Do you know your personality type?
It may sound shallow to even consider that your personality and the plants you choose should go together but there is some truth to it.
There are 5 personality types that apparently we all fit into – extraversion, openness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness – and based on these 5 types, there are a variety of plants that will go well with us based on our results. Scroll down to see what plant will end up taking root in your home and in your heart.
Role Models
Highly extroverted, open-minded, agreeable, and conscientious; not very neurotic
People with this personality type tend to be happy-go-lucky, creative, and curious. This goes without saying that they love to try new things. You won’t find them looking for the same type of plant everyone else has. “I’d recommend a plant that matches the role model’s colorful and exuberant personality,” says Mast, who considers herself an expert in the matter.
A role model’s perfect kinds of plants:
Mast highly recommends 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.)
Monsteras may not be as exotic as they once were, but Mast feels like role model types would still like them 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
The average type is similar to role models in more ways than one, but they’re not as attracted to unusual things as role model types. The average personality type is also very prone to stress because out of all the types, they’re the most neurotic. At the end of the day, says Mast, they should look for a plant that won’t contribute to their uneasiness. “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:
Adaptable plants like parlor palms make a good choice for the average type.“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 or a colorful pot will be the perfect home for a hedgehog aloe.
Self-Centered
Highly extroverted; below average in openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism.
So what if you’re self-centered? If you fall in this category, it just means you know exactly what you want and you live by your own rules. The same goes for your plant. “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 are wonderful for self-centered types because they’re “adaptable, easy to care for, and a timeless classic,” says Mast. For a plant that is low maintenance and can flourish in any lighting condition, Mast recommends going for a strikingly cool sansevieria, or snake plant.
Reserved
Low in extroversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, openness; slightly more conscientious than average
You take pride in owning up to your responsibilities and you enjoy rising up to the challenge. As for plant caring, a plant that’s hard to care for might be what you need. 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.
Red prayer plants need to be misted regularly so an owner that spends a lot of time at home is what it needs to thrive. They’re not hard to care for but need your regular attention. The effort will be worth it, don’t worry. “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 your TLC. It requires very specific light conditions and it also needs a lot 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.”
The reserved types tend to be homebodies so why not make your space reminiscent of a mini jungle? “The bird of paradise loves to be misted, and its large leaves need to be dusted and wiped down regularly,” says Mast. Waking up to a home that reminds you of South Africa (where this plant is from) is always a plus.