Students at California Baptist University enjoy community and a sense of camaraderie. Over the past year, CBU students have been able to formulate community in the form of plant ownership.
Indoor plants are versatile, which makes it convenient for students to easily decorate their space and tend to them as needed. Plant-owning has become more popular largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ashley Moore, senior creative writing major, said plants became a trend because of the loss of social interaction due to the pandemic.
“I strongly believe plants became a trend because people needed something to take care of when it came to the lockdown and losing social interaction,” Moore said. “I know for me, during midterms last semester, what helped the most was going out and purchasing a huge pothos, which then sat on my desk.”
There is a huge variety of outdoor plants to choose from. Plants ranging from easy to hard maintenance and various sizes make for students to have a choice in how they decorate a space with their plants.
Shekiah Warner, senior intercultural studies major, said she loves the diversity within indoor plants.
“I love how much personality each plant adds to a space,” Warner said. “Every plant has a unique character that can help craft the overall feeling a space conveys.”
Plant ownership also has the capability to train students in responsibility. Keeping to a watering schedule, making sure they receive enough sunlight and other plant care essentials make for a lesson in plant management.
Callie Totaro, junior environmental studies and sustainability double major, said she believes that owning plants helps students with responsibility.
“It provides a sense of pride when you see your plant growing and thriving. Plants tend to make a space comfortable and more lived-in,” said Totaro, who is also president of CBU’s Botany Club.
Plants can be purchased from a variety of stores. Moore suggests going to shops that specialize in plants for better quality.
“I would suggest going to stores that know what they’re doing,” Moore said. “Piep is a great place to go to because the quality of their plants is amazing and are always healthy. Plus, they are close to campus.”
Owning a plant may seem daunting to certain people who do not have experience with plant maintenance. Warner stressed having grace with oneself and having patience with it.
“Give yourself grace. You don’t have to naturally be a green thumb to own plants,” said Warner. “Taking care of plants is hard work. I’ve accidentally killed plenty of ‘beginner’ level plants, but I keep trying anyway. A good starting plant is a pothos. They are hanging plants that are hardy and can withstand some neglect if you tend to underwater, and they generally grow fast.”
Totaro encouraged students to join the club, no matter what their major or experience level with plants. The Botany Club exists to edicate and assist students with their diverse plant-related needs.
“Students should join the botany club because it’s a unique community of plant lovers,” Totaro said. “We have a wide variety of majors and plant experience represented in the club. By joining the Botany Club students can learn more about plant care, stewardship and sustainable living.”
