Thermostat and temperature systems are at the forefront of green evolution. Heat and temperature sensors regulate the home climate for personal comfort and creates the ideal environment for plants.

Nice BiDi-Shutter – a multifunctional, one- and two-way interface that manages smart internal blinds, roller shutters, and Venetian blinds. This interface allows the integration of mechanical tubular motors with a smart home system. The Yubii Home central unit connected with the BiDi-Shutter interface, using a light sensor, automatically responds to changes in room brightness. This feature can also benefit indoor plants by maintaining optimal light conditions, protecting them from excessive sunlight while ensuring they receive enough light for photosynthesis.

Nice BiDi-Awning – a one- and two-way interface that manages smart devices for outdoor use (awnings). This interface allows the integration of mechanical motors with a smart home system. The Nice BiDi-Awning protects the internal environment from heat and direct sunlight, providing greater comfort for both people and plants. You can easily set two intermediate positions for partial opening, and the awning's movement can be programmed based on thresholds detected by the climate sensor. When it's sunny in the summer, the interface allows monitoring of external conditions and manages the awning, automatically opening it to the desired threshold, ensuring protection from the sun's heat. This feature can help outdoor plants by providing necessary shade during the hottest parts of the day, preventing heat stress and sunburn.”

“With the pandemic meaning that most of us have spent much more time stuck at home, there has been a rush to bring more nature and colour inside, too.

For Ms Moeller, a 38-year-old from Germany, having extra plants in her apartment makes her feel "more comfortable". She adds: "They give me a good feeling. It is like having nature and a calm place at home."

In the UK, online indoor plant retailer Patch says sales soared 500% during the first year of the pandemic, external

This trend has continued - the latest figures from the Garden Centre Association show that 2021 houseplant sales were 29% higher than in 2020, and 50% up on 2019, external It is a similar picture in other countries, with sales of houseplants in the US rising 18% last year,, external while those in Germany grew 11% in 2020.

These statistics are important because they highlight a significant shift in consumer behaviour, particularly during and after the pandemic. The surge in indoor plant sales reflects a broader societal trend towards creating more comfortable and calming home environments, as people have spent more time at home due to lockdowns and social restrictions.

The 500% increase in sales for UK-based online plant retailer Patch underscores how the demand for plants surged as people sought to bring nature indoors for both aesthetic and wellbeing benefits. The continuing rise in sales, as reported by the Garden Centre Association, further indicates that this trend is not just a temporary response to the pandemic but a long-term shift in how people perceive and use plants in their living spaces.

The global nature of the trend, with houseplant sales rising in the US and Germany, suggests that this is a widespread cultural shift, indicating that people across different countries are increasingly recognising the value of plants in their homes. These statistics highlight not only the growing popularity of indoor plants but also the potential for businesses within the plant care industry to capitalise on this trend, providing products and services that cater to a growing market of plant enthusiasts.

From the above information, I have learned how modern technology, such as the Nice BiDi-Shutter and Nice BiDi-Awning, is enhancing the management of indoor and outdoor environments, particularly for plant care. These smart interfaces integrate with home automation systems to regulate lighting and provide shade for plants, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and preventing damage from excessive sunlight or heat. Additionally, I’ve learned about the significant rise in interest for indoor plants, particularly during the pandemic, as people sought ways to bring nature into their homes for comfort and wellbeing. This trend has led to impressive growth in plant sales across various countries, with online retailers and garden centres seeing record sales. The information highlights the increasing importance of both technology and plants in creating a balanced, comfortable home environment.

These statistics are important because they highlight a significant shift in consumer behaviour, particularly during and after the pandemic. The surge in indoor plant sales reflects a broader societal trend towards creating more comfortable and calming home environments, as people have spent more time at home due to lockdowns and social restrictions.

The 500% increase in sales for UK-based online plant retailer Patch underscores how the demand for plants surged as people sought to bring nature indoors for both aesthetic and wellbeing benefits. The continuing rise in sales, as reported by the Garden Centre Association, further indicates that this trend is not just a temporary response to the pandemic but a long-term shift in how people perceive and use plants in their living spaces.

The global nature of the trend, with houseplant sales rising in the US and Germany, suggests that this is a widespread cultural shift, indicating that people across different countries are increasingly recognising the value of plants in their homes. These statistics highlight not only the growing popularity of indoor plants but also the potential for businesses within the plant care industry to capitalise on this trend, providing products and services that cater to a growing market of plant enthusiasts.