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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...
1. Plants can sense when you'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.'
2. The grow better around human voices
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.
3. The house will be colder for plants
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.
4. The lack of Co2 could be damaging
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.
5. Less plant care
'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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15 of the best indoor plant pot stands
Give your houseplants a leg up with Dunelm's bamboo and wooden plant stand. With a geometric design and smart black colourway, it will pair well with all interior schemes.
Save - Plant Stand Indoors
Add some glamour to your interiors with this affordable muted gold planter. Sitting on sleek black legs, it's the perfect choice to bring style and sophistication to your home.
Make a style statement with M&S' ceramic plant pot stand. It boasts classic wooden legs to create a little extra height for display and is ideal for medium-sized plants.
This rattan-effect plant stand from John Lewis' affordable ANYDAY range is one of our favourites. Available to buy for just £22, it's the perfect accessory for those forgotten corners.
We think trailing spider plants would look great in this mint green floor planter from John Lewis. Its clean shape and simple design will spruce up any living room, bedroom or hallway.
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.
If you want to bring a pop of colour into your interiors, then choose Oliver Bonas' green glass standing planter for a luxe finishing touch.
Add a touch of colour and character to your living space with this vibrant metal plant stand. Choose from pink and rust red.
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 this gold scalloped planter. We love the beautiful textural grooved detailing, which adds an extra layer of intrigue.
Showing off your favourite houseplants just got easier with Garden Trading's Mayfair plant stand. Mixing two styles of natural rattan, it has space for one plant at the top and another at the bottom.
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 standing planter table set from The Little Botanical at John Lewis is perfect for enhancing your greenery. It has a mango wood base, copper effect tray with a mango wood insert, and black metal legs.
Splurge - Plant Stand Indoors
Azarin Planters with Stand in Black and Gold
£213 at housebeautiful.co.uk
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.
Lisa Joyner
Senior Digital Writer, House Beautiful and Country Living
Lisa Joyner is the Senior Digital Writer at House Beautiful UK and , where she's busy writing about home and interiors, , , pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for , and magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
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