Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando, La Union

Basic Education Schools
Senior High School

THE RISE OF PLANTITOS AND PLANTITAS:

UNDERSTANDING THE TREND OF INDOOR GARDENING DURING THE
COVID-19 PANDEMIC

A Research Presented to Saint Louis College

Senior High School Department

City of San Fernando, La Union

In Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Subject

Practical Research 1

(Qualitative Research)

IANNE NICOLE P. TORRES

JAKE HARVEY C. BUMATAY
GABRIELLE JOAQUIN A. CHENG
HANNAH MAE A. FLORES
CLARENCE JAKE R. GALANG
JOMEL FRANCESCA C. MILADO
JESSMINE ANDREI R. PEÑAFLOR
JHANG MARLON II A. VILLANUEVA

May 2021
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
TITLE PAGE ………………………………………………………… i

TABLE OF CONTENTS ………………………………………………. ii

I. INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study ……………………………………. 5

Theoretical Framework ……………………………………. 11

Statement of the Problem ………………………………….. 14

Review of Related Literature……………………………….. 14

Significance of the Study ……………………………………. 18

Definition of Terms …………………………………………… 19

II. METHOD AND PROCEDURES

Methodology …………………………………………………….. 20

Study Site …………………………………………........ ……… 21

Selection of Participants ……………………………………... 22

Data Collection Procedure .……………………………..…………. 24

Ethical Considerations ………………………………………. 26

III. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

Results…………………..……………………………………. 28

IV. SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

SUMMARY ………....………………….……………………. 35
CONCLUSIONS………....…………………….……………. 35
 RECOMMENDATIONS ……………….……………………. 36

REFERENCES ………….…….…………………………………… 37

APPENDICES

A- Research Interview Guide …………………………… 43

B- Letter to the Respondent ………………………….. 48
C- Research Coded Interview Transcript …………… 51

CURRICULUM VITAE ……………………………………………. 59

 Acknowledgment

We, the researchers in this study, wholeheartedly thank you for our mentor Sir
Louise Casey C. Murao.
We also want to thank Saint Louis College for allowing us to conduct this
study,
the respondents who with their generosity of spirit participated in the study.
Special thanksgiving is also extended to those people who had a hard time
finishing this research.

We dedicate this Practical Research to those Future Researchers, Plantitos and

Plantitas

As our journey in writing of this manuscript progressed, we often looked to this

quote:
―Don‘t ever let somebody tell you can‘t do something, not even me. Alright? You
dream, you gotta protect it. People can‘t do something themselves, they wanna
tell you can‘t do it. If you want something, go get it. Period.‖
– Chris Gardner, The Pursuit of Happyness
 CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Gardening was just only for individuals who have a green thumb but

because of the pandemic, plenty of people have immersed themselves in indoor

gardening. Thanks to the pictures of stunning houseplants that have graced

through social media, a lot of folks have sparked an interest in this activity and

went ahead to call themselves ―plantito and plantitas‖. Some questions had in

mind mainly; what‘s something about planting that made people get drawn into

planting throughout the quarantine period?

According to ZACH, (2019) indoor gardening can best be described as

overcoming the lack of natural space by creating an artificial garden

environment in your home. It is beneficial for those living in homes or

apartments where there is no land to garden on. Indoor gardening is a very

useful technique for those people who live in the enclosed areas and there is no

land to plant on. In indoor gardening, the plants are grown generally in

containers, pots, ceramic-made pots, or any other container (Reddy, 2018).

One way to define gardens is as the cordoning off of outdoor space,

which began in prehistoric times – historians estimate this was in about 10

000 B.C. – along the overgrown river banks and the wet foothills of monsoon

regions in India and Asia. (Gnome, 2020a)

 With the emergence of the first civilizations, wealthy influential leaders in

societies began to create gardens purely for aesthetic purposes. Evidence of

this can be found in Egyptian tombs, where paintings from the 16th century

BC, presented ornamental horticulture. Lotus ponds surrounded symmetrical

rows of acacia and palm trees. (Gnome, 2020b)

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, the practice of indoor

gardening with potted plants can be traced back to the early Greeks and

Romans. Older civilizations of Egypt, India, and China also made use of potted

plants, but mostly in outdoor spaces and courtyards. And of course, the

Japanese for centuries have been dwarfing trees for ornamental purposes.

(Léon & George, 2020)

Measures aiming at containing the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

include isolation, social distancing, and quarantine ( Füzéki et al., 2020). The

necessary isolation is essential, since COVID-19 is a contagious disease, with a

high rate of transmission and mortality, and its effectiveness is greater when

the measure is adopted soon after the pandemic is confirmed (Ceccon &

Schneider, 2020).

As a result of social isolation, there were changes in the habits and

routines of families, which can lead to several changes in mental health in

people of all ages. Symptoms such as difficulty concentrating, irritability, and

nervousness can be observed (UN, 2020). Depression, sadness, stress, and

anxiety can also affect people at this period.

 The concern over physical and mental health in the context of the

pandemic generated a series of recommendations for practices that assist the

population in activities that can be developed at home or remotely, as in the

case of physical exercises, with benefits such as the preservation of muscle

mass levels and strength (Ferreira Jr. et al., 2020). The Cultural Association of

Occupational Therapists of the State of Paraná (ACTOEP) published the guide

―Practical guidelines for healthy routines‖ (ACTOEP, 2020). In this guide, some

activities for the period are suggested, from domestic routines to the

maintenance of gardens and online courses to feel productive. The ACTOEP

also suggests that personal projects, considered forgotten, can be put into

practice, such as organizing and implementing a garden and growing plants in

pots, as a way to bring more harmony to the homes.

Ornamental plants that are easy to take care of have been the most

popular products during the pandemic (Lee, 2020). According to the article

published by Spirgen (2020), King (2020) has recently seen more and more

demand for colorful leaves and different leaf variations, along with new

varieties. She says she noticed the trend starting with fiddle leaf figs. Monstera,

in particular, has been trending on Instagram for quite a while and the plant is

in high demand at the IGC. Once monstera mania has passed, King expects

houseplant buyers to move on to the next hot thing on social media.―I think

once everyone gets one of the trendy plants, there‘s the next unicorn that

everyone is looking for,‖ she says. ―And as it becomes more and more available,
people seek the new thing because they typically just buy one or two of

whatever popular item is out there.‖

Posts of gardening, plant collections, different kinds of attractive plants

including houseplants have grazed social media. Many of the posts are enticing

to the eyes, making people drawn to gardening and thus creating a fad that a

lot of people have participated in. "The idea of planting a seed and you see it

grow gives a sense of hope and the thrill of making it stay alive which is

translated on how we deal with the pandemic is what drives plantitos and

plantitas to immerse into this new fad. " (Lagman, 2020)

Extensive research by NASA has revealed that houseplants can remove

air toxins. Studies have proven that indoor plants improve concentration and

productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood making them perfect

for not just your home but your study space, too (Lee, 2017). Humans have a

close relationship with nature, and so integrating the nature world into indoor

space could effectively increase people‘s engagement with nature, and this, in

turn, may benefit their health and comfort. (Deng & Deng, 2018)

As ‗the world‘s champion for the power of plants‘ the International

Association of Horticultural Producers (AIPH) has pulled together the scientific

evidence that shows how gardening and being in the garden will help to keep

you well. Gardens provide a place for experiencing nature which is proven to

benefit mental health, cognitive functioning, and emotional well-being. It

reduces depression, anxiety, obesity, and heart disease as well as increasing

life satisfaction, quality of life, and sense of community. Gardens are essential

to supporting recovery from illness and merely looking at gardens can reduce

stress, blood pressure, and muscle tension (Wakefield, 2020)

―The popularity of indoor gardening among Filipinos has prompted the

Department of Environment and Natural Resources to issue a warning against

purchasing exotic plants from poachers last September,‖ (Malasig, 2020). Some

people took advantage of the rise of ―plantitos‖ and ―plantitas‖ by getting wild

plants in the forest most specifically because these wild plants have high

commercial value. ―Sadly, the popularity of urban gardening or home gardening

made rare and wild plant species in forests easy targets by those who find the

venture financially rewarding,‖ (Mayuga, 2020).

