Blossoming Trend: The Rise of Planting

(West Hollywood, Calif.) — Dracaena, umbrella tree and philodendrons. Ask a plant parent about their collection and they will rave with excitement. Growing houseplants is not a new concept, for many planting is a way of self-love, just like it is for Jessica Meyers. 

“I’ve always loved the way that plants brighten up a space and add a touch of nature to your home,” Meyers, 23, said. “Not only do they promote a healthier environment like purifying the air, but they also help lift my overall mood.” 

In addition to taking care of her plants, Meyers also has a pet chameleon named Sprinkles. By merging her interest in houseplants and her chameleon’s habitat, Sprinkles achieves a unique blend for her. 

Meyer’s interest in planting started while she was an undergraduate at the University of California Los Angeles. After graduation, she began working as a business analyst  for the law firm, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP. She works five days a week and her weekend is usually involved with some sort of plant care. 

“Upkeep has been way easier than what I initially expected,” Meyers said when discussing her plants.” 

Some of Jessica’s plants [Credit: Alexa Sabatte]

“It can be complex. They all have different water requirements and soil mixes. I had a lot of plants die and while it was discouraging at first I’ve improved my care a lot.”

For Meyers, plants are not only a hobby that she loves but also a means of mental health support as she enjoys watching them grow and thrive.

According to the National Gardening Survey 2023 Edition, 35.5% percent of households participated in indoor houseplant gardening. In the 18 to 24 age group, 38% of plant owners began buying and taking care of houseplants for the first time during the pandemic. And 54% of the 18 to 24 year olds said that their mental health has improved because of caring for their houseplants.

Despite being new to this hobby, Meyers has found her plants to be a similar source of anxiety relief and with her busy schedule, she can’t always go outside, but her plants help maintain a similar atmosphere indoors by purifying the air and absorbing toxins.

“For me it’s calming and reduces anxiety for me, similar to people going to a place that feels comfortable. I think being surrounded by plants gives purpose because they depend on you to thrive and you have to take care of them,” Meyers said.

The feeling of accomplishment that comes with watching her plants grow is something Meyers discusses with joy. With her busy schedule, she can’t always go outside, but her plants help maintain a similar atmosphere indoors by purifying the air and absorbing toxins.

“Having houseplants brings a little bit of the outside nature into your space. It’s beautiful to look at and having green things in my place makes me feel much happier,” she said.