Since the pandemic, ‘plant parenting’ in South Africa has taken root in homes, transforming simple pots into indoor jungles. A single Monstera leaf on the coffee table has bloomed into full-blown indoor jungles and green sanctuaries.
As Mental Health Awareness Month highlights emotional well-being, South Africans are discovering that nurturing plants is therapy. From small flats to large penthouses, plant parenting is becoming central to people’s sense of calm, identity and joy.
Whether you’re naming your ferns or just trying to keep a succulent alive, one thing is clear: foliage is thriving.
WHY PLANT PARENTING IN SOUTH AFRICA IS THRIVING
The trend began as a small rebellion against being stuck indoors during lockdown.
“We couldn’t go outside, so we brought the outside in,” explains plant stylist Nkhensani Rikhotso. “Once people saw how much calmer, cleaner and more grounded they felt, they never looked back.”
What started as a survival hobby is now a cultural shift. South Africans are emotionally connecting to their plants, noticing how a drooping leaf mirrors their own mood or celebrating when a new sprout appears.
There is science to back it, too. Studies have shown that houseplants reduce stress, improve focus, and even purify the air. Popular options like peace lilies, snake plants, and aloe vera can help allergy sufferers while adding a fresh aesthetic to any space.
MORE THAN DÉCOR: THE MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
With the growing pressure of everyday life, plant parenting offers something rare: a moment of stillness. Watering a plant becomes a routine. Watching it grow becomes a small joy. Plants don’t ask for much, and they give so much back.
WHO IS GETTING INTO IT?
Unlike traditional gardening, which used to be associated with older generations, plant parenting in South Africa spans all ages and income levels.
“I get 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,” said Rikhotso.
And even better? It is affordable! Many start with cuttings from friends, supermarket succulents, or community swaps. It’s accessible, low-maintenance, and doesn’t require a backyard to begin.
YOUR CHANCE TO GROW INTO FULL BLOOM
If you’re ready to branch out (pun intended) and find yourself in Johannesburg, The Houghton Bonsai, Succulent & Plant Show is the perfect leafy escape, taking place from 7-9 November 2025 at Killarney Mall. It is free to attend.
Expect propagation demos, workshops, rare plant stalls, and a community of fellow plant lovers. Whether you are a beginner or full-time plant parent, it’s your chance to grow your knowledge, find new green babies, and connect with others who love plants as much as you do.
Plant parenting in South Africa isn’t just a trend. It is a lifestyle rooted in connection, creativity, and calm. As mental health takes centre stage this month, perhaps the best self-care starts with a little water, sunlight, and something green to care for.