Many Plantitos and Plantitas become engrossed in wild plants since

these plants are rare and they have high commercial value. As Result, the wild

plants that are being taken are most likely to die after they are taken. Sadly,

the plants are not the only ones dying instead some animals are losing their

lives. ―The wild plants, like animals, are likely to die when taken out of their

natural habitat. There are [environmental] conditions that [make] these plants

survive. Like ferns, these species require specific elevation on which to thrive.

Some plants survive only under conditions that the forest can provide.‖

(Calderon, 2020).
 By taking these plants, poachers are pushing numerous plant species

closer towards extinction. As more and more poached plants are taken, the

value of the plant rises due to its rarity. (Barnett, 2019)

The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) reported

losing some plant species in the city‘s parks and greenbelts to plant thieves

(Keith, 2020). CEPMO Assistant Department Head Rhenan Diwas (2020) said

poachers nearly wiped out the monstera plants long inhabiting a portion of

Mines View Park and Burnham Park. Monstera is a monstera deliciosa or

Swiss Cheese plant that has become an in-demand indoor plant and now sells

at a high price.

But these quarantine trinkets have also given rise to irregularities in

what was formerly a niche community of gardeners, with prices of plants being

jacked up by as much as 3,000 percent (Ocampo, 2020). According to the

article, Aris John Trinidad (2020) said ―prices [of plants] are steadily increasing

since the pandemic. It is shocking. I remember buying a monstera in 2018 for

P800. But now I‘ve seen monsteras being sold for P15,000.‖ The irregular

pricing is not limited to plants. Alcantara (2020) said even pots and other

implements for gardening are now being sold at three to five times their pre-

pandemic prices. This has forced her to stop buying clay pots in the meantime,

while others have resorted to using plastic pots instead.

 In a news article published by Austria (2020), A 20-year-old male was

arrested for stealing plants at Barangay Bantog in Pangasinan. Maj. Leonard

Zacarias (2020) said the suspect was caught by the house owner stealing three

pots of alocasia harmonica worth PHP600 per pot, and four pots of caladium

Heart of Jesus variety worth PHP1,500. In an exclusive interview with Lara

(2020), horticulturist Boyet Ganigan revealed details about his stolen Php 10-

million plant. Ganigan (2020) refers to his plant as ―BG.‖ It‘s not just a plant to

him, it‘s his baby. ―Yung attachment ko kay BG, malaki. It feels like a part of

me has disappeared. If the thieves don‘t want to return the plant, huwag lang

nilang sasaktan yung halaman, wag nilang pababayaan.‖ He added, ―When

they informed me of the theft, at first I felt nothing, but when reality sank in, it

really hurt. How many years kasi kasama ko siya.‖

Having these articles and ideas in mind, necessary action has to be done

by having more studies available about indoor gardening, particularly the

people drawn to it. With the rising numbers of people becoming gardeners,

attention should be paid to them to know if the fad is nonsense or not .

Investigation of the issue will be done to understand the relationship between

humans and plants and why people choose to do indoor gardening.

Theoretical Framework

To understand the trend of indoor gardening in this time of COVID-19

pandemic, we gathered some theories to explain, predict, and understand why

this study exists. In this part of the study, we briefly outline the theories that

are related to the topic. This will help us to support and extend our existing

knowledge about the topic.

Maslow's hierarchy theory is a theory of motivation which states that five

categories of human needs dictate an individual's behavior. Those needs are

physiological, safety needs, love and belonging needs, esteem needs, and self-

actualization needs. (MasterClass, 2020). The theory reflects the role of plants

in human life. ―Plantitos‖ and ―Plantitas'‖ have a fascination with plants

because of the physiological needs that plants give to them, like giving off

oxygen and cleaning the air. It can also satisfy their love and belonging needs

because of the support and belonging that they get/feel within the plantita

community. Their self-actualization needs are satisfied as well because they‘re

fueled by their passion, they‘re able to express their inner self and are in the

discovery of who they are through gardening. This theory will help us

understand the satisfaction and benefits that these ―Plantitos‖ and ―Plantitas‖

get from planting and gardening as a result of being fond of the activity.

Biophilia theory is an idea that humans possess an innate tendency to seek

connections with nature and other forms of life. (Rogers,2020) The human

appreciation for the physical beauty of the natural world is often invoked as

evidence of biophilia. This theory helps us to understand why the ―Plantitos‖

and ―Plantitas‖ are drawn to indoor gardening in the COVID-19 pandemic and
it will also help us learn a lot about the importance of people getting out into

nature.

Stress Reduction Theory states that looking at scenery containing

natural elements like greenery or water creates positive emotions and feelings

like interest, pleasure, and calm, and has a restorative effect, easing our state

of alert following a stressful situation (Sok-Paupardin, 2019). This theory will

help us understand how plants/gardens are beneficial to the mental,

emotional, and physical health of the ―Plantitas‖ and ―Plantitas‖ and the role of

indoor gardening in being able to enjoy their lives better.

With the theories gathered, it will help us to explain and understand how

―Plantitos‖ and ―Plantitas‖ are interested in indoor gardening because of the

physiological, love and belonging, and self-actualization needs that plants give

to them as stated in Maslow's hierarchy theory. Easing of one‘s stressful

situation and having positive emotions and feelings by looking at scenery

containing natural elements as stated in Stress reduction theory, and also the

human appreciation for the physical beauty of the natural world as stated in

Biophilia theory. In conclusion, these theories can inform us how plantitas and

plantitos are interested in indoor gardening in this time of COVID-19 pandemic

and also enable us to extend and improve our existing knowledge about the

topic.
Statement of the Problem

This research study entitled ―The Rise of Plantitos and Plantitas:

Understanding the Trend of Indoor Gardening during the COVID-19 Pandemic‖

aimed to analyze the relationship between plants and humans during this time

of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Particularly, it sought to answer the following

questions:

Why are the respondents drawn to indoor gardening in the COVID-19

Pandemic?

Review of Related Literature

Access to nature and urban green space is increasingly being recognized

as playing an important role in COVID-19 recovery plans (Ahmadpoor &

Shahab, 2020; Ferrini & Gori, 2020). Yet, to date, there have been no studies

investigating the impact of domestic gardens on psychosocial factors and

physical health during the mandatory lockdown period.

