Recently, as the number of single-person households has increased, pet plants have emerged as a new lifestyle trend, serving as an alternative to pets that require intensive care. Pet plants go beyond being mere plants; they interact with people, provide psychological comfort and joy, foster emotional bonds and connection, and become part of everyday life. According to the 2024 Korea Wellness Report published by KB Financial Group’s KB Management Research Institute, 71.6% of Gen Z, born between 1997 and 2012, experienced mental difficulties in the past year. This figure is higher than that of the overall adult population (65.2%). As a result, the desire to find psychological stability in daily life has grown, leading to increased interest in pet plants beyond pets.

  The dictionary definition of companion is “a partner or mate,” referring to a friend-like being with whom one can grow together, rely on, and share emotional bonds. There are several factors behind the expansion of this concept of companionship beyond animals to include plants. First, the rise in single-person households and changes in lifestyle patterns. According to data from Statistics Korea, the proportion of single-person households in Korea has steadily increased, accounting for over 30% of all households since 2020. As more people live alone, they seek something to ease feelings of loneliness and emptiness. However, pets often pose significant practical challenges due to the costs and care they require. In contrast, pet plants are attracting attention as an alternative companion because they are relatively easy to care for and do not cause issues such as noise or odor. In fact, Kim Yea-rim (24, Suwon) said, “I have heard that looking at plants can lower stress levels. Also, they are easy to care for and much less expensive than pets, which I think is a big advantage of having pet plants.”

  Second, as interest in animal welfare and rights has grown, regulations on irresponsible pet ownership have been strengthened. The Animal Protection Act, revised in 2023, includes provisions for harsher penalties for animal abuse and stricter obligations for owners, helping establish a more responsible culture of pet care. Baik Hyun-jin, CEO of Korea Research Institute for People & Environment (KRIPE), stated, “Compared to pets, pet plants do not demand care, which makes them a form of relationship that does not weigh on psychologically exhausted modern people, enabling a comfortable and healing connection.”

  CEO Baik explained the mechanism of alleviating depression in two major categories: the physiological perspective and the psychological perspective. From a physiological standpoint, activities such as caring for or being close to plants are known to promote the release of positive neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine in the brain, while simultaneously helping reduce cortisol levels, the stress hormone. In fact, contact with plants has been shown to stabilize the autonomic nervous system and lower heart rate and blood pressure. From a psychological perspective, this is supported by psychological theories such as the Attention Restoration Theory and the Stress Reduction Theory. Plants, as natural elements, help restore attention and relieve tension, which in turn has been reported to lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol. In addition, pet plants help establish a caregiving routine in daily life, which enhances self-efficacy and gives a sense of purpose. Simple activities such as watering, pruning, and observing growth provide small experiences of achievement, alleviating feelings of helplessness. Ultimately, pet plants play a role in reducing stress and depression through two key mechanisms: the physiological effects that act directly on the body and the psychological sense of stability.

  In modern society, the rapid increase in single-person households has led to issues such as social isolation and emotional deprivation. In this context, pet plants are gaining attention not merely as interior decorations but as “psychological companions” that help provide emotional stability. CEO Baik explained that pet plants are not merely decorative items for spaces, but rather mediums that enable psychological interaction and serve as objects of emotional connection. He particularly emphasized that the process of caring for pet plants is an experience of practicing nurturing behavior. Although it is difficult to have active interactions as with pets, the experience of caring for a living being and observing its growth enhances attachment and the satisfaction of caregiving, and furthermore, leads to an improvement in self-efficacy. In fact, many studies in Korea have shown that pet plants have a positive effect on alleviating feelings of depression. Research has also reported that interactions with pet plants can stabilize autonomic nervous system activity and reduce psychological and physiological stress.

  The emotional benefits of pet plants are also evident in real-life cases. In 2018, the Seoul City Hall provided pet plants to 330 elderly individuals living alone and surveyed their satisfaction. As a result, 92% of respondents said pet plants helped alleviate feelings of depression, and 93% reported that they were effective in reducing loneliness. The proportion of people who reported experiencing air purification and enhanced vitality in daily life also reached 93% each. This demonstrates that pet plants go beyond merely providing a temporary mood boost and, in the long term, have a positive impact on mental health indicators.

  CEO Baik stated, “In modern society, the rise of single-person households is directly linked to problems of social isolation and emotional deprivation, and pet plants can serve as an alternative to fill this relational void.” Pet plants silently stay by one’s side, giving a sense of not being alone and are recognized as living beings to share life with. Even simple acts such as watering them or observing their growth foster emotional connection, serving as a substitute for attachment.

  This trend is also reflected in welfare policies. The Dementia Safety Center of Jeungpyeong County Health Center in Chungcheongbuk-do provides pet plants to elderly individuals living alone, who are more vulnerable to feelings of emotional isolation. Staff members personally visit homes to deliver pet plants and offer simple care instructions. The center also plans to continue monitoring to ensure that pet plants provide real benefits to the seniors’ living environment and mental health. In this way, for single-person households with limited social networks, pet plants go beyond being a mere hobby and play an important role as partners that offer emotional stability and promote mental well-being.

  The level of difficulty in growing pet plants varies greatly depending on the species. For example, Caladium is highly sensitive to temperature and humidity, requiring careful attention during cold and dry winters. In contrast, Sansevieria tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it one of the easiest plants to care for. Understanding the characteristics of different plant species and choosing one that suits the individual are an essential factor in growing them healthily. For beginners, three types of pet plants are often recommended as easy to care for while also being visually appealing.

▶ First, the Sansevieria Stuckyi is a succulent so resilient that it has earned the nickname “the plant that never dies.” As a type of Sansevieria, it is compact in size, making it easy to grow even in small spaces. It thrives in low-light indoor environments and only requires watering once or twice a month. With its excellent air-purifying abilities, it is perfect to place on an office desk or in the corner of the living room. 

▷ Second, the Monstera is highly popular as an interior plant thanks to its unique leaf shape. It grows well with just a little light and about one watering per week. Because of its fast growth rate, it also provides the joy of watching it develop. 

▶ Third, the Peperomia is loved by many for its small, charming leaves. With its succulent foliage, it is easy to manage in terms of watering and remains healthy as long as it is not exposed to excessive moisture. While it prefers indirect light, it can also tolerate partial shade, making it a versatile choice for almost any indoor setting.