July 8th 2024.
It's a common belief that talking to plants can help them grow. Surprisingly, a survey has revealed that one in ten Brits actually do this, affectionately referred to as "doing a King Charles". Not only that, but one-fifth of millennials go as far as giving their plants names, showing a strong attachment to their leafy companions.
Interestingly, this trend seems to be more prevalent in younger generations. One in five millennials admit to talking to their plants, compared to just 10% of those aged 55 and over. It seems they are following in the footsteps of King Charles, who famously shared in a 1986 interview that talking to his plants was his secret to success.
But it's not just names that millennials are inspired by when it comes to their plants. When asked what they name their leafy friends, 17% choose names of book characters, while 19% opt for film characters and celebrities. It's clear that for some, plants are more than just greenery, they are like pets.
In fact, in a survey commissioned by luxury bedroom retailer Feather & Black, 11% of the 2,000 Brits surveyed admitted to valuing their houseplants as they would a furry companion. The most popular plant among the UK population is the orchid, followed by cacti, peace lilies, spider plants, and aloe vera.
Despite the love for plants, it seems that many people struggle to keep them alive. A whopping 63% of those surveyed admitted to regularly forgetting to water their plants. This could be due to the busy lives we lead, as well as a lack of knowledge about plant care.
But for some, houseplants serve a bigger purpose than just decoration. 36% of Gen Z claimed to use plants for mindfulness, while 50% simply enjoy incorporating nature into their homes. For others, it's all about aesthetics or the benefits of air purification and mood-boosting.
Interestingly, the survey also revealed that 10% of men use plants to boost their creativity, with 7% keeping them in their home office. In comparison, fewer women use plants for this purpose, with only 5% admitting to doing so. Laura Burnett, buyer at Feather & Black, believes that this shows the importance of incorporating houseplants into interior design and the multiple health benefits they offer.
After all, as the saying goes, "love grows where the plant is". So, whether it's for decoration, mindfulness, or creativity, it's clear that houseplants have a special place in the hearts and homes of many Brits.
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