A recent editorial highlighted the growing need to become better informed

about ways to understand and promote health and wellbeing during this time,

especially among more vulnerable groups such as the elderly (Balanzá-

Martínez et al., 2020). Observational studies which examine lifestyle factors

during self-isolation have the potential to inform public health strategies of

protective behaviors for the prevention of a new pandemic of psychiatric

disorders (Vindegaard & Benros, 2020), or indeed, future phases of the COVID-

19 pandemic.

Contact with nature is related to human well-being and health (Bratman

et al., 2020; Martin et al., 2020). Several scientific studies have demonstrated

the positive effects of exposure to green, such as reducing stress, feeling of

happiness, improving recovery from surgery, reducing vascular diseases,

practicing physical activities, mental health, among other benefits (Keniger et

al.,2020; Buckley, 2020; Fagerholm et al., 2020).

In the last decades, the frantic pace of the urbanization process and the

increased use of technologies have had negative effects on people‘s well-being

and physical and mental health due to the distance from natural

environments. Among the main problems detected, there is an increase in

obesity rates, vitamin D deficiency, and diagnosed cases of Attention Deficit

Hyperactivity Disorder in children. This disconnects with ―nature‖ and its

effects on human beings gave rise to Nature Deficit Disorder (Louv, 2016).

Connecting with nature is part of the human development process and,

in times of social isolation, limiting access to green areas tends to aggravate the

damage to people‘s physical and mental health. Bringing nature to indoor

spaces can effectively increase contact with the natural environment, which

can be beneficial for health and comfort (Deng & Deng, 2018).
 Indoor plants have effects on human comfort. In a scientific study

conducted in China, the voting percentage of satisfaction degree and the

pleasant sensation under all the conditions with plants. The majority of

participants, up to 60% or more under every condition, reported that they were

satisfied (value of 2) with the environment. There were a certain number of

participants selecting ‗‗slightly dissatisfied‘‘ with the environment, although the

ratio was small. As can be seen from the results of pleasant sensation

evaluation, the participants who considered the condition with plants to be

more pleasant than that with no plants accounted for 80%. (Qin et al., 2013)

Plants have long been used to satisfy different types of human needs

daily. They are deeply involved in meeting the requirements in nutrition,

vitamins, calories, oxygen, fuel, and medicinal phytochemicals, among others

(Odeh & Guy, 2017). However, that relationship goes beyond their use as plant

products. Plants are grown for their desired aesthetic and/or sensory

characteristics.

Ornamental plants provide essential environmental, economic, social,

and aesthetic benefits for human well-being. Intentionally cultivated for

decoration and beautification of internal and external environments, they have

gained more prominence in recent years as a necessary and not superfluous

asset. The people-plant interaction provides stability through contact with

nature, mediating relationships with other people, and building the aesthetics

of environments. (Reis et al., 2020)

 Astronauts on space missions experience long periods of isolation,

confinement and without a biophilic natural environment. These conditions

can cause psychosocial and neurocognitive impairments. To alleviate these

periods of isolation, studies have been conducted with the use of therapeutic

benefits mediated by plants (Odeh & Guy, 2017). Thus, NASA astronauts

indicate the practice of hobbies to maintain mental health during isolation, one

of which is the care of plants, which can be developed even in small

environments (Cantor et al., 2013).

Gardens can be implemented relatively quickly and serve different groups

of people, including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. A regular

dose of gardening can improve physical, psychological, and social health. Thus,

in a long-term perspective, alleviate and prevent various health problems that

today‘s society faces (Soga et al., 2017).

Another positive aspect of the insertion of plants to improve the quality of

indoor environments is the low cost for implanting potted plants. In addition,

potted plants have the flexibility to move indoors, in which people spend most

of their time, as well as ample possibilities for plant combinations. Thus, it is a

solution to improve air quality, while contributing to the aesthetics of the

environment and offering psychological, physiological, and cognitive benefits

(Aydogan & Cerone, 2020).

Significance of the Study

With the growing number of people drawn to indoor gardening in the

COVID-19 pandemic, this study is timely and significant. This research will

benefit the following.

For the plant collectors. More insight into gardening will be gained not

only from doing gardening but to understand why they got into it in the first

place and more like how gardening made them relieve stress during the time of

the pandemic.

For the plant sellers. They will be aware of the issues and problems

about indoor gardening that will help them in being conscious, ethical, or

considerate in their business to be able to serve their customers better.

For their families. The result of this study will help them understand why

their loved ones chose to do indoor gardening and will give moral support to

their loved ones to continue doing what they love.

For the people who have mental health problems. the result of this study

helps them provide stability through contact with nature, mediating

relationships with other people, and building the aesthetics of environments.

Giving this knowledge, gardening can be used as occupational therapy

For us, researchers. This study will make new knowledge, serve as the

basis for new studies, and may propose solutions.

Definition of Terms

For a better understanding of the study, the following terms are defined.

Covid-19 Pandemic. A virus outbreak caused by the Coronavirus disease

worldwide. In this research, this is the principal cause as to why it got to

lockdown that made people stay at home and lead them to do different

activities to pass the time and to cope with that lead them to rediscover a

trend, which is gardening and it‘s still growing to this day.

Indoor Gardening. It can be best be described as overcoming the lack of

natural space by creating an artificial garden environment in your home (Zach,

2019) In this study, the main subjects are interested in this activity

Plantitos/Plantitas. People who are plant parents and discovered their green

thumb while stuck at home during quarantine. In this study, they are the main

subjects.

Trend. It‘s what's pretty much popular in social media today and keeps people

having a new interest in things.

 CHAPTER II

METHOD AND PROCEDURES

This chapter presents the methods and procedures that will be used in

this study. Specifically, it includes the research design (study site, selection of

participants, data measure, data collection procedure, and mode of analysis),

and the ethical considerations.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative research design. Qualitative research

is mainly selected because it allowed the exploration and understanding of

respondents‘ responses through directly dealing with their issues in depth. It

also informs to study research problems that addressed the meaning

individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem (Creswell, 2020).

According to Merriam and Tisdell (2016), this design assisted the researcher to

understand how people interpreted their experiences, and what meaning they

attribute to their experiences by focusing on how people adjusted to situations,

how they thought about this phase of their lives, the process they engaged in

when they moved from one phase to the other, and so on. This method is the

most appropriate to use in the study since it utilized a qualitative technique

such as an interview that described and apprehended the lived experiences of

plant collectors, plant sellers, and a research associate on indoor gardening

during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 Furthermore, this research utilized the phenomenological approach in

qualitative research. In simple terms, phenomenology can be defined as a

method of research that seeks to describe the essence of a phenomenon by

exploring it from the perspective of those who have experienced it. The goal of

phenomenology is to describe the meaning of this experience—both in terms of

what was experienced and how it was experienced. There are different kinds of

phenomenology, each rooted in different ways of conceiving the whats and

hows of human experience (Neubauer, & Varpio 2019). This research technique

paired with the study since it concentrated on the gathering of data with regard

to the lived experiences of plant collectors, plant sellers, and a research

associate on indoor gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study Site

The site of the study will be at the City of San Fernando, La Union

because it is home to a population of available gardening respondents. Brgy.

Pagdaraoan, Lingsat, Catbangen, and Sevilla are selected since these are where

the target respondents reside. The researcher believes that these informants

gave the necessary answers to the research question.

