From a young age, I have always had the privilege of having both a backyard garden and potted plants inside my house. Now, even a few years later, this is still the case. The only difference is that I now have an appreciation for plants that I did not previously possess. Plants make the best friends, and here are six reasons why:

1. Plants are great listeners.

Unfortunately, there is no human that can listen to you forever without ever needing a break. With plants, this is never a problem. It doesn’t matter how long you talk, plants will always be there to listen to you. And, as a bonus, they will never get annoyed by your extensive complaining.

2. They are always there when you need them the most.

People are constantly moving and changing. Luckily, you will never have to worry about your plant packing a suitcase and leaving you. They can’t. Literally. Unless you move the plant, it will be right there waiting for you in the exact same place you left it.

3. Plants help you breathe better.

Anyone who has taken middle school life science is probably aware that plants are your source of oxygen, even if they don’t know why. I won’t bore you with all of the in-depth details of it, but we give them carbon dioxide so they can give us oxygen. We help each other. By surrounding yourself with plants, you are increasing your supply of oxygen, which is something you need to survive. If you care about living even in the slightest, make friends with plants.

4. They are somewhat replaceable.

Yes, it is very true that when your long-time plant friend becomes one with the soil it is undoubtedly sad. However, unlike when humans die, this problem is fixed with much greater ease. After your plant buddy dies, you can easily head to any local farmer’s market or store to get another one. Or a few more. You can never have too many plants.  

5. They are very low-maintenance.

Unlike if you were to get a dog, a cat, or even worse a human as your new best friend, plants do not require a lot of work. Really all they need is water and sunlight, amounts and frequency dependent on the type of plant. There are some plants that only require you to water them once or twice a month, and sometimes less than that. Plus, you don’t even have to clean after them or walk them constantly.

6. Plants inspire you to be creative.

After you start “getting to know” your plant, you suddenly start to think about how miraculous it is that they can do so much yet have so little. They are very self-sufficient, and in some ways more advanced than humans. Most of the necessities can be produced without being provided, and I think that’s pretty groovy. Plants help you to appreciate what is small.

Now that you’ve read this, you should all be lacing up your shoes to head out and get a plant. With five dollars, you can have your very own new best friend. Invest in a plant. You won’t regret it.