Houseplants Could 'Suffer From Loneliness' After Lockdown

2022-05-28 06:44:51 By : Ms. Alice Sun

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They believe indoor plants will 'miss' owners when they're not around.

Houseplants could 'suffer from loneliness' after lockdown, gardening experts have warned.

According to Hayes Garden World, our potted plants will miss the company of homeowners as they gradually return back to work. While separation anxiety is more prevalent in pets, the gardening charity believes plants will also 'miss' owners when they're not around — and struggle to cope.

'The fact that houseplants thrive by our presence shows that they also have needs which go beyond just needing food, water and a nice ambient temperature,' explains horticultural expert Angela Slater. 'It's safe to say that plants will not fare as well in the silence when their owner isn't home.'

Take a look at some of the reasons houseplants may miss humans when they're not around...

Plants might not be able to feel emotions in the same way humans can, but previous studies have shown that plants can sense water, light and gravity.

'They can even defend themselves and send signals to other plants near them to warn that danger is near,' says Angela. 'They're much more aware than people may think, so it's very likely that they'll be able to sense when their owner isn't at home.'

Did you know that plants thrive around human voices? In fact, a 2009 study performed by the Royal Horticultural Society found that tomato plants grew taller when they were spoken to.

'It is unclear exactly what proportion of people who keep plants do communicate with them, but committed vegetable growers have long spoken words of encouragement to their prized specimens,' adds Angela.

With indoor plants growing better in 23 degrees, many could struggle to flourish without anyone at home. 'Brits will not be around to adjust the heating as they did when working from home, meaning plants will start to get chilly,' she says.

Heading outside? Why not leave your plants in a warmer room, such as on a bright windowsill or in the conservatory.

According to previous research, carbon dioxide increases photosynthesis, therefore spurring plant growth. With less humans around during the day, Angela says the lower Co2 levels in the air may stunt houseplant growth.

'Naturally, being around your houseplant more means that they get more attention,' says Angela. 'Owners have more time to water their plants, adjust their positioning for different levels of light and can be more intuitive with what they need when they're looking a little thirsty or overwatered. When you're gone, your plant will notice the difference in care and routine.'

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This tall industrial plant pot stand has a black and slate grey pot, as well as sturdy steel legs. Available to buy for just £20, it's the perfect accessory for those forgotten corners.

Bring the outdoors in with this ceramic standing plant pot. Featuring a striped design in soft tonal blue hues, the wooden raised stand will provide some height for your trailing foliage.

M&S' white plant pot stand looks clean and sleek, and is perfect for contemporary spaces. It's available in three sizes: small, medium and large.

These small indoor plant pot stands, designed to fit desks or side tables, are perfect for succulents. The white pot will suit any interior, while the gold legs add a touch of class.

You can never go wrong with gold. Perfect for tall and trailing plants, this plant stand will instantly add some wow factor to a forgotten corner.

Looking for rattan indoor plant pot stands? Designed in beautiful outdoor-inspired shades of brown, each planter sits on a tripod to elevate plants from the floor.

Show off your green thumb in style with these classic metal standing planters. Sold in a set of two, we love the slim sturdy legs which will raise your favourite plants off the ground. So stylish!

If you want to bring some natural, rustic textures into your interiors, choose this lovely plant pot and stand which has been woven by hand from seagrass and rattan.

We love this ceramic plant pot stand from Oliver Bonas. Resting on a tall black iron base, the pot has a gorgeous reflective glaze that is certain to turn heads.

This nickel-plated pot and brass finish stand is a winning combination – and it's a best-seller. Perfect for contemporary spaces, this plant stand can be stood either way up, so you can choose to have the pot rise above the top of the stilts, or be fully surrounded by them.

Industrial meets contemporary with these zinc plant stands from Graham & Green. The green legs add a nice finishing touch.

You can't go wrong with metallics. This brass finish plant pot stand is designed with an X-shaped base that creates a minimalist yet well-balanced look.

Designed to take your plants to the next level, this stylish duo in matte black has cage-like legs that add plenty of intrigue.

Sleek, luxe and functional, this plant pot stand boasts slim sage green legs with removable copper trays. Pop a trailing plant on the tallest tray, and a small potted plant or succulent on the lower two.

This black and brass standing planter set from Cox & Cox is so sleek and perfect for enhancing your greenery.

Make a statement at home with this tall, head-turning planter in black and gold. With an industrial feel, we recommend filling each pot with trailing foliage.

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