Selection of Participants

City of San Fernando, La Union is purposely selected for it is believed to

have the most accommodating and willing participants. To select the

participants for this study, the researchers utilized purposive sampling as one

technique often employed in the qualitative investigation. Purposive sampling is

a non-probabilistic sampling technique that intentionally selects the

participants, sites, documents, and visual materials because it is believed that

these sources of information provide or present the appropriate responses to

the research questions (Creswell, 2014). This sampling technique helped the

researchers to get pertinent information from these respondents who have

already experienced and rich in information to answer the research questions.

There are six (6) participants in the study. These participants are the following:

three (3) plant collectors, two (2) plant sellers, one (1) research associate In this

sampling process, inclusion criteria have been considering for each participant:

Inclusion criteria are that:

Respondents Criteria

3 plant collectors Started or rekindled on taking care and

collecting indoor plants during the
COVID-19 Pandemic.

2 plant sellers Their business is selling plants, pots,

fertilizers, or soil.

1 research associate Can confirm or comment on the theories

assumed for the theoretical framework of
this research.
 Lastly, all the above-mentioned participants weren‘t infected by COVID-

19 and were enthusiastic about participating in an interview process. This

study also involved follow-up interviews along with the additional information

gathered.

Data Measure

A semi-structured researcher-made interview guide was used in

gathering data pertinent to the study. It is a form of qualitative research tool

where questions are asked about the respondents‘ perceptions, attitudes,

beliefs, opinions, or ideas. As Merriam and Tisdell (2016) stated the semi-

structured interview appears in the middle, between structured and

unstructured interview. This format allowed the researcher to respond to the

situation at hand, to the emerging worldview of the participant, and to new

ideas on the topic. Based on this, the researcher prepared and used the

interview guide to determine the lived experiences of plant collectors, plant

sellers, and a research associate on indoor gardening during the COVID-19

pandemic. The interview guide is in the English Language and translated into

Filipino/Iloko language to make it suitable for in-need participants.

This data collection measure assisted the researchers to carefully

identify, assess, and analyze the situations of plant collectors, plant sellers and

a research associate on indoor gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic. The

interview guide was made by the researchers. It was based on the challenges
and issues on indoor gardening during the COVID-19 pandemic shown by few

studies and some that were observed by the researcher. This consisted of main

questions which focus on the concept layers such as the human-plant

relationship, the importance of people-plant interaction, and the benefits of

indoor gardening also include probing questions to clearly elucidate from the

respondents a clearer view of their experiences for each concept layer. The

questions in the interview guide were presented to and checked by the adviser

for careful scrutiny, validation, and approval.

Data Collection Procedure

Data collection is defined as the precise, systematic gathering of

information relevant to the research purpose or the specific objectives and

questions of a study as cited by Susan (2012).

Before conducting the interview, the participants were contacted and

were given a consent form to take part in the research.

After their consents are secured, the researchers explained the purpose

of the study in detail, and a necessary orientation was be provided to the

respondents on the type of information required of them and how to make

efficient use of time throughout the interview period.

Interviews with the plant collectors, plant sellers, and the research

associate were conducted online through different platforms such as

Zoom/Facebook Messenger to reach out to non-relative respondents. This is to

abide by the protocols mandated by the Inter-Agency Task Force or IATF.

The interview guide was used by the researchers as they conducted

interviews with each of the participants. All interviews were held in the agreed-

upon time according to the respondents‘ willingness to avoid disruption of their

work/classes/rest time. The researcher asked for the permission of the

respondents to record the entire interview. Interviews will be recorded using a

phone voice recorder in order to secure consistency and accuracy. The

interview was held in a room free of noise and other individuals. The interview

sessions were directed by the researchers themselves and each session lasted

for about 45 minutes or less.

Follow-up questions were asked on the occasion that respondents‘

responses have to be clarified. In the follow-up questions, the researcher was

careful to check for understanding rather than trying to impose her thoughts

or feelings on each respondent.

After the interview, the researchers produced the intelligent verbatim

transcripts for the entire interview for each of the six (6) respondents. To secure

the confidentiality of the respondents‘ responses, both in transcription and

analysis of interview data, the respondents‘ actual names were not used,

instead coded.
Mode of Data Analysis

In this study, the researchers used the thematic qualitative method of

data analysis which contains quoting and describing responses of respondents

in words through categorizing into themes according to their relatedness,

quoting their saying, etc. It helped to organize data into categories and

identifying, analyzing, and reporting themes within the data. The data

generated through the interview were analyzed by transcribing and coding the

responses of the respondents and identifying central themes based on the

research questions.

The researchers produced the intelligent verbatim transcription. The

researchers read and reread the transcript until probable themes came out and

were used in the discussion of the results of the interview.

Ethical Considerations

The researcher conducted this study in accordance with the rules of

behavior and accepted ways of doing research. In addition, the researcher

considered and reviewed ethical problems carefully, bound, and complied with

the protocols of the institution. Moreover, the participants will not be subjected

to any type of coercion or harm. The following safeguards were employed to

protect the participants‘ rights: 1) the research objectives were articulated

verbally and in writing so that they are clearly understood by the participants

(including a description of how data will be used); 2) written permission to

proceed with the study as articulated were received from the participants; 3)
the participants were informed of all data collection devices and activities; 4)

verbatim transcriptions and written interpretations and reports were made

available to the participants, and 5) for confidentiality purposes, the identity of

the participant was kept hidden and the result of the study was only used for

the research purposes. Intellectual integrity was ensured by the researchers in

administering the interview and observation.

The researchers also ensured avoidance of plagiarism by carefully citing

references of the literature and articles included in the study.

Lastly, the research team channeled every step and response they got

during the gathering of data to their research adviser. Doing this will protect

their physical, emotional, and psychological health.

 CHAPTER III

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter contains the presentation and interpretation of data

gathered from Indoor Plant Growers. Their responses during the interview were

transcribed and analyzed in order to form conclusions about their indoor

gardening stories.

From One Seed to Another: The Becoming of the Plantitas

This study had 3 main respondents and all of them consider themselves

plantitas as they said that they love and are addicted to plants, flowers, and

planting. ―Plantita‖ is a new social media jargon used to describe people who

find joy and fulfillment in planting and gardening. It‘s a combination of two

words, Plant + Tita (Chin, 2020). Respondent 1 and Respondent 2 are both

senior citizens and retired so they stay at home and are focused on doing

household chores and taking care of their plants while Respondent 3 is a 47-

year-old accountant and has a wealth of gardening experience as she has been

collecting plants for 20 years now. She makes planting activities to lessen her

stress from work. Two of them started in the year 1980 and 2000 respectively

then continued their love for gardening even during the pandemic while the

other one started the year where indoor gardening trended. Respondents 1 and

2 started with plants such as Aloe vera, Palmera, Kalachuchi, and Elephant

Ear Plant. These kinds of plants are not only known for their aesthetic value
but also because it‘s low maintenance and there‘s no pressure and worries

when it comes to keeping it alive.

People choose another kind of activities or hobbies to manage leisure, try

something different and be able to refresh. However, they have other things to

do/priorities in life such as household chores and having a job and they might

not be able to do their chosen activities and hobbies every day. Indoor

gardening is the ideal indoor activity for these kinds of people since most well-

known houseplants are low maintenance. They will be able to keep up and not

worry too much if they get busy with other things and they will be able to not

feel bad if the plant dies quickly. The respondents have different backgrounds

and stories as to how they got into indoor gardening. It would be interesting to

know what their perspective on gardening is, hence their responses will be

useful in understanding why people are drawn to this kind of activity.

