Plant obsession in the time of Covid-19
AS PEOPLE people pick up new hobbies while they remain in self-quarantine due to the Covid-19 pandemic, interest in plant parenting and gardening is booming in various parts of the globe, most especially in the Philippines.
The houseplant obsession sparked social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, with people flaunting their indoor foliage and more millennials are jumping in the houseplant and garden bandwagon.
Caring for plants like pothos to succulents, or growing your garden is a way for people to pass time, others to cope with anxiety during the pandemic. Some are using it as access to fresh food.
But is this obsession of green-fingered identity considered the new lifestyle or attitude or is it an extension of self-care and caring for the environment? The increased interest in plant care seems to have a positive way to combat the Covid-19 virus. It allows more people to stay home, sit down, sigh, and marvel at simple living and realize that little tasks can be fulfilling.
Plants somehow thrive in houses nowadays because they help buffer the negative effects of the current pandemic stresses like financial pressure, health concerns, and uncertainty about when and if things will ever get back to normal. This greenery somehow provides valuable emotional support especially to those who live alone, and therefore have much less social connection during social distancing guidelines.
Here are some DavaeƱoes who, in the mere sight of plants, are relaxed. The plants help them unwind and improve their overall wellbeing.
Rico Dayoc a.k.a. Dr. Love
Station Manager of Easy Rock 105.1
It's actually my wife, Marifel who made all the forest-like plant arrangement at home. The plants brighten my day especially in these times that you spent most of your time at home. It helps relieve stress really in times of crisis.
Maan Chua
Singer/Musician
I did not realize we have so many valuable (now kay mahal na) plants growing like weeds in out garden if not forest . It's always refreshing to have some greenery surrounding you, and it's nice to have plants to take care of since I don't have pets, and extra activity. Hehe
Betsy Guhao-dela Victoria
Davao Best Homes Realty Brokerage, Managing Director
As a realtor, I always have a hectic schedule so I never thought of being a plant-lover not until the community quarantine happened. During the quarantine period, I was thinking of ways to divert my attention from the stress that the pandemic brought, so while I was browsing the internet I was fascinated by the plants that were for sale during that period. Plus, the DIY garden ideas and plant decors online are so attractive that I want to also have my own version of it. For me, if not because of this pandemic, I could not have had any intention of being a "Plantita" because again I am always busy but now I can see that plants are my stress reliever these days. It makes me super happy despite the fact that pandemic news is always negative.
Amites Bragat-Butiong
DOJ-PPA XI Assistant Regional Director
Amid the pandemic, tending and nurturing these plants somehow calm my worried heart. Plants bloom because you invest yourself and in return it gives you inspiration and life. Your fear of the pressing crisis is diverted into hope by seeing them grow.