GO POTTY BY KAYMERY SWARTS

The craze for potted plants shows no sign of slowing down.

0n Airbnb, almost 45 000 listings make use of botanical buzzwords, such as “monstera”, “potted plants” and “lush”.

“Pets are the new kids and house plants are the new pets,” is a popular saying about humans and their growing relationship with indoor plants.

There are variations on this but the core idea remains – humans, particularly youngsters, care for and love their house plants as they would a pet… or even a child.

According to Mossel Bay psychologist Philencia Jacobs, “Plants give us the sense that we have a piece of the outside world with us; they give us a connection to the outside world.” soon as they could!”

Jacobs says plants generally have a calming effect and “are good energy clearers”.

There is also something grounding and wonderful about watching something grow, die and grow again. It adds in a layer of hope at a time when people need it.

Jacobs believes Generation Z’s increasing interest in plants might stem from the smaller commitment that comes with caring for plants in comparison to caring for pets or children.

“The vibe that Gen Z gives off is that they are less willing to commit to intense things, compared to the previous generations who,” she laughingly adds, “were prepared to have kids as