Therapist Eunhee Kim cares for a plant receiving medical treatment at the Companion Plant Clinic located in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul. / Photo = Reporter Jinwoo Seong “For those who visit the companion plant clinic, their determination to save their plants is two to three times stronger. For these individuals, plants can represent something more than just family.”
The ‘Companion Plant Clinic,’ which opened on the 26th in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, is literally a hospital dedicated to diagnosing and treating plant ailments. Kim Eun-hee (48), a plant therapist in her fourth year, made this statement as she pointed to a companion plant that is currently ‘hospitalized’ on a shelf within the clinic.
The therapists here are referred to as ‘plant doctors’ by the so-called ‘food butlers’ (a blend of the words ‘plant’ and ‘butler’) who treat their plants as family. They experience emotions with the food butlers, rejoicing and grieving as they work to save ‘dying’ companion plants.
“I refer to the plants that come in here as ‘children,’” Dr. Kim said. “It feels as if they’re talking to me. They seem to express their pain and their desire to recover.”
As the number of ‘plant lovers’ who seek emotional comfort and joy from growing plants has increased, so too has the number of individuals visiting ‘special hospitals’ for companion plants. Consequently, the plant therapists responsible for treatment and inpatient care are also experiencing a surge in visitors.
Plant therapist Moon Hyun-sook (67) noted, “I receive about three to four reservations a day. There are also people who come in without prior reservations, and I can’t turn them away, so I care for them all.” She added, “During spring, I’m so busy that the 30-minute appointment slots are booked solid all day long.”
“I cried with the butler who was shaking with fear”… What is a ‘plant doctor’?
Inside the Companion Plant Clinic / Photo = Reporter Seong Jin-woo The Eunpyeong-gu Companion Plant Clinic, which has been operational since April of last year, employs nine plant specialists to address the needs of many companion plants brought in for care. Some therapists reside at the clinic, while others maintain their primary jobs and come in on specified days.
These individuals have transcended a mere hobbyist appreciation for flowers and plants. They have undertaken specialized training in urban agriculture and obtained various certifications, including ‘plant protection technician,’ before being hired as therapists.
Therapists examine and treat the companion plants of the caregivers visiting the clinic. Their responsibilities include regularly checking on the hospitalized plants that require extended treatment and ‘discharging’ them once they are fully healed.
This morning, two clients with appointments arrived at the clinic with their companion plants. Mr. Choi, a 40-year-old plant caretaker, brought in a diagnosis for a dicotyledon plant known as ‘Coral Tree,’ which produces red fruit in August and September. He explained, “Some of the stems have grown excessively long, extending beyond the pot and into the ground, and the fruit color seems unusual,” expressing, “I’m worried about preserving the enjoyment of nurturing this plant lately.”
Therapist Kim, who assessed the plant’s condition, responded, “The stems can grow longer due to various factors, including the temperature of the space where the plant is maintained, so it’s not a major concern,” as he skillfully pruned several stems. He added, “The fruit hasn’t ripened yet, and the moisture levels are adequate,” reassuring Choi, “Let’s divide the plant today and monitor its condition.”
A coral tree undergoing diagnosis and treatment at the companion plant clinic in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul on the 26th. The stem is being pruned and organized (right) / Photo = Reporter Seong Jin-woo As many visitors come to the clinic, there are also heart-wrenching stories. Therapist Kim recalled a female caregiver in her 40s who sought treatment for a foliage plant known as ‘Calathea Ginger’ last week.
He remembered, “My husband gifted me this plant, and he passed away three days later. She came to the clinic in shock as she watched the plant, which she believed housed his spirit, wither. I cried with her seeing her tremble and weep.”
They work even more passionately, understanding the myriad stories of plant caregivers. They feel a responsibility to not let down those who come to the clinic seeking to revive their companion plants.
Regrettably, many caregivers only visit the clinic when their plants are in such poor condition that recovery is uncertain. In severe cases, they may recommend ‘hospitalization treatment,’ where plants are monitored for several days in a green house, but often, recovery is not guaranteed.
Therapist Moon stated, “Currently, there are more than 20 companion plants in the hospital,” adding, “We’re striving to do our best, but 80% of them cannot be saved. It breaks my heart when that happens.”
He noted, “Both over-watering and drought conditions pose root problems, so we can’t accurately determine the cause just by observation. First, you should bring your plant to the clinic for proper treatment.”
“Modern individuals seek emotional connection… the companion plant trend will continue”
Before (left) and after companion plant treatment / Photo = Provided by therapist Eunhee Kim The culture surrounding companion plants is rapidly gaining traction. According to the Intellectual Property Evaluation Center of the Korea Invention Promotion Association, the domestic indoor farming market has been expanding at an average annual rate of 75%, growing from 121.6 billion won in 2021. It’s projected that the market will reach 1.7519 trillion won by 2026.
In response to this rising demand, the city of Seoul is operating companion plant clinics staffed by professional therapists in Jongno, Dongdaemun, Eunpyeong, Yangcheon, and Gwangjin districts. This initiative began with the increasing culture of caring for companion plants post-COVID-19 and, due to its popularity, additional clinics are set to open in the second half of this year, including one in Yeongdeungpo.
