Are you an indoor plant parent? Here's what science says about your relationship with them

Step into any modern living space today—be it a sunlit apartment, a co-working nook, or a cozy café—and chances are you’ll be greeted by a pot of monstera, a curling devil’s ivy, or an army of succulents. What began as an aesthetic trend has now grown—quite literally—into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with the global indoor plant market expected to cross USD 28 billion by 2031.

But there’s more to this green craze than just decor or air purification. According to a report from The Conversation, a recent Australian study has dug deeper into the potting soil of our psyches to reveal the nuanced, and sometimes surprisingly emotional, relationships we develop with our indoor plants. Are you the doting caregiver, the casual admirer, or the indifferent host? It turns out, your plant parenting style might reveal more about you than you think.

A Legacy Rooted in History
The love for indoor plants isn’t a modern phenomenon. Ancient Egyptians are believed to have started the trend as far back as the 3rd century BC. The ruins of Pompeii show that indoor plants added a touch of nature to Roman interiors over 2,000 years ago. In medieval England, indoor greenery served medicinal and culinary purposes.

But it wasn’t until the latter half of the 20th century that houseplants truly made their way into everyday homes across the globe. Their popularity surged anew during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people sought connections with nature from the confines of their homes.

Plants with Benefits
Beyond aesthetic value, indoor plants have been credited with a host of psychological and physiological benefits. Studies link them to improved mood, reduced stress, enhanced focus, and even physical pain relief. But how deeply people connect with their houseplants varies widely, as highlighted in a survey conducted by researchers at the University of South Australia.

The study involved 115 participants aged 18 to 69, most of whom were women, and found that while the average person owned around 15 houseplants, some had just one—and one passionate participant had over 500!

Four Shades of Green Love
From the casually involved to the emotionally entwined, researchers identified four distinct types of plant owners based on the relationships they shared with their leafy companions.

At the most emotionally invested end of the spectrum were the “ Highly Connected” (14% of participants)—those who saw their plants as family. “They are like my children,” said one male respondent. Another admitted to crying when a leaf broke off. These plant parents mourned their botanical losses and even held symbolic funerals in garden beds.

Next were the “ Engaged” group (42%), who cared deeply for their plants, though with slightly less emotional intensity. They found joy in watching new shoots appear and took pride in keeping their plants alive.

The “Limited Engagement” group (23%) liked having plants around, but admitted to minimal interaction or emotional investment. One respondent summed it up: “Indoor plants are fine, but we prefer the view of our garden outside.”

And then there were the “No Relationship” respondents (12%), who neither bought nor cared for their indoor greenery. For them, plants were gifts or decorations—not companions.

The Pandemic Factor and Beyond
It’s worth noting that this study was conducted during the early stages of the pandemic in 2020, a time when people were confined indoors and nature felt especially distant. This context may have intensified the feelings of attachment observed among participants.

However, as the world reopens, the findings still hold root: our relationships with indoor plants can be powerful, personal, and therapeutic. These tiny ecosystems of chlorophyll and care serve as quiet reminders of nature’s ability to nurture our emotional and mental well-being.

So, What Kind of Plant Parent Are You?
Whether you’re the kind who whispers sweet nothings to your pothos or someone who waters their cactus only when it looks dangerously shriveled, your relationship with your indoor plants is more telling than you think.

In a world increasingly dominated by screens and stress, perhaps it’s time we take a leaf out of nature’s book and re-examine the green connections we cultivate in our own homes. After all, in those silent, steady leaves might be the most non-judgmental companionship you never knew you needed.