The S in Plants stands for “Stress Management”

From the statements of the respondents, indoor gardening has helped

them in managing their stress and improving their mental health. As the

pandemic passes, ongoing and necessary public health measures expose many

people to experiencing situations linked to poor mental health outcomes

(Panchal et al., 2021). Depression, sadness, stress, and anxiety can also affect

people at this period, it is normal for people to do something to overcome these

feelings, and some found solace in indoor gardening for it. All of the
respondents said that plants take away their stress but Respondent 3

specifically said that seeing her garden, especially after coming home from

work, takes away her stress and calms her soul.

Baga (2021a) even stated that gardening can enhance mood, relaxes, and

improves one‘s physical health and immunity. He added that Stress reduction

theory can explain gardens as a stress reliever for some, as its basic tenet is

how natural environments can help in reducing stress and humans are

naturally attracted to nature. By allowing ourselves to immerse in nature, our

bodies and minds benefit. He also highlighted the importance of stress

management, ―Effective stress management will allow one to live happily even

through adversity. That's why it's important. We cannot enjoy life if we are

constantly stressed. We cannot have warm and meaningful relationships if we

are always in pain. The quality of our lives sometimes depends on how well we

handle stress.‖ Therefore, it is important to acknowledge the problems that we

go through and something should be done about it by doing activities as a way

to manage/handle them in the meantime.

Live, Laugh, Love: Healthy Lifestyle through Indoor Gardening

Indoor gardening had a huge impact on the respondents in their healthy

lifestyle and how it also cultivated their feelings of empowerment, connection,

and creative calm. Gardening makes them feel connected to nature given that

we‘re in a pandemic, it‘s their way of interacting with nature. Respondent 3

said she got into gardening because she loves green surroundings and

Respondent 4 even added that she‘s happy that a lot are into indoor gardening

now because nature has gotten more attention. Baga (2021b) even said that

people-plant interaction is important during the pandemic since humans are

not meant for urban living and we need nature.

Looking at plants from time to time and being around them can help

refresh the mind for a while. Since we tend to spend so much time indoors,

bringing plants inside bridges that biophilic connection [the connection we feel

to nature] for us and the soothing effects are just as powerful. Viewing pictures

of nature as well as mimicking the beauty with indoor plants, living walls, and

water features bring us peace (Dostler, 2017a). Humans, after all, have the

desire to seek with nature as stated in Biophilia theory.

The process of sustaining the life of plants gives a feeling of comfort and

happiness to the respondents as Respondent 5 even encourages everybody to

plant because the feeling is different whenever you see your plants grow and

get more beautiful. On top of that, plants have aesthetic value. Even

Respondent 1 said that it‘s pleasing to her eyes, and the reason why

Respondent 2 got into gardening because it‘s her way of beautifying her house.

Seeing the result of how well taken care of their plants is like a reward for them

that they did a job well done on what they‘re doing. The subliminal effect of

plants has an effect that lifts the spirit and brings happiness. An environment
that includes natural elements and plants brings a positive outlook on life and

boosts people into feeling more alive and active (Dostler, 2017b).

The plantita community serves as a support system for each other,

Respondents 1, 2, and 3 shared their experiences of having friends within the

community and they do things such as giving advice, buying each other,

bartering, and trading plants. They feel a sense of belongingness which

motivates them to continue and feel good about being into indoor gardening. A

sense of belonging is crucial to our life satisfaction, happiness, mental and

physical health, and even longevity. It gives us a sense of purpose and meaning

(Boardman, 2020). Indoor gardening does provide a lot of benefits in different

aspects which can help a person to be able to live a good life. How taking care

of plants makes them feel is what drives these respondents to continue doing

indoor gardening, something that they have grown to love. They are fulling

their self-actualization needs as they progress more in gardening.

Gathering the answers of the respondents, they are into indoor gardening

for different purposes and have different things to say about it but one thing

they all have in common is the good feeling that they get from being around/

taking care of plants. Respondents 1 to 3 shared they love doing indoor

gardening and Respondent 4 even recommends trying indoor gardening since it

gives her happiness. The impact of what they feel from gardening has

motivated them to continue doing it and it grew to something that they love.

Respondents 4 and 5 have turned their interest in plants into a business while
Respondent 3 has been taking care of her garden for 20 years. For them,

indoor gardening isn‘t just more than a hobby/ activity but it has also become

their passion. Their passion is their driving force to keep them dedicated,

motivated, and excited about being around plants, and through that, they have

gained the strength to overcome the challenges involving gardening.

Money does Grow on Trees: Plants as a Business

Another welfare of taking care of plants is that it can be a good source of

income even Respondent 5 agrees as she is a plant seller and stated that

earning money from it is what‘s nice about having plants. Sales of plant selling

businesses ballooned during this trend as there was an increase in demand for

plants and for Respondent 4 more people buy plants from her than before.

Prices of houseplants increased especially since attractive low-maintenance

plants became popular and rare varieties have high value in the market as well.

A Fiddle-leaf Fig is one of the in-demand plants because of the trend and

according to an article published by Calzado (2021), they cost around Php

2,500 to Php 3,500. The trend of indoor gardening has also helped the

economic well-being of people and business owners alike, especially during the

pandemic where money has been a concern by many.

These plant business owners also went through problems especially

during the pandemic, Respondent 4 had difficulty contacting buyers while

Respondent 5 felt pressure as there‘s competition among sellers especially that

customers often want rare and beautiful varieties. The rarer the plant, the

harder they are to cultivate in natural conditions (Austria, 2020). They are

usually located in forests which makes them vulnerable to plant poachers and

endangerment of plant species. Respondent 5 overcomes her struggles by

taking them lightly because plants are her passion in the first place, her

purpose is not only to earn and She says business has ups and downs.

Venturing a hobby or something that you love doing into a business can be

tricky especially when it comes to dealing with challenges. Taking care of

plants as a positive endeavor will serve as a motivation to thrive while making a

profit. New values and insights can be learned throughout the journey which

will make people hone their craft and appreciate indoor gardening more and

will continuously love doing it.

 CHAPTER IV

SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This chapter presents the summary of the findings and conclusions of

the study. To make the discoveries of this research meaningful, a list of

recommendations is provided.

Summary

This study employed the Qualitative-Phenomenological Design to answer

the research question. It conducted several electronic-personal interviews with

the research respondents. The interview transcript then was subjected to

thematic analysis so codes were analyzed, discussed, and interpreted

intelligently. As a result, this study found out that people are into indoor

gardening for different purposes but, for the most part, it‘s because of how it

makes them feel, how it helps them with their mental and emotional health, its

aesthetic value, and for some a source of income. It has become their passion

which has changed their lives significantly.

Conclusions

With the careful and comprehensive scrutiny of the gathered data, the

researchers were able to generate the following conclusions:

1. The respondents expressed how taking care of plants relieves their

stress and how it has helped them to have a healthy well-being.

 2. Selling beautiful and rare plants can be prone to plant poachers that

might put endangered plants at risk.

3. The respondents expressed their feelings towards indoor gardening as

a very pleasurable activity and how they are passionate and enthusiastic

about it.

