Plant Parenting: The Wellness Movement Taking Root in South Africa

Why Millennials and Gen Z are swapping kids and pets for plants

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Forget cats and dogs — the new emotional support companions in South Africa’s homes don’t bark or meow; they bloom. Across the country, a new generation is turning to plants as a gentler, more grounding way to nurture something living. Welcome to Plant Parenting! For many, it’s a shift born out of burnout, anxiety, and a collective craving for calm.

“When you nurture a plant, you’re really nurturing yourself. They don’t judge you — they just grow with you.” — Rikhotso

A Quiet Rebellion Against Chaos

Psychologists have dubbed it “the green shift” — a growing movement of young South Africans choosing to fill their homes with ferns, succulents, and Monsteras instead of pets or even children. In an era of economic uncertainty and emotional overload, plants have become a form of quiet therapy.

With October being Mental Health Awareness Month, the trend has never been more relevant. Trying to curb the growing pandemic and mental health crisis in South Africa, plants are a way to reduce stress and anxiety in everyday lives.

“Plants have become a mental health solution for a generation looking to create calmer, greener spaces against the noise of city living,” says plant stylist Nkhensani Rikhotso, who has helped hundreds of plant parents transform their homes into leafy sanctuaries.

Unlike the constant demands of modern life — or even the responsibilities of pet ownership — plants offer a slower, more forgiving rhythm. They grow when we care, wilt when we forget, and mirror our inner states in subtle, grounding ways.

The Science of Serenity

Research backs up what plant lovers have long felt: greenery can improve air quality, reduce stress, and even enhance focus. Studies show that indoor plants can lower anxiety, increase productivity, and create a sense of wellbeing.

“For people with allergies or asthma, plants like peace lilies or snake plants can literally make it easier to breathe,” says Rikhotso. “But even more importantly, they remind us to slow down. When I water my plants, that’s my quiet time. They force me to be present.”

From One Succulent to a Jungle

What started during lockdown as a small act of self-care has blossomed into a fully-fledged lifestyle movement. Millennials and Gen Z South Africans are decorating one-bedroom apartments, student flats, and suburban homes with lush greenery.

“We couldn’t go outside, so we brought the outside in. Once people saw how much calmer, cleaner and more grounded they felt, they realised that nurturing green life – nurtures self and is the simplest way to grow happiness,” said Rikhotso.

From a R35 succulent bought at a corner shop to a R5,000 rare Monstera, plant care has become an accessible obsession. The modern “helicopter plant parent” now tracks watering schedules on apps, joins WhatsApp groups for leaf emergencies, and celebrates every new sprout like a proud parent.

And unlike traditional gardening, this trend cuts across all demographics. “I get messages from varsity students asking what plant is best for their desks, and I’ve got clients in their forties building full indoor gardens. It’s truly across the board,” says Rikhotso.

Growing Mindfulness

At its heart, plant parenting is less about aesthetics and more about emotional wellness. The act of caring for something living offers a tangible reminder of growth, patience, and renewal. “When you nurture a plant, you’re really nurturing yourself,” Rikhotso explains. “They don’t judge you — they just grow with you.”

Reconnecting with nature doesn’t require a sprawling yard or expensive tools — just attention, presence, and a little love. Whether it’s a tiny windowsill herb garden or a full indoor jungle, the simple act of tending to plants has become one of South Africa’s most accessible forms of mindfulness.

Where to Grow Your Green Obsession

For those wanting to expand their leafy family, The Houghton Bonsai, Succulent & Plant Show takes place at Killarney Mall in Johannesburg from 7 to 9 November 2025. Visitors can explore bonsais, succulents, and rare species, attend workshops on plant care, and connect with fellow plant lovers. Best of all, entrance is free.

Find out more at killarneymall.co.za/event/the-houghton-bonsai-succulent-and-plant-show.

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