That last one may sound kinda trivial, I know. But your personality is actually a really key thing to consider when choosing a leafy green friend to share your space. "Personality type definitely plays a part in what kind plant parent someone is," says Joyce Mast, resident "plant mom" at online houseplant shop Bloomscape. "Be honest with yourself about how much time you can and want to devote to caring for your plants." Think of it like getting a pet. For instance, if you're a clean freak, you probably wouldn't get a long-haired dog—and, similarly, you probably shouldn't get a plant that's going to shed its leaves everywhere.
Luckily, says Mast, there's a perfect plant out there for everyone, no matter what your individual quirks are. I asked her to recommend a few varieties for each of the four personality archetypes that scientists have recently claimed we all fit into. The first thing you'll want to do is take this quiz to find out where you land on the spectrums of extraversion, openness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness. Then, armed with your "Big 5" traits, read on to meet your perfect soil-mate. (Sorry, had to.)
Have your "Big 5" personality test results ready? Here's what they say about your plant parenting style.
Role Models
Highly extroverted, open-minded, agreeable, and conscientious; not very neurotic
Role models are happy-go-lucky people with a creative streak, who are curious and love to try new things. In short, they're not the type to want the same ol' philodendron that everyone else has. "I'd recommend a plant that matches the role model's colorful and exuberant personality," says Mast. "However, this personality type is a social butterfly, so plants that are easy to care for are ideal to make room for all those nights out."
A role model's perfect kinds of plants:
- Mast loves stromanthe triostar for a role model because it's "large, colorful, and low-maintenance—guaranteed to be a conversation starter at the next cocktail party."
- Dracaena Janet Craig is another great option for this type, thanks to its "dynamic and eye-catching tufts of green." (It also happens to be one of the "it" houseplants for 2019.)
- Okay, so monsteras may not be so exotic anymore, but Mast feels like role models would still dig 'em for their larger-than-life vibes. "These dramatic, and fast-growing plants will be the envy of everyone," she says.
Average
Highly neurotic, extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious; not very open
Average personality types are similar to role models in many ways, except that they're not quite as drawn to unusual things. They're also the most neurotic of all the types, which means they're extra prone to stress. Essentially, says Mast, they should look for a plant that won't add to their agita. "Plants that maintain their green and that don’t drop leaves are best for this traditional personality type, so the plant life stays enjoyable and doesn’t become a source of anxiety," she explains.
An average type's perfect kinds of plants:
- Parlor palms are a good choice for average types because they're super adaptable. "This plant always looks lush, and will make even the most neurotic person feel like an amazing plant parent," Mast says.
- Conscientious average types aren't the kind to forget about watering their plants. That's why Mast recommends the bird’s nest fern. "It has lovely, showy foliage and this personality type will enjoy misting it regularly," she says.
- For timeless good looks, hedgehog aloe is a classic pick that'll thrive without much effort, says Mast. (Just make sure to put it in a sunny spot.)
Self-Centered
Highly extroverted; below average in openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism
No shame whatsoever if you fall under this category—it just means that you know exactly what you want and your plants need to live by your rules. So if you want to put one in a certain corner, that's where it's going to go, no matter how much light it gets. "For self-centered people, we recommend tried-and-true plants that are highly adaptable to different conditions and will thrive anywhere this personality type wants to put them," says Mast.
A self-centered type's perfect kinds of plants:
- Spider plants get top marks for self-centered types because they're "adaptable, easy to care for, and a timeless classic," says Mast.
- For a plant that'll adapt to pretty much any light condition and requires very little care, Mast recommends going for a strikingly cool sansevieria, or snake plant.
- Philodendron Brasil is another mellow option that doesn't need a ton of attention from a self-centered owner—and its trailing vines are "exceptionally Instagrammable," says Mast.
Reserved
Low in extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness; slightly more conscientious than average
If you're a textbook introvert who prides yourself on being responsible, you can take on a slightly more hard-to-care-for plant. And you might even enjoy it, according to Mast. "Plants that require a bit more care, but are also fast growing will help the reserved person feel accomplished and rewarded," she says.
A reserved type's perfect kinds of plants:
- Red prayer plants aren't hard to care for, but they need to be misted on the reg—so they need an owner who spends a decent amount of time at home. But don't worry, it'll be worth the effort. "This fast-growing plant will be a constant source of happiness as it thrives," Mast says.
- The fiddle leaf fig is another plant that demands lots of love. Not only does it require very specific light conditions, but it also needs loads of misting and watering. Yet according to Mast, "when it’s happy, its large glossy leaves and new growth really make the extra care worthwhile." Hey, reserved types clock a lot of hygge nights at home—may as well make them a little lusher.
- "The bird of paradise loves to be misted, and its large leaves need to be dusted and wiped down regularly," says Mast. The reward: You'll feel like you're on a South African vacay (where this plant is from), every day.
If you're more of a Myers-Briggs fan, here's how others see you and how you manage stress, according to your personality type.
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