Pandemic, social isolation and the importance of people-plant interaction

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought drastic routine changes to the world’s population. Social isolation, one of the recommended practices to curb the spread of the disease, can lead to the development of several problems, such as depression, stress, apathy and loneliness. However, practices associated with the cultivation and contemplation of flowers and ornamental plants can be an option to aid in the care for the mental health of the population. It has been proven that hortitherapy helps in the treatment of mental illness, in the recovery of patients. Biophilia incorporated into architectural design and gardening, as a hobby and occupational therapy, can also be used to improve physical and mental health. Activities can be done indoors, outdoors or even virtual, with flowers and plants used as supporting instruments to make the population feel better, including the situation experienced by the period of seclusion.