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Houseplant popularity has bloomed during the pandemic

Posted at 10:49 AM, Jan 20, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-20 11:54:05-05

OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Unprecedented events of 2020 led to many wanting to reconnect with nature — some even grew a green thumb.

Sarah Vanek at Mulhall’s has been busy. That's because the need for people wanting houseplants has significantly increased since the pandemic began.

"People are kind of confined to their homes and really want to bring that natural world indoors,” said Vanek.

Shipments of new plants have become the norm at Mulhall’s. For Vanek, this is a dream — and not just because it's good business.

"Studies have shown that just being around plants, whether it's indoor or outdoors, can actually reduce your stress levels,” said Vanek.

It's actually Houseplant Month at Mulhall’s, which means you can come in, pick out a plant, pick out a pot. You can even fill it up with soil so you don't have to make a mess at home.

Vanek has noticed a new trend starting as well. She said people have been calling for rare, collectible plants to add to their home.

She's also seen many first-time plant parents this year.

Just like humans have had to adapt over the last year to the pandemic, Vanek says plants are doing the same when brought into a new home.

"A plant is always changing over time as it grows and changes with the conditions and the seasons, so my advice would be to don't expect that plant to stay exactly how you bought it," said Vanek.

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