How does climate change plant buying and care habits?

Research into climate change is reshaping how people select and care for plants, both indoors and outdoors. Rising temperatures, shifting weather patterns, and increased instances of extreme weather events are influencing plant survival rates, water usage, and pest management. As a result, gardeners and consumers are adapting by choosing more drought-resistant species, modifying their watering routines, and seeking sustainable gardening practices. Additionally, the demand for native and climate-resilient plants is rising, reflecting a growing awareness of environmental impact. This shift in plant-buying and care habits highlights the broader ways in which climate change is altering everyday consumer choices and interactions with nature.

“Biophilic design is a design philosophy that seeks to incorporate natural elements into built environments to promote health, well-being, and productivity. This approach is based on the idea that humans have an innate connection to nature and that exposure to natural elements can have positive effects on our physical and mental health.”

Climate change brings more extreme weather events. In certain countries with very differentiated seasons these potentially will become very extreme. For example in countries with very hot summers these may become even more hot and unbearable. This will affect plants and in turn will also affect the wild life. For example bumblebees are becoming more active throughout winter. Flowers are flowering later or earlier than they should. Flora and fauna becoming out of sync could

Phenology records are collections of data on the seasonality of plant and animal activity. In ecosystems there are many interconnected effects that climate change disrupts. Frog life cycles, migration trends, changes in feeding grounds.

Gardeners can help by not using peat (peat stores CO2) and managing water use and taking better care of their soil. By also extending the planting season by changing the potted plants available every month this will help flora and fauna to stay in sync. By changing potted plants every month this will also ensure that plants in that specific month will have the ideal conditions to thrive and also help the animals that in that month will be in their peak of their life cycles. But also planting climate resilient ones is important too. Making a pond or rain garden and avoiding pathing and hard surfaces will reduce flooding and help to encourage garden flora and fauna. Recording and observing the changes and health of gardens is also important.

Large scale initiatives to help climate are using renewable energy and sustainable agriculture. Smaller scale is greening urban space through biophilic design.

In urban environments people are more likely to be disconnected to nature. Biophilic design creates more liveable and sustainable cities. This incorporates elements such as plants water features and natural light. Also builds like parks and public spaces are encouraged.

Indoor plants have many benefits, they play a significant role in promoting a more sustainable future. Plants improve air quality and promote better well being over all. Indoor plants remove benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They also absorb carbon dioxide during photosynthesis. Spider plants and peace lilies are most affective.

Indoor plants also reduce energy use, as they can regulate indoor temperature by absorbing heat and provide shade, this reduces the need for air conditioning in summer and heat in winter. Therefore lowering energy bills.

Plants also improve mental health as they help reduce stress improve mood and reduce and anxiety. Many people also find it encouraging and motivating to have something that is alive to take care of, while also being less maintenance than a pet or a child. This means improved productivity and cognitive function.

Plants also promote environmental education. Especially for children. Plant care in the home is a gateway to building an understanding of how biodiversity functions on a smaller more manageable scale.

A requirement of green cities is that all residents must be within a 5 km walk of a green space or tree lined streets. Individuals are encouraged to incorporate green elements into their homes and work spaces.

Exploring plant purchasing habits and plant care in 2020

The global pandemic caused many lifestyle changes, such as people spending more time in their homes. This could be due to working from home, illness, quarantine, or online school. All hobbies outside of the home were stopped.

Houseplants are an accessible way to brighten a home and provide a lot of benefits. Being surrounded by greenery is a good homeopathic remedy for all allergy relief by purifying the air.