99% Invisible Say Aloe to My Little Frond
26 snips
Jul 12, 2022 
Anne Helen Petersen, a journalist known for exploring cultural trends, dives into the fascinating world of houseplants. She reveals how they surged in popularity during the pandemic, driven by millennials mastering the art of plant parenting. Petersen traces the historical roots of this obsession back to ancient cultures and the Victorian era, highlighting its connection to social status. Plus, she uncovers the captivating relationship between plants and music, exploring whether tunes can influence plant growth. It's a lush discussion blending history, culture, and creativity!
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A Noticed Detail
- While watching "The Age of Innocence", Anne Helen Peterson noticed the abundance of houseplants.
- This sparked her interest in the history of houseplants.
Recurring Trend
- Houseplants are having a resurgence, but they are not a new phenomenon.
- Millennials may be avid plant parents, but houseplant obsession has existed before.
Colonial Roots
- The history of houseplants is deeply intertwined with European colonization.
- Colonizers brought back exotic plants, leading to a global houseplant economy.
