INDOOR PLANTS SALES BOOMING

INDOOR PLANTS SALES BOOMING in Malaysia as a result of urbanisation, interior design trends and millennials’ desire to have something to nurture and care for. According to local experts, the rise in sales of indoor plants and other plant accessories as well as the prominence of Instagram (IG) or FB influencers such as social media personalities with tens of thousands of followers that speaks to a growing trend among young people. Many claims that it’s partly a back-to-nature thing as a relief from the developed cities we live in. There was a 10% rise in plant purchasing for 25 to 34year olds citizens. Nowadays people are increasingly living in tight spaces in increasingly tight cities so access to nature is much reduced. The physical and mental health benefits of plants were also a draw as indoor plants help clean the air and are said to ease depression and anxiety.  There had been a big trend for wellness within the home. There seen a rise in popularity of calming furnishings like woven rattans and spherical lighting. There was something more meaningful going on for younger people in which the millennials don’t have the housing and security our parents had. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" discussed about the current booming sales of indoor plants.

The house plants had gone in and out of favour for decades. For the urban dwellers where many live, commute and work with such limited access to green space that nature affords others. Having greenery in their living space can provide with that connection with the earth and nature and can be the daily reminder of the importance of protecting our environment. From a décor standpoint the indoor plants can be an affordable choice to fill living space. Millennials citizen have grown up in a world that is changing dramatically. Climate change, technology, social media are all part of the rapid changes particularly affecting the newer generation. Many believe millennials feel like they’ve inherited a world that is much worse off than for previous generations. House plants have provided millennials therefore and as a refuge from the stresses caused by those things that have reshaped our world. In Malaysia the demand for indoor plants has been on the rise during lockdown with people looking for new hobbies to fill their time while staying at home. A locals  who has been selling plants for over three years, said he has been getting more new customers since the lockdown began. Some nursery owner used to only sell carnivorous plants but about a month ago many consumer also grow and indoor plants after seeing an increase in their popularity. The demand for carnivorous plants remained the same since last year in which the indoor plants seem to have caught the attention of many since the lockdown.

The report from Chan Chiu Beng aged 43 in Johor Bahru, Johor who has been selling bonsai for over 15 years said the number of customers this MCO month had doubled compared to previous months. The art of culturing bonsai has attracted many during the first MCO (movement control order) last year as people see it as a hobby they could indulge in at home. The same thing is also happening during the current lockdown where people who are working from home see growing bonsai as a good way to stay occupied. However, despite the current high demand for his bonsai, he found it difficult at times to have the plants delivered. There are more places under the enhanced MCO this time and because of that, He could not send the plants to my customers who are living in those areas. He sells such as terrariums (miniature gardens in glass containers) in which more people have been reaching out to her to ask about the hobby. He used to conduct terrarium classes but due to the Covid19 pandemic, he today selling DIY (do-it-yourself) terrarium kit instead. There has been a slight sales increase for the DIY kit but most people ask how to start the hobby. Other local activist known as Abu Bakar who sells indoor plants, said many people have been contacting him on social media to enquire about indoor plants. There is an increase in demand but unfortunately I did not have time to take my business online. He had to turn down customers temporarily as I am unable to open my shop or deliver the plants during the lockdown. Thanks... Source: NST

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(June 2021)