Plant Care

We're All Talking to Our Plants, Right?

Image may contain Plant Pottery and Pot
Kim Carson

If you’ve increased your plant collection this year, you've not only added more beautiful greenery to your space, you may have added a conversational companion or two. As they silently sit in the corners and windowsills of your home, houseplants not only soak up natural light, but they also benefit from the vibrations of your voice when you whisper “Keep growing, little buddy” or “Drink up.” Turns out, humanizing and talking to our plants can also possibly help fight feelings of isolation and seclusion.

When humans face loneliness, they tend to name objects, make them part of the family, and take on their needs as a personal responsibility. This natural phenomenon is called anthropomorphism and can be applied to inanimate objects in your environment.

Erin Marino, director of brand marketing at the trendy internet plant shop the Sill, said plant sales have dramatically spiked since the start of the pandemic, and connects the growth to customers spending more time at home and craving greenery to enhance their space.

Erin said seeing friends and customers name their plants has been a common occurrence since she started working at the Sill. “I’ve heard a lot of fun, creative plant names in my nine years working at the Sill. My top three are Keanu Leaves, Tree Diddy, and Morgan Treeman,” she shares.

Erin is a strong believer in Edward O. Wilson’s biophilia hypothesis that humans have an inherent biological connection with nature and seek out these environments to provide positive mental and physical effects. “The real added benefit that I see is—you’re more aware of your plants, you are checking in on them more frequently, and they are bringing you joy. I am a firm believer that if you put positive energy into something, it will give you something positive in return,” says Erin.

Adam Waytz, a social psychologist and associate professor at Northwestern University, explains that anthropomorphism operates on a spectrum and people are more likely to humanize objects based on their lack of social connection. In a yearlong isolating pandemic, anthropomorphism becomes more likely.

“Our work suggests social isolation and the consequent need for connection is one primary determinant of anthropomorphism. When people feel that they lack connection to humans, they will turn to other forms of connection including nonhumans, and will humanize them as a result,” he says.

While there are no long-term studies on the effects of anthropomorphism, there is some classic research showing the benefits of plant care include a sense of personal responsibility, which can increase feelings of personal well-being. “We have done less work on the consequences of anthropomorphism compared to the causes, but so far it appears that anthropomorphizing an object helps people feel like they understand the object better, and in some cases humanizing an object can attenuate feelings of loneliness and enhance mental well-being, although it is likely that humanizing an object is no substitute for real human connection,” says Adam.

Science also points to other benefits of biophilic design in your home, such as stress reduction, quicker healing after surgery, and increased productivity and focus. Kareem Bunton, owner of Bunton’s World Famous in Brooklyn, attributes his plants to lowering his blood pressure and giving him a positive way to relieve stress while working so much.  “Plants will improve your quality of life,” shares Kareem. “I suggest everyone get a couple of plant friends.”