My emotional support plant has my back: 36 gardening memes for plant lovers

María Cetra • Writer

Sep 11, 2026 6:30 PM EDT

My plants are, actually, my purpose in life.

Do you have an emotional support plant? That living thing that you have near a window and take care of every day by keeping it hydrated? That thing that is not an animal but you take pictures of every time it blooms as if it were? That green thing that is proof that you can indeed take care of another living thing. That is an emotional support plant. If you don't know, this is a common acquisition for millennials who don't have pets or kids, so that they can feel accomplished for taking care of a living being without risking a dog or a human. No judgment in my words. I probably would be happier if I had a plant companion.

I do have to say that I have a garden at my mom's house, and even though I'm not big on taking care of it. I do make sure that the plants are watered. I don't want them to pass away, even if I'm not emotionally attached to them. I do like spending time in the garden and enjoying the green nature surrounding me. It's relaxing and peaceful. I believe one of the best solo activities is lying on the grass with a good book and the sun bathing me in its light. Is like a meditation, some kind of reset that completely relaxes me and makes me aware of my surroundings enough so that stress stops affecting me, at least for a moment.

Maybe nature, plants, or gardening is not some blessing to save your existence. But if it works for you to relax your mind and be happy again, then I do think that you deserve to enjoy that. When I say I don't judge the emotional support plant community, I mean it. They found something great and low-maintenance to take care of that doesn't have real consequences if something happens to it. Having a little garden can be relaxing and good for your well-being. So if you didn't know about this group of people, I strongly suggest that you look into it. Being around nature has proven to be good for you. The least you can do is give it a try.