UK Mother's Day is around the corner (this year, it falls on March 10). And with searches for "plant mums" increasing by 40% in the last month1 and over 1.6 billion views on #plantmum TikTok content, there seems to be a new type of mum to gift for and a recent research2 by greetings card marketplace of thortful revealed that one in five (21%) treat them like a child or pet,
Also, it was found that 27% worry about their wellbeing when they aren't at home and a third (30%) even talk to them as if they are human. So, the greetings card marketplace has teamed up with an expert to find out exactly why there's a new type of parent, and have even created plant-mum cards to gift on Mother's Day.
But why do we have such a connection with plants? Teaming up with horticultural expert Ann Summerhayes at Inside Job Productions, thortful and Ann explain why there is a new trend on parenting a plant and the best ways to care for them.
Why do we have such a connection with plants?
Now, with over 214,000 #plantmums Instagram hashtags, there are many proud parents that have a huge connection with their plants. Ann explains, "Nature really is the root of everything, and we know that anything from a breath of fresh air to walking barefoot on the grass can make us somehow feel grounded and free at the same time. Rather than thinking of plants as just a bit of greenery, we see them as sentient beings, capable of intelligence and intuition."
Why do you think we see plants as a pet or child?
"Taking care of plants can foster a sense of responsibility and pride in their growth and health. Ann adds, "When plants are flourishing, it can bring a sense of accomplishment and pride. When they're struggling, it prompts us to reassess how we care for them and provide them with the necessary attention and nurturing. This connection with plants can be deeply rewarding and fulfilling, enriching our lives in various ways – just as children and pets do."
What are the main benefits of having houseplants?
As well as looking great and being aesthetically pleasing to a home, plants have fantastic benefits for our mental and physical health. Ann says, "Plants are brilliant at improving indoor environments. They contribute to air purification by absorbing harmful toxins and releasing oxygen, thereby improving indoor air quality. The sense of joy and fulfillment you get from feeling like a responsible plant parent is a mood booster too!"
To celebrate all of the plant mums out there, thortful has also launched a range of plant-mum cards to gift on Mother's Day: https://www.thortful.com/cards/mothers-day/mum/plant
Research sources:
- 1Search volume taken on Google Ads in February 2024
- 2 thortful surveyed 1,000 people in February 2024
For more information:
thortful.com
www.thortful.com