Exploring Generational Differences in Black Perceptions of Indoor Plants

Abstract

Indoor plants have become a mainstay in contemporary culture. In conjunction with their purported links to air purification, much evidence has supported that the cultivation of indoor plants may improve mood, increase productivity, and reduce stress. However, the studies of indoor plant health perceptions have limited participation. To better understand perceptions of benefits from indoor plant cultivation, twenty-seven interviews were conducted with self-identified Black participants representing two generations. Aggregated responses of the interviews were then transcribed using the software Scribe and analyzed using open coding. Generally, participants' responses aligned with current literature, yet millennials diverged with no conclusive association between indoor plants and improvements to productivity or cognition. There were also few responses that plants altered thermal comfort. Ultimately, this work illuminates new insights into how inclusive research can advance understanding about indoor plants and has implications for how future studies should solicit participation, so results apply to the greater public