Recommendations

Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the following

recommendations are drawn:

1. Medical Professionals should give free online consultations for people

who have problems with their mental and emotional well-being.

2. Writing an open letter to DENR should be done telling them to make

sure that plant business owners are not selling endangered plants or

what they‘re selling is not from a plant poacher.

3. The respondents' loved ones should extend and improve their existing

knowledge about indoor gardening to be understanding, which will

motivate the respondents to continue their passion.

4. Future researchers should conduct more studies regarding this matter

to contribute new knowledge that will be used in proposing solutions

that might be helpful soon.

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APPENDICES
 Appendix A
Research Interview Guide
English
Demographic Questions
Do you consider yourself a
plantito/plantita? How so?
Since when or how long did you
start your garden?
Knowledge Questions
What are the methods that you
use in order to sustain the health
and growth of your plants?
What are the kinds/ types of
plants that were in
demand/became popular during
the pandemic? How do you feel if
you didn‘t get to purchase the
popular plant that you want?
Experience Questions
Filipino
Itinuturing mo ba ang iyong
sarili na plantito/plantita?
Paano mo nasasabi?
Kailan pa o gaano katagal mo
sinimulan ang iyong hardin?
Anong mga paraan o ano ang
iyong ginagamit upang
panatilihin ang kalusugan at
paglaki ng iyong mga halaman?
Ano ang mga klase ng halaman
na mataas ang angkin sa mga
tao noong panahon ng
pandemya? Ano ang iyong
pakiramdam pag di mo nabili
ang sikat na halaman na iyong
gusto?
What type of plants did you grow
when you first started?
What makes you enjoy indoor
gardening?
Do you have friends that‘s into
gardening the same as you? How
do they help or support you? How
does it make you feel as a
plantito/plantita?
Feeling Questions and Sensory
Questions
What were your feelings or
thoughts during lockdown
compared to when you started
gardening?
What got you into gardening in
the first place?
Are you happy with what you‘re
doing? Are you having a hard
time keeping and caring for the
plants in good shape? Explain.
Opinion Questions
Ano ang mga halaman na iyong
pinatubo o inalagaan noong
una kang nagsimula?
Ano ang nagpapasaya sayo
habang ginagawa mo ang
paghahardin?
Meron kabang kaibigan na
hardinero ring tulad mo? Paano
ka nila tinutulungan at
sinusuportahan? Paano yun
nakakaapekto sa iyong
nararamdaman bilang isang
plantito/plantita?
Ano ang iyong nararamdaman o
naiisip noong lockdown
kumpara noong nag simula ka
sa iyong paghahardin?
Ano o paano mo naisip na
subukan ang paghahardin sa
una?
Masaya ka ba sa iyong
ginagawa? Nahirapan po ba
kayo sa pagpapanatili at pag-
aalaga nito? Ipaliwanag.
 What are the things you want to Ano ang mga bagay na gusto
share/advise you want to tell to mong ibahagi sa mga taong
those people who want to take gustong mag-alaga ng mga
care of plants? halaman?

What are your suggestions to the
concerned individual about
taking care of plants while
climate change is very relevant
these days?
Ano ang iyong mga mungkahi
tungkol sa pangangalaga ng
mga halaman habang
nangyayari ang pagbabago ng
klima?

Guide Questions for Expert/Sources Respondents:

A. Plant Sellers

What is the name of your business and what are the things that you sell?

When did you start your business? What made you start a business in plant
selling? Why didn‘t you have an interest in other kinds of businesses, for
example having a computer shop and the like?

What can you say about the trend of gardening during the pandemic?

How did the trend of gardening during the pandemic affect you and your
business?

What struggles did you encounter as a plant business owner during the
pandemic? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?

Would you recommend anyone to try indoor gardening? If so, why? What would
be your advice for them?

B. Expert Respondent

A respondent said that seeing their garden relieves stress and calms their soul
especially when they just came home from work.
Why does indoor gardening make them feel that way? What are the benefits of
indoor gardening when it comes to mental and emotional health? Does it have
to do with Maslow‘s Hierarchy of Needs?

A respondent said that she was drawn into indoor gardening because of
lockdown and got nothing to do during those times. Instead of doing something
else she picked gardening as her hobby during lockdown to sustain the hard
times of being during the pandemic.

What is the importance of people-plant interaction during this pandemic? Does

it have to do with Biophilia theory?

All respondents said that taking care of plants relieves their stress

What is the importance of stress management?

A respondent said that they enjoy indoor gardening because it takes away their
boredom

What is the importance of having a hobby or keeping oneself busy during this
pandemic? Would you recommend others to do indoor gardening during this
time?

When indoor gardening started being trending during this pandemic, a lot of
people became plantitos and plantitas. Some even rekindled their love for
gardening and some even expanded their collection with more colorful, diverse,
and unique plants. How were they influenced? Does it have something to do
with Bronfenbrenner‘s bioecological theory?

These are some examples of problems among plantitas and plantitos that might
have experienced when indoor gardening started to get trending during the
pandemic.

Example:
a. This person wants to buy expensive plants that they see on the internet
but they don‘t have enough money. They borrowed money from someone
they know just to buy that plant

b. This person really loves collecting plants and they want to get those
beautiful and in-demand plants but they can‘t get it. They feel sad and
 might be discouraged because they can‘t have what they want / others
have.

Does Bronfenbrenner‘s bioecological theory provide an explanation for this?

Why or why not? If not, is there any other theory that provides an explanation
for this?
 Appendix B

Letter to the Respondent

Good day Respondent!

We are students of Grade 11- Saint Martin de Porres of Saint Louis College.
We are currently conducting a study entitled THE RISE OF PLANTITOS AND
PLANTITAS: UNDERSTANDING THE TRENDS OF INDOOR GARDENING
DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC. In this regard, we request for your
voluntary participation in this activity for our subject Practical Research 1.
The interview will take 10-15 minutes. We don‘t anticipate that there are any
risks associated with your participation, but you have the right to stop the
interview or withdraw from the research at any time.
Furthermore, in the event that you have other concerns, a consent form in
which your rights are elaborated is attached in this letter.
Sincerely,
TORRES, Ianne Nicole P.

BUMATAY, Jake Harvey C.

CHENG, Gabrielle Joaquin A.
FLORES, Hannah Mae A.
GALANG, Clarence Jake R.
MILADO, Jomel Francesca C.
PEÑAFLOR, Jessmine Andrei R.
VILLANUEVA, Jhang Marlon III A.

Researchers
Noted:
Mr. Louise C. Murao
Research Adviser
 Consent Form
This consent form is necessary for us to ensure that you understand the
purpose of your involvement and that you agree to the conditions of your
participation. Kindly, therefore, read the accompanying information sheet and
then sign this form to certify that you approve the following:

● The actual interview will be recorded and will be kept confidential.

● Out of the interview, a transcript will be produced.
● You will be given the copy of transcript and will be given the opportunity
to correct any factual errors.
● The transcript of the interview will be analyzed by researchers as
research investigator.
● Access to the interview transcript will be limited to the researchers and
academic colleagues with whom he might collaborate as part of the
research process.
● Any summary interview content, or direct quotations from the interview,
that are made available through academic publication or other academic
outlets will be anonymized so that you cannot be identified, and care will
be taken to ensure that other information in the interview that could
identify yourself is not revealed
● All or part of the content of your interview may be used in the following:
in academic papers, policy papers or news articles.