Seo Ju-bong, director of the Eunpyeong Companion Plant Clinic Center, stated, “With heightened interest in companion plants, the ‘specialized hospital’ is also working to enhance its specialization.” He further mentioned, “We are also operating an irregular ‘visiting clinic’ to meet the high demand, and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. We aim to continue making a significant contribution moving forward.”
Professor Lee Eun-hee from Inha University’s Department of Consumer Science predicted, “In modern society, where single-person households are on the rise, a consumer culture has emerged that seeks to mitigate negative emotions such as loneliness through companion plants.” She continued, “In particular, plants grow visibly and are generally easier to maintain than pets. As long as the desire for emotional connection persists, the companion plant trend will endure.”
Sung Jin-woo, Hankyung.com reporter politpeter@hankyung.com
Companion Plant Clinics: The New ‘Hospital’ for Your Green Friends
The Eunpyeong Companion Plant Clinic in Seoul is pioneering an essential service for lovers of greenery—offering a sanctuary for sick plants. With a mission to diagnose and treat plant ailments, this unique ‘hospital’ employs passionate therapists, known as ‘plant doctors,’ who care for every sick plant with the utmost dedication.
Understanding the Role of a Plant Doctor
Working in this specialized facility are individuals who have gone beyond mere gardening hobbyists; they are trained professionals holding various qualifications such as ‘plant protection technician’ and urban agriculture experts. These therapists address the emotional connections that people share with their companion plants. As therapist Eunhee Kim notes, “I call the plants that come in here ‘children’; they seem to communicate their pain with me.” This strong bond underscores the need for emotional support, especially as urban dwellers increasingly seek comfort in caring for plants.
The Science Behind Diagnosis and Treatment
Upon visiting the clinic, plant owners (affectionately called ‘food butlers’) receive personalized attention. When Mr. Choi brought in a Coral Tree that was exhibiting signs of distress, therapist Kim analyzed the plant’s condition. Factors like temperature and moisture levels were assessed as potential causes of the plant’s elongated stems. With hands-on care, they trimmed the stems and provided guidance, assuring Mr. Choi that his growing concerns were manageable.
Common Plant Ailments
- Overwatering: Often leads to root rot and must be addressed quickly.
- Insufficient light: Causes stunted growth and weaker plants.
- Pest infestations: Insects like aphids, spider mites, and fungus gnats can harm plant health.
- Nutrient deficiency: Yellowing leaves may signal a lack of essential nutrients.
Heartwarming Stories from the Clinic
Every day brings new emotional stories at the companion plant clinic. One particularly memorable encounter involved a woman who, just days after receiving a Calathea Ginger as a gift from her late husband, found the plant withering away. The grief was palpable, and therapist Kim shared the pain of his client, both shedding tears over the profound connection between the person and plant. These moments emphasize the significant emotional role plants can play in our lives.
The Growing Demand for Companion Plant Care
As the trend of nurturing plants continues to grow, the number of visitors to companion plant clinics has surged. The Korean indoor farming market is projected to grow remarkably, with estimates indicating an increase from 121.6 billion won in 2021 to around 1.7519 trillion won by 2026. This rise has led to the establishment of additional clinics in various districts of Seoul, driven by the burgeoning demand for plant care services.
Benefits of Companion Plant Care
Engaging with companion plants resonates deeply in a fast-paced urban environment. Here are some benefits associated with caring for plants:
- Emotional Happiness: Connecting with living organisms can improve overall mood.
- Improved Air Quality: Plants naturally purify the air, benefitting health and well-being.
- Reduced Stress: Caring for plants can provide a calming effect, reducing feelings of anxiety.
- Sense of Accomplishment: Successfully nurturing a plant instills a feeling of achievement.
Practical Tips for Plant Care
General Plant Care Guidelines
| Plant Type | Sunlight Needs | Watering Frequency | Soil Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Low to bright indirect | Every 2-6 weeks | Well-draining |
| Pothos | Indirect sunlight | Every 1-2 weeks | All-purpose potting mix |
| Peace Lily | Low light | Weekly | Moist, well-draining |
| Spider Plant | Bright indirect | Every 1-2 weeks | Well-draining, rich potting mix |
Case Study: Transformations at the Companion Plant Clinic
As evident in the before-and-after photos provided by therapist Kim, the transformation of a dying plant into a healthy specimen is not just visually impressive but also emotionally fulfilling for the caregivers. Witnessing such changes reinforces the idea that plants are worthy of dedicated care, akin to family members.
The Future of Companion Plant Clinics
As urban lifestyles continue to evolve, the role of companion plants in addressing loneliness and providing emotional connection is predicted to amplify. The growing trend suggests that businesses like companion plant clinics will become increasingly essential. Seo Ju-bong, the director of the Eunpyeong Companion Plant Clinic Center, indicates plans to continue expanding and specializing services to meet rising demands.
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