If you were to walk into any millennial’s apartment today, you would certainly encounter some great (smart) tech, scented candles, pendant lamps, and, of course, houseplants. Not only are they keeping plants in their own homes, but they are also giving them as birthday or moving in gifts. But what is the root of this plant-obsession, and how do we know can we actually call it an obsession? Well, according to the 2016 National Gardening Report, about six million Americans started getting into gardening in 2016, and about five million of them were between the age of 18 and 34. Now that you have the numbers, let’s see what’s behind this green drive.

The organic décor trend

Millennials are not slaves to trends, but they like to be up to date with what’s new, fresh and IN. Hence, they are well aware that the interior design is moving more and more towards nature and organic shapes, materials and textures. Perhaps it is the answer to society’s alienation from all-things natural and shift towards high-tech and urbanization. Whatever the reason behind this trend is, we can safely assume that millennials have picked up a thing or two about houseplant décor from Pinterest.

Millennial Magazine- Houseplants

Urban dwellings

Houseplants are not only a trend, they can also be a necessity, especially if they are meant to beautify a tiny apartment which can often seem lifeless and dull. Due to their careers and lifestyles, many millennials find their nest in such places, because that way they can stay close to offices and the city center. Needless to say that apartments in the center of the city are not very gardening-friendly, and that’s why their habitants decide to introduce some nature with houseplants.

Affordability

Vases, paintings, sculptures and other decorative items can be an expensive way to decorate your home. Houseplants, on the other hand, can be found at very low prices in local flowers shop or markets. A broad selection of modern pots online only makes the decorating job easier, because it is possible to find them in every color and style, and you don’t even have to leave your house to do it.

All about wellness

Millennials are more dedicated to their health than any other generation. They see wellness as a daily pursuit which includes exercising more, eating a healthy balanced diet and smoking less. Health is something they nurture in their home as well. To make sure their home is a safer environment, they are using low VOC paints, avoiding using toxic house cleaning products and introducing plants which are natural air purifiers.

Millennial Magazine- Houseplants

De-stress

Job uncertainty, working long hours in front of computers, crazy commuting, financial instability and many other factors are causing this generation a lot of stress. Houseplants are definitely a way to minimize that stress and create a peaceful oasis inside one’s home.

Plant “parenthood”

Unlike previous generations, millennials are deciding to have kids much later, and they are basing the choice of parenthood on being ready for such a major responsibility. Even though it is not even close to taking care of a child, growing plants also includes some responsibilities like watering regularly, fertilizing and providing them with the right amount of natural light. Nurturing a plant and keeping it alive may be a step closer to getting a pet, which can bring you closer to deciding to have a child, or it can only be a way to love and take care of something.

“Instagrammable”

Plants like succulents, fiddle-leaf and monstera, really do look great on photographs, and if you don’t believe us, just go through some of the most popular Instagram hashtags, which include #plantgang, #monsteramonday, #succulents, #plantlover, #cactus and #houseplantsofinstagram. These plants, alongside these hashtags, enjoy great popularity among the millennials on Instagram, not only because they are photogenic, but also because, in many cases, they are harder to “kill”.

Whatever the most credible reason behind this green movement is, we can all agree that millennials’ affection for plants is a good thing, because it brings them closer to nature, makes their households healthier and indoor air purer, and minimizes stress. So, don’t worry, be a plant owner. While on that note, be sure to check Natural Dwellers on all the tips and tricks to growing your own plants.