By signing this form, I agree that:

1. I am voluntarily taking part in this project. I understand that I don‘t have

to take part, and I can stop the interview at any time;
2. The transcribed interview or extracts from it may be used as described
above;
3. I have read the Information sheet;
4. I don‘t expect to receive any benefit or payment for my participation;
5. I can request a copy of the transcript of my interview and may edit what I
feel necessary to ensure the effectiveness of any agreement made about
confidentiality; and
 6. I have been able to ask any questions I might have, and I understand
that I am free to contact the researchers with any questions I may have
in the future.

_____________________________________________ _______________________

Signature over Printed Name of the Participant Date Signed

 Appendix C

Research Coded Interview Transcript

PLANT COLLECTOR RESPONDENTS

Q1: Do you consider yourself a plantito/ plantita? How so?

Respondent A: Yes, because I love plants and flowers.

Respondent B: Yes, because I love planting.

Respondent C: Yes, because I‘m addicted to plants.

Q2: Since when or how long did you start your garden?

Respondent A: Last year March 2020.

Respondent B: Since 1980 when our house was built

Respondent C: I started to build my garden year 2000.

Q3: What are the methods that you use in order to sustain the health and
growth of your plants?

Respondent A: Watering every morning.

Respondent B: Cuttings and Cultivate. Water the plants then place in an airy
and clean place.

Respondent C: By watering them regularly, checking the soil, taking out the
dried leaves and weeds, and giving them fertilizers.

Q4: What are the kinds/ types of plant that were in demand/became
popular during the pandemic? How do you feel if you didn’t get to
purchase the popular plant that you want?

Respondent A: Palmera, Gumamela , Aloevera. I‘ll try my best to find that kind
of plant.
Respondent B: Mayanas, Ivy Plants, Snake Plants and Kalachuchi. It is okay for
me and I have no extra budget for expensive plants.

Respondent C: Rubber tree, monstera, fiddle-leaf, begonia, and alocasia. I feel

sad and depressed because I really love collecting and taking care of plants.

Q5: What type of plants did you grow when you first started?

Respondent A: Aloe vera and Palmera

Respondent B: Kalachuchi and Elephant Ear Plant.

Respondent C: Hindi mo na maalala dahil matagal na noong nagsimula ako

pero ang naalala ko ay binigyan ako ng nanay, ng mga buto na itanim ko daw
at alagaan.

Q6: What makes you enjoy indoor gardening?

Respondent A: It takes away my boredom.

Respondent B: Plants are stress reliever.

Respondent C: It relieves stress and calms my soul lalo na kapag galing sa

trabaho tapos madadaanan mo yung garden.

Q7: Do you have friends who are into gardening the same as you? How do
they help or support you? How does it make you feel as a
plantito/plantita?

Respondent A: Yes they give me advice and plants too.

Respondent B: They share to me some plants.

Respondent C: Yes. By bartering and trading plants. When they buy plants that
I haven‘t got yet, they buy or get it for me.

Q8: What got you into gardening in the first place?

Respondent A: It takes away my stress and It is pleasant in my eyes.
Respondent B: I got into gardening because it is one way of beautifying our
house outside and inside

Respondent C: I love green surroundings or simply, nature.

Q9: Are you happy with what you’re doing? Are you having a hard time
keeping and caring for the plants in good shape? Explain.

Respondent A: Yes, No because I love what I am doing.

Respondent B: Yes I‘m happy, No because if you love planting you enjoy doing
it.

Respondent C: Yes. Sometimes, when pests eat their leaves, and the chickens
of my tatay (husband) destroy their soil.

Q10: What are the things you want to share/advise you want to tell to
those people who want to take care of plants?

Respondent A: Enjoy and check them every time.

Respondent B: My advice is they should take care of their plants.

Respondent C: Just love what you‘re doing.

Q11: What are your suggestions to the concerned individual about taking
care of plants while climate change is very relevant these days?

Respondent A: Search what is good for your plants.

Respondent B: They should place their plants under a shade to protect them
from over-exposure from the sun and also from heavy rain.

Respondent C: Learn and study what your plants want and don‘t want.
 PLANT SELLER RESPONDENTS

Q1: What is the name of your business and what are the things that you
sell?

Respondent D: Maxi‘s Garden. Parang maliit na business ko lang ito dahil nasa
bahay lang ako lalo na at matanda na. Nagbebenta ako ng iba‘t ibang uri ng
halaman.

Respondent E: Ang pangalan ng business namin ay ―Paraangan ni Pareng‖ and

we sell different kinds of ornamental plants.

Q2: When did you start your business? What made you start a business in
plant selling? Why didn’t you have an interest in other kinds of business,
for example having computer shop and the like?

Respondent D: July 2017. Nagsimula akong magbenta dahil masyado nang

marami ang mga halaman ko sa garden. Tapos napag usapan namin ng anak
ko na ibenta yung iba dahil sayang naman. Sa edad kong 68, ito na lang siguro
ang pwede kong pagkaabalahan.

Respondent E: We started our business during the pandemic. We have a lot of

plants in our backyard and we really love planting. When the pandemic started
or the quarantine lockdown started, what we've done is to plant many
ornamental plants so we have many ornamental plants. I don‘t think that I can
have those businesses like computer shops because in this business I have
passion and also my family loves planting plants and I do not need a lot of
money to put up this business. Nagtutulungan kami kaya lumago ang
business namin tapos masaya pa kami sa business na ito.

Q3: What can you say about the trend of gardening during the pandemic?

Respondent D: I‘m happy na maraming nahihilig sa paghahalaman at mas

nabibigyang pansin ang nature.

Respondent E: Tumaas siya because everybody is encouraged to plant in their

backyards and not only vegetables but also ornamental plants. So everybody
became aware of the environment, they started planting in their own backyard.
Q4: How did the trend of gardening during the pandemic affect you and
your business?

Respondent D: Syempre mas maraming bumili, lalo na yung mga kaibigan ng

mga apo ko.

Respondent E: Ang trend sa gardening tumaas siya sa lahat ng kapitbahay.

Everybody, but then in business tumaas din kasi people now plant plants not
only vegetables but then pati ornamental plants kaya maraming bumibili.
Maraming nagtatanim gusto bumili kahit medyo mahal na siya, sige pa rin sila.
Kasi naging lovers of plant. Kung nakikita mo halos lahat ng bahay ngayon
marami silang tanim na ornamental plants at meron pa galing sa ibang lugar
para bumili lang ng mga halaman.

Q5: What struggles did you encounter as a plant business owner during
the pandemic? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?

Respondent D: During the pandemic, dahil matanda na din ako, nahirapan

akong contactin yung mga bibili kaya yung mga anak ko at apo ko ang
nakikipag usap sa mga gustong bumili ng halaman.

Respondent E: Ang struggles, your plant should be somewhat unique, maganda

kasi there is competitions already hindi ikaw nalang nagtitinda marami na rin
ang nagtitinda. Tapos yung mga customers mo naghahanap sila ng
magagandang variety yung mga sinasabi nilang mga rare. Kaya yun ang
struggles ng business na ito and there is a very big competition. And to
overcome it we just take it lightly kasi yung purpose mo naman dito hindi lang
yung para kumita kundi kung ito rin naman passion ko and ganun rin ang
business may ups and downs. We take it lightly.

