Many choosing `plant parenting' instead of children or pets

What began during lockdown as a simple act of self-care has grown into a full-fledged lifestyle movement. Across South Africa, Millennials and Gen Zs are transforming one-bedroom apartments, student flats, and suburban homes into green sanctuaries filled with thriving plants.

This movement, known as “plant parenting”, reflects a conscious choice to nurture plants rather than children or have pets.

Nkhensani Rikhotso, a South African plant stylist, plant educator, and the owner and founder of HerMerakai says: "More people are turning their homes into indoor jungles. Since the Covid-19, South Africans have fallen in love with plants. People aren't just decorating with plants anymore, we're living with them... plants have become part of the family and it's not hard to see why.

"During lockdown, we were all craving connection with nature and we couldn't go outside and we decided to bring the outside in.

Once we saw how calm and grounded we felt, we never looked ack. Science even backs this up."

Psychologists are calling this era of plant parenting “the green shift”, a growing movement among South Africans who are choosing to fill their homes with ferns, succulents, and Monsteras. In a time marked by financial strain and emotional exhaustion, plants have become a form of therapy.

Research supports what plant enthusiasts have long known: being surrounded by greenery can improve air quality, ease stress, and sharpen focus.

Fitness presenter and mental fitness coach Liezel van der Westhuizen notes that studies have shown caring for plants can:

• reduces stress, blood pressure and heart rate,
• build mindfulness,
• strengthen mental fitness,
• lower anxiety,
• improve mood,
• offer a moment of presence in your day,
• increase productivity,

• create a sense of well-being.

At its heart, plant parenting is less about aesthetics and more about emotional wellness.

To listen to Van der Westhuizen in conversation with Africa Melane on CapeTalk's Early Breakfast show, click below: