Indoor plants are in the spotlight not just for the usual reasons, but also for their use as air purifiers or in cooking. Due to the popularity of indoor plants, the number of people who consider their plants as ‘pets’ is increasing. (Image : Pixabay)
SEOUL, April 5 (Korea Bizwire) – A new gardening craze is spreading in Korea, with intrepid gardeners boosting sales of related items online.
Indoor plants are in the spotlight not just for the usual reasons, but also for their use as air purifiers or in cooking. Due to the popularity of indoor plants, the number of people who consider their plants as ‘pets’ is increasing.
According to the online shopping site 11st (www.11st.co.kr), sales of succulents and air-purifying plants during the past three months (January 2 to April 1) increased 19 percent compared to 2015. Unsurprisingly, sales of vases, flower pots and gardening tools also increased 13 percent over the same period.
Indoor plants are in the spotlight not just for the usual reasons, but also for their use as air purifiers or in cooking. Due to the popularity of indoor plants, the number of people who consider their plants as ‘pets’ is increasing. (Image : Yonhap)
The most popular products are succulents and cactuses, as they grow well in dry environments and are easy to maintain.
As yellow sand and fine dust contribute to severe air quality problems during the spring months, hydroponic plants and Sansevierias are popular as they clean the air and also function as humidifiers. Their sales increased 22 percent and 16 percent respectively during the same period.
In addition, herbs that can be grown in the kitchen and used as ingredients are also popular. Apple mint and lemon basil are popular products, with 12 percent and 18 percent sales growth respectively.
Somewhat bizarre plants are also showing growth in sales. Terrariums, which provide a home for plants in a glass bottle, and hanging pots, which are flower pots that can be hung from a ceiling, are becoming popular as they can function as indoor house decorations.
Indoor plants are in the spotlight not just for the usual reasons, but also for their use as air purifiers or in cooking. Due to the popularity of indoor plants, the number of people who consider their plants as ‘pets’ is increasing. (Image : Yonhap)
Products that make gardening easier are also riding the wave. Jiffy Pellets that help to easily bud sprouts; Jiffy Pots, which are pots that can be placed directly into the ground; and automatic water suppliers are catching the eyes of consumers.
Officials at 11st comment that “modern men are getting the consolation and energy they need by growing plants”. They add that not much time is consumed, as maintenance is easy and there is no need to take a long trip to a flower market or the suburbs as customers can shop online.
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