Q6: Would you recommend anyone to try indoor gardening? If so, why?
What would be your advice for them?

Respondent D: Oo. Para sa akin, it gives me happiness. Kaya siguro para sa

iba, makakatulong ito para mabawasan ang stress. Pwede din ito pagkakitaan.
Para sa mga gustong sumubok, alagaan at pahalagahan ang mga alagang
halaman at syempre alamin kung paano ang tamang pangangalaga dito.

Respondent E: Oh yes I encourage everybody to plant kasi iba yung feeling mo

kapag nagtatanim ka as it grows nakikita mo siyang lumalago, gumaganda iba
rin yung feeling dahil sabi nga ng iba pang tanggal stress daw and it is even
from psychologist yun yung nirecommend niya cause you should have plants
kasi iba yung feeling mo kapag gumaganda yung plants mo tapos you can
make a business out of those plants. So I encourage everybody to try planting
kasi maganda sa pakiramdam at makakapera ka pa yun yung kagandahan
niya.

EXPERT (RESEARCH ASSOCIATE)

Q1: A respondent said that seeing their garden relieves stress and calms
their soul especially when they just came home from work.

Why does indoor gardening make them feel that way? What are the
benefits of indoor gardening when it comes to mental and emotional
health? Does it have to do with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs?

A: Ahh. I can relate to what the respondent said. Gardening is really a stress-
reliever and an enjoyable activity for those who have the passion for it. It has to
do with being able to do something that interests you and you have passion for,
that is the secret why gardening is good for mental health of those who are
plant lovers. They are able to express themselves through gardening. One
more reason is that working outdoors, in nature, does wonder whether you're
plant lover or not. You can look it up in studies.. working in nature enhances
your mood, relaxes you, even improves your physical health and immunity.

In relation to Maslow's Theory, I am not really sure what need is being

satisfied, but I would guess it's a higher-order need. Actually, I'd say its self-
actualization because in gardening you do something that is fueled by passion.
In that case, you are expressing your inner self, and you are in discovery of
who you really are.

Q2: (Referring to the answer to question no. 1) Does stress reduction

theory have to do anything with gardening as a stress-reliever for some?

A: Yes. I think the basic tenet of SRT is how natural environments can help in
reducing stress. We, humans, are naturally attracted to nature. If we don't go
against that tendency and if we allow ourselves to immerse in nature, we do
our minds and bodies good.
Q3: What is the importance of people-plant interaction during this
pandemic? Does it have to do with Biophilia theory?

A: Yes. I guess. Because these times are so stressful, we found a way back to
nature and that is through planting. More people now recognize the healing
power of nature. And even if some have to make do with small spaces and
limited resources, they still find a way to enjoy it. Humans are not really meant
for urban living. We need nature whether we recognize it or not. It may not be
apparent for us but deep down I believe this is true.

Q4: What is the importance of stress management?

A: To the person who is suffering from emotional pain or stress,

happiness/relief means the world or life. In short, effective stress management
will allow one to live happily even through adversity. That's why it's important.
We cannot enjoy life if we are constantly stressed. We cannot have warm and
meaningful relationships if we are always in pain. The quality of our lives
sometimes depends on how well we handle stress.

Q5: What is the importance of having a hobby or keeping oneself busy

during this pandemic?

A: It gives us a space to free ourselves of our worries even for a while. It allows
us to express ourselves in a way that is meaningful for us. It gives us a chance
to discover ourselves.

Q6: When indoor gardening started to get trending during this pandemic,
a lot of people became plantitos and plantitas. Some even rekindled their
love for gardening and some even expanded their collection with more
colorful, diverse, and unique plants. How were they influenced? Does it
have something to do with Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological theory?

A: I think the surge of interest has something to do with current trend. Some
maybe had the passion but the craze kindled it even more. But I don't think
Bronfenbrenner's Theory has something to do with it. The said theory is all
about human development..how one a child's development is affected by their
immediate environment.

Q7: (Referring to question no. 6) Are there any other theories po ba that
explain why people are quick to hop on trends?

A: Not so sure of any specific theory but you can consider theories on
conformity, effect of social media on behavior, and the like, popularity, and the
like.

Q8: These are some examples of problems among plantitas and plantitos
that they might have experienced when indoor gardening started to get
trending during the pandemic.

Example:
a. This person wants to buy expensive plants that they see on the
internet but they don’t have enough money. They borrowed money
from someone they know just to buy that plant

b. This person really loves collecting plants and they want to get those
beautiful and in-demand plants but they can’t get it. They feel sad
and might be discouraged because they can’t have what they want /
others have.

Why do some people get pressured to keep up with trends? What could be
a good solution for these? Is indoor gardening still recommended even
with these kinds of possible problems might surface?

A: I think there's a possibility of being addicted to buying plants just like there
is in shopping.. of course, the reason is because some people think that if they
have this or that, they will become happier. Well, this is true but only for the
short term because after the elation has subsided, they will again crave for the
"next best thing." The solution for this is first to become aware of this
destructive habit. Then maybe the person can exercise some self-restraint until
they are disciplined enough. Even passions sometimes have to be bridled.
 Curriculum Vitae

TORRES, Ianne Nicole P.

Ili Norte San Juan, La Union
09666049144
s.iannentorres@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020 - Present

High School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

Holy Angels Montessori and Learning Centre

San Juan La Union
April 2016
 BUMATAY, Jake Harvey C.
Pandan, Bacnotan, La Union
09054819380
akobumats@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

(STEM)
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020- Present

High School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

Saint Anthony Montessori, Inc.

Bacnotan, La Union
March 2016
 CHENG, Gabrielle Joaquin A.
Biday, La Union
09685908650
gabjoaquin160@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

(STEM)
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020- Present
High School Education
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

Felkris Academy, Inc

Lingsat, La Union
March 2016
 FLORES, Hannah Mae A.
Pagdaraoan, City of San Fernando, La Union
09155113807
floreshamae@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando, La Union
September 2020 - Present

High School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando, La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

South Central Integrated School

City of San Fernando, La Union
March 2016
 GALANG, Clarence Jake R.
Supo, Tubo, Abra
09157514453
cjcj39756@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

(STEM)
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020- Present
High School Education
Supo National High School
Supo, Tubo, Abra
March 2020
Grade School Education
Supo Elementary School
Supo, Tubo, Abra
March 2016
 MILADO, Jomel Francesca C.
San Martin, Bacnotan , La Union
09088848720
jomelmilado@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020 - Present

High School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando La Union
March 2016
 PEÑAFLOR, Jessmine Andrei R.
Lioac Norte, Naguilian, La Union
09564088434
pjessmine1025@gmail.com

Educational Attainment
Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)

Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020 - Present

High School Education

Christ The King College

City of San Fernando La Union
May 2020

Grade School Education

St. Augustine School of Naguillian

Naguilian La Union
March 2016
 VILLANUEVA, Jhang Marlon A. II.
Pagdaraoan, City of San Fernando, La Union
09171493306
villanuevajhang@gmail.com

Educational Attainment

Senior High School Education

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
Saint Louis College
City of San Fernando La Union
September 2020 - Present

High School Education

Saint Louis College

City of San Fernando La Union
June 2020

Grade School Education

Gifted Learning Centre

San Fernando La Union
April 2016