Green fingers , big hearts : Millennials feed their plant obsession
The generational cohort known as the Millennials , born between 1981 and 1996 , are the world ’ s largest population group . This makes their quirks , fancies and tastes a marketable commodity and of significance to us all ; including their love affair with the simple houseplant .
Why , one wonders , would a bunch of 24 to 39-year olds be taking to Instagram ( in particular ) to share photos of their Monstera deliciosas , Epipremnum aureums and Saintpaulia ? ( Delicious monsters , money plants and African violets to the rest of us .)
The urbanisation of young populations is just one factor at play , finances are another . Unable to afford sprawling suburban homes and drawn to the buzz ( pre-COVID-19 , of course ) of the city , Millennials are generally apartment dwellers . They often delay marriage and having kids too . Given their legendary sustainable and health focus , ethics and connection with the planet , many have found solace and balance in their urban environments by creating a natural oasis of calm at home .
Plants help to reduce your blood pressure and they have an effect on your nervous system ,” says Millennial plant expert , ‘ eco-model ’ and plant influencer ( yes , there is such a thing ) Summer Rayne Oakes .
“ There is something so calming about the environment … we are internalising so much more stress and so much more depression and anger and rage and jealously , and all these negative emotions ,” she said in a 2019 interview with The New Yorker .
Being surrounded by plants is the perfect way for Millennials to create a healthy ecosystem at home , in their own space . One which encourages calm and is , says Oakes , almost meditative .
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