Living in a country with approximately 80% of its population having no access to adequate mental health care, it’s expected that people will find a way to retain their sanity. Pets used to be the go-to source for people who needed companionship to aid their mental health, but not anymore. These days, being a plant parent is the next best form of therapy.
“For me, plants carry a spirit that pets don’t. Aesthetically and on a companionship basis, both plants and pets can fill the same role in a home but the energy, emotion, character found in the different plants is what continues to draw me in. And also, fostering plant growth is a great way to be environmentally conscious and aware,” Khalid Lately who is a plant collector explains why he has owns plants and not pets.
“Owning plants and caring for them just puts me in a safe mental space. Like I always say, plant care equals self-care…” Josh Egesi, a Creative Consultant, affirms.
This type of parenting isn’t regarded as popular culture in the country yet but it is gradually catching on with a budding community online that makes us curious about how one decides to get into the plant parent life. Asking someone who lives this life, Uche says, “Honestly it’s one of those things I developed an appetite for. I love seeing beautiful house plants. They’re aesthetically pleasing and healthy to have around.”
Nigerians turn to plants during Pandemic
While the world was frantic and stuck at home with the fear of what their lives would become, some Nigerians found tranquillity in growing plants. It’s only fair to assume this new form of self-care has become a positive addition to the lives of people who sought some sort of constant accountability for another living thing, with a daily routine.
“Even though, I have collected a few plants in the past, being an active plant parent really started for me during the first phase of the covid-19 lockdown. My inability to be out in nature meant that I needed to bring some plants home,” Khalid Lately tells us. “I wouldn’t say there have been any drastic changes in my life since I started getting plants but I have had a lot of fulfilment by just having plants around. I wake up happier just by knowing I’m going to tend the plants. I personally believe in the tremendous healing power of nature and having plants around me daily is a drug with no side effects.”
When asked what their plants mean to them as parents, Kofo, an interior decorator had this to say. “My plants mean a lot to me like I already mentioned, sometimes I wonder how I lived without having them,” she says. ”They are like my go-to when I feel down or anxious or sad in general. Just watching them and caring for them elevates my mood. They give me something to be happy about and relax around so they mean a lot to me for always coming through for me.”
The cost of being a plant parent
Living in a country with a dwindling economy means you barely have enough to take care of yourself so adding plants to the equation must not be easy.
According to Kofo, being a plant parent does take a toll on the pockets. “I tell you, it’s hard to take care of plants in this economy from a monthly earning,” she says. ”Taking care of plants comes with costs. Plants require water to survive. Plants require regular feeding either in form of compost or fertilizer. Orchid and cactus, for instance, require their own special kind of fertilizer so in the case where one grows orchids, cactus and other plants, one has to buy separate feed. Seeds require a different soil from matured plants so having to buy different kinds of soil mixtures too is a lot.”
“Financially, it can be a lot.” Khalid Lately replies, supporting Kofo’s opinion. ”But, there’s always a plant for you. You can get some plants for next to nothing while others can leave a hole in your bank account. Getting plants and learning to care for them should be a rewarding experience so why rush it?! Get plants at your own pace. There would always be enough to go round,” he adds.
However, Uche has a different opinion. For her, it takes “Next to nothing. Really depends on what you’re looking for. You can get a stem for free from a friend and use a plastic cut to cultivate it. There’s soil everywhere, and there’s rain. I would say, start with a cactus plant. Those ones are the real OGs. They don’t need you, you just need to water them at least once a week and you’re good.”
Being a plant a parent has its pros and cons in a country like Nigeria, but the pros clearly outweigh the cons as a peaceful mind bears no worries.