48% of people talk to their plants and it might be making them happier, according to a new survey

Are you talking to your plants? Almost half of people surveyed by Trees.com admitted to talking to the leafy creatures.

A majority of those people think it has helped their mental health.

1,250 people were asked if they talk to their plants frequently.

Most people say they only talk to their plants. Some people talk to trees on the street while others talk to plants outdoors.

70% of participants say "occasionally" and 9% only talk to their plants "rarely."

One in five people say they talk to their plants at home or outside.

Almost a fifth of participants have hugged a plant and almost a third have kissed one.

Most people would consider an unusual practice if they were asked why they participated in it.

• “I think it is fun and I have read it helps them grow.”
• “I am proud and happy as my plants are beautiful!!”
• “They have feelings and when I talk to my plants, they move.”
• “They’re our beautiful friends [I want to] thank them for their beauty. Indoor plants help with oxygen [too], I believe.”
• “I don’t know that I have a reason. I think it’s more me just thinking out loud.”

Gary Altman is the director of the horticultural therapy program at Rutgers University.

Plants help to increase positive feelings and reduce feelings of fear and anger, which are associated with that uncertainty of what's to come next.

The practice of using plants for the purpose of treatment and rehabilitation for people who are recovering from an injury or illness is called horticultural therapy.

The treatment can be used for people with mental health issues.

It is possible for individuals to process challenges that they are facing in their own lives and shift their focus to being in control of something that is more predictable.

"Just stepping away from the thing that's stressing you out and turning to your plants for a few minutes, maybe misting them, watering them, and that gives you a little bit of space to provide yourself some sanctity."

It has been shown that having a plant on your desk reduces stress and anxiety.

The world's longest- living people garden as a hobby.

Being a plant parent can teach you valuable lessons before you get a pet.

If you want to know if you are ready to take a big step that holds more weight, you can look at your plant, he says.

It is a way to measure how well you are doing. For people who might not be in the best place of their life, there could be a lesson to be learned.

If you consider alternatives like artificial plants and hanging images of nature around your home, you can get some of the benefits of a real plant.

As a first time plant owner, there will be ups and downs.

I encourage people to not be discouraged if their plants don't grow and thrive because I have learned from my mistakes.

The point is not that. The purpose is to learn and do.

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