandemic has led to more Australians picking up a new hobby to relax and de-stress without having to pick up a shovel in the backyard.
Hibernation
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hibernation. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Move over adult colouring books and mindfulness apps — caring for indoor plants is the new relaxing hobby helping us switch off.
The pandemic has led to a resurgence of interest in indoor plants as people look for different ways to connect with nature and reduce stress. Being stuck at home has inspired households to bring the outdoors in like never before.
A study commissioned by Plant Life Balance found adding one indoor plant can improve air quality up to 25 per cent, and five or more can lead to people feeling healthier and happier. Experts say tending to plants helps with mindfulness.
“Indoor plants give you the ability to be more alert, more intuitive and more creative while fostering relaxation and helping people to de-stress,” Plant Life Balance lead researcher Dominique Hes said. “It’s important for people to care for things. It gives purpose, a sense of belonging and makes us happier.”
The study also showed 32 per cent of Australians own more than five indoor plants and almost twice that number own more than three indoor plants. The biggest increase in spending observed by nursery retailers has been from 18 to 35-year-olds.
These are wellness-minded Millennials opting to fill their voids — both decorative and emotional — with indoor plants. Horticulturist and avid plant collector Tammy Huynh, 32, cares for many plants at home.
Her indoor forest features everything from foliage and shade-loving plants, to tropical and flowering plants that are almost impossible to kill. But the plants do more than help define her home; they make it healthier, too.
“Surrounding my home with plants makes me feel relaxed and can boost my mood and productivity,” she said.
Bunnings had an increase in popularity across all plant types over the past few months. With customers spending more time at home, they’ve been adding greenery to their indoor spaces, said Bunnings national greenlife buyer Alex Newman.
You can buy indoor plants from local stores — many are offering contactless delivery during quarantine — hardware stores or from online marketplaces. Stores that sell plants typically have everything else you’ll need like planters and pots, soil and fertiliser.
Some good starter plants are pothos, snake plants, anthuriums, peace lilies, philodendrons, succulents and cactuses. The pothos and peace lily will tell you if they are struggling by wilting. If you water them, they will perk up within hours. If you have a pet, you should see if the plant you are buying is toxic or not.
“If you’re unsure about plant care, don’t be afraid to speak to a horticulturist at your local nursery,” Ms Huynh said. “Collecting plants is a fun and lifelong hobby. It should be enjoyable.”
Originally published as More Australians are buying indoor plants to help them switch off and relax
La Contessa and Nick find the ‘bootleg bar’
A weekly serial of life in COVID-19 isolation through the eyes of Nick Moore and La Contessa in the world’s first coronavirus novel.
Step aside sourdough, there’s a new lockdown obsession
If you thought hobbies picked up during our first stint in lockdown were bad, it’s only gotten weirder, and wheelier during the second wave. Please, put down the rollerblades.