A Study on the Application of IPA Method for Exploring the Properties of Urban Residents Choice of Indoor Plants

Background and objective: This study was conducted to understand urban residents perception of indoor plants in order to assist in the preparation of guidelines for growing plants indoors. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed to urban residents currently growing plants or with experience of growing plants. The data of 247 respondents were subjected to analysis to assess their level of interest and ability with regard to growing plants, and their recognition of the selection and function of plants. Results: Respondents showed high interest in growing plants at a level of 6.77, but their ability was moderate. This suggests that information regarding plant maintenance should be provided to urban residents. They recognized the function of plants for improving the environment as important, and expected that indoor plants would improve their mood and visual experience. Satisfaction with growing plants was high from an emotional perspective. They recognized that the function of air purification function was important even if the actual performance or effect was not great. This indicates that the function of air purification should be emphasized more. As the result of the IPA, plants should be selected in consideration of morphological characteristics such as leaf, flower and fruit, and continuously managed to maintain their characteristics. Since the performance of pots was less satisfactory compared to their importance, they should be selected so that they harmonize better with plants and are of the appropriate size to fit the space. The type of plants is an important factor in plant selection in order to perform an environmental function, and the flower color and pot size are important in terms of aesthetics and healing. Conclusion: When horticulture information on indoor plants is provided to urban residents, first, it should be provided to satisfy the functions of the plants required by urban residents and in order to promote and maintain the proper growth of plants. Second, various contents that utilize components should be developed to achieve plant function so that resident can determine the function of plants and select the type, quantity, and shape of plants to achieve the desired function.