Why young South Africans are raising plants, not kids

IN A WORLD where the terms "rich aunty", "DINKS" (dual income, no kids) and "childfree by choice" are common vocab, a fresh phenomenon is sprouting in South African homes.

- ZAMANDOSI CELE

With millennials and Gen Z increasingly opting out of parenthood, they are instead turning to a different kind of family member: plants.

The trend, emerging from a broader global crisis of declining birth rates, asks the question: Why are young South Africans leaning towards nurturing foliage over fur or children?

Recent studies indicate that many millennial and Gen Z individuals are not particularly enthusiastic about caring for living beings in the traditional sense. Their preference? Nurturing "plant babies" instead.

At 34 years old, I too share this sentiment, proudly tending to two dramatic fiddle leaf figs (Ficus lyrata) and a potted calla lily (Zantedeschia).

I'm an aunt; however, the prospect of having a child and having someone to take care of 24/7 gives me anxiety.