On becoming plantito and plantita: Their motivation and plant collection

Abstract

This study utilized qualitative research design to determine the motivational factors on becoming a plantito and plantita and to make an inventory of their collected plants. The researchers used interview method, with 6 respondents. The plants owned by the respondents were photodocumented and identifed using LeafSnap app and Co’s Digital Flora of the Philippines. Results revealed that the benefits obtained from the plants such as beautification, stress reliever, pass time activity and air purifier motivated the respondents to be a plantito and plantita. There were 49 plants identified that were owned by the respondents in this study, of which, 3 plants were classified as vulnerable and 1 plant was identified as endangered based on the DENR List of Threatened Plant Species in the Philippines. The researchers strongly suggest that a conservation plan should be done to avoid the extinction of the identified vulnerable and endangered plants.