Moms come in different shapes and forms, and so do their children.
While most have actual, human children, some choose to be mothers to dogs, cats, and yes, plants.
Plant parenthood is not a new concept. People have been displaying plants in their homes since the 17th century. For a time, the reason for this was purely decorative, but as things evolved, we saw that having plants at home had several benefits.
You know how they say that motherhood is very fulfilling? Well, here are some of the reasons being a plant mom is cool:
It teaches you stewardship and empathy
The moment a plant is potted up and brought to your home, its health and wellbeing become 100% dependent on you. Plants are living things, and bringing one to your home makes you accountable for its life. Unlike human beings—or even dogs and cats—a plant cannot speak. It cannot move. It cannot tell you what it wants in the simplest of ways. As its mom and caretaker, you need to learn to understand and anticipate what your plant needs. This alone is a good exercise on empathy.
It is beneficial to your mental health
The routines involved in taking care of plants help you have a personal connection with them. Whenever you water them, talk to them, wipe their leaves, or feed them fertilizer, a special bond between plant and person happens. These routines have calming properties and keep anxiety at bay as they are also meditative. Plants are quiet and patient. They are unbothered by the hustle and bustle of life. Sometimes, this trait can rub off on people too.
It literally makes you breathe better
When we breathe, we inhale oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. Plants on the other hand absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis and release oxygen. Our differences in gas usage make plants and people natural partners. Their presence in your homes increases the oxygen levels of your space, and for human beings, that’s a very good thing. Aside from releasing oxygen, they also purify the air. A quick Google search will show you NASA’s list of the best air-cleaning plants for your home. These are the plants that you’d want surrounding you, maybe not just at home, but at your workplace as well.
It keeps you close to nature
Most strong, independent women are city dwellers and this limits a lot of them from spending time with nature. Having plants at home changes that. It will remind you of the outdoors and won’t make you feel so boxed in. It helps make the concrete jungle you’re living in more bearable. Being in the presence of nature usually relaxes people. By adding plants to your home, you are setting the tone for peaceful rest and relaxation.
More on g.spot: Every Plant You Need if You’re Really a Plantita
It makes your home prettier
Every plant is unique, but one thing they all have in common is that they definitely brighten up a space. Almost all online influencers use plants—real and fake alike—to improve the aesthetics of their bedrooms, their kitchens, their living rooms, or just their shooting set. Styling with plants has become very fun especially now that there are so many ways to showcase them: There are trendy planters, macramé hangers, baskets, shelves, and so much more. Even accessories such as misters and watering cans come in instagrammable styles, too.
Plant parenthood, like all kinds of parenthood, won’t always be a bed of roses. There will be days when you’d be riddled with ‘plantxiety’, especially when a plant does not respond to your care—or worse, dies on you. But if it continues to spark joy for you and make you a better person, then the challenges that come with it will always beworth it. If you are already a plant mom, we wish you nothing but happy leaves and healthy roots for all your babies. If not, then we hope this list will plant a seed of desire in your heart to be one. We’re rooting for you!