In her small garden in her mother's compound, Shivani Devani is raising more than 100 plants. She never imagined she would become a plant mum, but now her days revolve around tending her ever-growing collection.
Her favourite plant, Hoya, is the one that really deepened her love of gardening.
"Its flowers look like little stars -- so unreal and yet completely natural. It fascinated me and now I have a whole collection of different varieties," she says.
Her journey with plants began in 2022, when she decided to join her mother's business. Before that, she had spent four years working with her father in a corporate environment, handling human resources and sales.
"Office work was stressful," she admits. "And since my siblings were joining my dad, I thought -- why not help my mum instead?"
At first, the plants were just part of the job. She didn't feel an immediate connection, but over time something changed. Certain plants caught her eye, and what started as simple curiosity grew into a deep fascination.
"Now I can't imagine my life without them," she says.
Besides hoyas, her garden is filled with air plants, pothos, alocasias, variegated monsteras and a host of other colourful plants. She has noticed that many Gen Zs are drawn to plants, and she understands why.
"I think it's because we value individuality and mental wellbeing. Plants are therapeutic, good for the environment and they bring joy," she tells the BDLife.
Like many of her generation, she believes plants provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment.
“Unlike older generations who just tolerated stress, Gen Z is focused on creating a better life for themselves,” says the 28-year-old.
At 27, with a degree in Economics and Statistics, Valerie Yogo has also found a passion that goes beyond numbers—plants.
Growing up, her home was filled with plants. Her mother maintained a thriving front garden full of flowers and some kitchen gardens rich in herbs and vegetables, while her father had strict rules about plant care.
"No one was allowed to cut a twig," she recalls, laughing at how the landscapers had to follow his precise instructions. One of his strictest orders, spoken in Luo, Kik imul ojuok – ("Don't touch the euphorbia tree") – still echoes in her memory.
Today, her home is one of the few in the area that still has indigenous plants, some of which are older than she is. For Valerie, these plants are more than decoration; they hold family stories and create a serene, nostalgic atmosphere.
A collection of plants in Imali Libese’s bedroom in Ruaka on February 19, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
This early exposure to nature naturally led her to embrace plant growing. Now a self-proclaimed 'plant mum', she is constantly adding to her collection – buying, giving and caring for plants with dedication.
Her green family includes 24 plants of seven different species, most of which thrive on her balcony, with a few brightening up her living room and one in her bedroom.
Although it is difficult to choose a favourite, the porcelain flowers stand out. "Their delicate white flowers, soft texture and the way they hang so freely bring me peace," she says.
This shift towards plant cultivation among Gen Z is not just about aesthetics. It reflects a deeper desire for mental well-being, a connection to nature and a commitment to sustainability.
"Caring for plants reduces stress, improves mood and restores focus," explains Valerie. "Even psychologists recommend walking in nature. If you visit Karura Forest on a weekend, you'll see lots of people relaxing on the trails,” says the 27-year-old.
For Valerie, plants recreate the natural spaces they grew up in, especially after moving to urban areas for work or school.
"If Mohammed doesn't go to the mountain, then the mountain has to come to Mohammed," she jokes, highlighting how greenery has found its way into small apartments in the city.
Just like Shivani, Imali Libese, 26 never expected to become so involved with plants. What began as an attempt to beautify her space quickly escalated: one plant became three, then 10, and soon she had more than 50, including monstera, succulents, snake plant, and Chinese money plant.
Now she has turned her passion into a business, running @plants_haven_ke, an online store selling indoor and outdoor plants.
"Gen Z is big on side hustles and financial independence," she says. "Turning something you love into a business is the ultimate dream."
This movement towards plant parenting has been fuelled by social media, where a thriving community of Gen Z plant parents share tips, hacks and rare finds.
"There's so much to learn," says Shivani. "TikTok and Instagram are constantly introducing me to new species and their medicinal uses." Imali, who has built her business around Instagram, agrees. "Gen Z loves to share their interests online and plants have become part of our identity."
Valerie draws inspiration from WhatsApp communities such as Homes & Gardens, which connects plant lovers around the world.
Beyond aesthetics and social media, growing plants has a deeper emotional significance for Gen Z.
"Plants symbolise growth, patience and resilience," explains Shivani. "Sometimes they look like they're dying, but they can bounce back unexpectedly. It reminds us that things always get better.
Of course, caring for plants isn't always easy. Valerie, who travels a lot for work, worries about leaving her plants in someone else's care.
"Most people admire healthy plants but don't realise the effort it takes to keep them alive," she says.
Meanwhile, Imali faces challenges with watering schedules, having learned the hard way that some plants thrive in moisture while others prefer dry soil. And like many beginners, they have all experienced the heartbreak of losing plants.
"Not one, not two - maybe three," Valerie sighs. "And yes, it felt terrible." But instead of discouraging them, these experiences have deepened their understanding.
"Every time a plant dies, I learn something new," says Shivani. "Even with research, hands-on experience is the best teacher."
For the Gen Z plant parents, their collections are constantly growing. Imali sources hers from local nurseries and farmers, taking the time to understand each plant before selling it.
"I keep new plants for about a month to learn their needs before offering them to customers."
Most of Shivani's plants are imported from Holland, but she appreciates local plant collectors and street vendors.
"Many vendors don't realise the true value of what they have. Educating them is important. "
Valerie personally selects each plant and refuses to order online. "I need to connect with a plant before I take it home." She even gives each one a name to make it feel like part of the family.
A succulent plant at Imali Libese's balcony in Ruaka on February 19, 2025.
Photo credit: Pool
In addition to houseplants, many Gen Z plant lovers are experimenting with edible plants. Imali now grows oregano, mint, rosemary and scallions at the request of a customer.
"I love using fresh herbs in my cooking - it's so satisfying!" Shivani has tried growing vegetables but finds herbs more challenging. Valerie plans to explore vegetable gardening once she moves to a bigger space. "I've also been thinking about vertical gardening," she says.
This isn’t just a passing phase for her—it’s a lifelong passion. "Once you start, it’s hard to stop," she laughs. "I’m already thinking about what’s next. I’ve recently developed an interest in orchids, especially rare varieties. I bought one at an orchid show last year, and now I want to challenge myself with more complex plants."
For those hesitant to embark on their plant journey, their advice is simple: Just start. "Don't be afraid of killing plants - it happens to everyone," Shivani reassures. "Some thrive on neglect, while others need more attention."
