In a world where the terms “rich aunty”, “DINKS” (dual income, no kids) and “childfree by choice” are common vocab, a fresh phenomenon is sprouting in South African homes.
With millennials and Gen Z increasingly opting out of parenthood, they are instead turning to a different kind of family member: plants.
The trend, emerging from a broader global crisis of declining birth rates, asks the question: Why are young South Africans leaning towards nurturing foliage over fur or children?
Recent studies indicate that many millennial and Gen Z individuals are not particularly enthusiastic about caring for living beings in the traditional sense.
Their preference? Nurturing “plant babies” instead.
At 34 years old, I too share this sentiment, proudly tending to two dramatic fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) I bought on whim on a road trip and a potted calla lily (Zantedeschia), a gift from an admirer.
I’m an aunt; however, the prospect of having a child and having someone to take care of 24/7 gives me anxiety.
With the mental health crisis deepening in the country as well, the notion of “plant parenting” represents a new wave of accessible therapy for a generation, myself included, inundated with responsibility in a fast-paced world.
October, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, coincides perfectly with the ‘green shift’ that has captivated young South Africans.
More than just a hobby, keeping plants alive has become a soothing pastime for many.
A growing number of people are experiencing the calming effects of nurturing greenery within their spaces, replacing the pressures of pet ownership and the responsibilities of parenthood with the simpler joys of interacting with houseplants.
“Plants have become a mental health solution for a generation looking to create calmer, greener spaces against the noise of city living,” explains plant stylist Nkhensani Rikhotso.
She notes the rise of “helicopter plant parents”, who meticulously track watering schedules with apps, engage in WhatsApp groups to diagnose leaf issues, and celebrate each new leaf like a milestone in a child’s early development.
The urge to nurture greenery notably surged during the Covid-19 lockdowns when contact with nature felt out of reach.
South Africans reinvented their living spaces by inviting the outdoors in.
“Once people saw how much calmer, cleaner, and more grounded they felt, they realised that nurturing green life nurtures the self,” Rikhotso adds.
Science backs this trend; studies indicate that indoor plants reduce stress, boost productivity, and purify the air.
This is especially beneficial for individuals with allergies or respiratory issues, where certain plants like peace lilies and snake plants significantly enhance indoor air quality.
Accessible to all, plant care has transformed into a widespread trend, reaching across communities – from students decorating dorm rooms with succulents to professionals curating elaborate indoor gardens in high-rise apartments.
As Rikhotso put it, “I receive messages from varsity students asking what plant is best for their desk, and I’ve got clients in their forties building full indoor gardens. It’s truly across the board.”
Beyond the aesthetic appeal, plant care offers mindfulness and a moment of tranquillity.
“When I water my plants, that’s my quiet time. It forces me to be present, and even my plants reflect my mental state – they droop when I do,” shared Rikhotso.
As South Africans continue to embrace plant parenting, the desire for connection to nature and mental well-being grows with them.
Whether it’s a single succulent or a vibrant collection, one thing is clear: the era of plant parenting is here to stay.
