Plant parenting as a modern trend

Indoor plants are no longer just decorative items for many young adults. They are treated as roommates or even "babies," with their growth and care being closely monitored. This phenomenon, called "plant parenting," has become increasingly popular, especially in France, where many young people are choosing not to have children.

Low birth rates and the need to care

In France, about a quarter of young adults do not want to have children, and the ideal number of children for women has decreased over the years. Sociologist Serge Guérin suggests that this trend reflects a deep anthropological need to care for living things. Caring for a plant, such as a ficus or a monstera, offers a lighter form of parenting that fulfills this need without the traditional responsibilities.

Emotional connection with plants

The emotional connection to plants is evident in various statistics. In France, 33% of people talk to their plants, 19% give them names, and 19% imagine that plant care could cause tension in a breakup. A survey in Spain found that nearly 70% of millennials identify as plant parents, and more than 80% believe their plants have improved their physical and mental health.

Scientific benefits of plant care

From a scientific perspective, caring for plants activates brain circuits related to well-being. Taking care of a living being, even a plant, stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone linked to calm and trust. Looking at green, natural leaf shapes also reduces the activity of the amygdala, the part of the brain associated with fear.

Measurable effects on well-being

A study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found measurable effects on well-being. Participants who repotted indoor plants experienced a slower sympathetic nervous system and lower diastolic blood pressure compared to those who performed a computer task. They also felt more "comfortable, calm, and natural" after the plant-related activity.

Attachment theory and urban jungles

The attachment theory of John Bowlby helps explain why plants resonate with many young adults. People need a "secure base," a stable presence that reassures them and allows them to explore the world. For those dealing with eco-anxiety, unemployment, or technostress, plants provide a nonjudgmental, reliable presence that responds to care with growth.

Warning signs of plant obsession

While caring for plants can be beneficial, it can also become an obsession. Warning signs include compulsive buying after setbacks, disproportionate spending on plants, isolation, and intense distress when a plant dies. Despite this, the presence of plants in the workplace is generally seen as positive, with many employees believing they promote conviviality and a more pleasant work environment.

A human need to connect

When the greenery remains a subtle support for morale and a pretext for mutual aid, it highlights a very human need to connect with living things, with oneself, and with others. This trend reflects a broader desire for care, connection, and a sense of control in an unpredictable world.