The Benefits Of Office Plants
The benefits of plants in the office
The benefits of office plants are numerous, from improving air quality and reducing stress to creating a more inviting atmosphere and boosting creativity. Studies have even shown that having indoor plants in the office can reduce noise levels, improve employee morale and reduce sickness .
Plants are known to remove toxins from the air, helping to reduce headaches, irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
Plants can also reduce levels of airborne dust, mold and bacteria. Indoor plants in the office can also help to improve concentration and productivity, as well as provide a calming effect in the office environment.
Having indoor plants in the office can help improve office worker morale by introducing an element of nature into the work space. They help to create a more inviting atmosphere that encourages conversation and collaboration among employees.
How to source office plants
When it comes to sourcing office plants, there are many options available. You can purchase from a local nursery or garden center, online from online retailers, or even from your local supermarket. These options will often be on the expensive side when stocking an entire office space and will take quite a bit of work to put together.
Plant wholesalers are often based in mainland Europe and won't readily sell plants directly to businesses not registered with the Department for Agriculture. This is where hiring a professional will often be the best course of action. A The Botanical Archive can source plants on your behalf and make sure that they are work in the office spaces they are going to be living in. We can incorporate the best office plants for your space while having access to a wide range of plants not often available to most businesses.
No matter where you choose to source your office plants, be sure to select the right variety for the working environment. Low light levels and limited space require different types of plants than those suitable for a well-lit office. Choose the right variety and care instructions to ensure they remain healthy over time. Keep in mind that office plants will require regular maintenance, such as watering and pruning.
You may want to consider working with a professional who can provide regular maintenance and advise on the best plants for your working environment.
How do I maintain indoor plants in the office?
Greening up your office environment is a great first step but who will take care of the plants? The most effective way we have found is to use self-watering solutions.
Your interior plant stylist should consider the best options to suit your space. A good stylist will also offer a maintenance service for your plants to keep them healthy and happy.
What are the best office plants?
We often want something easy and robust when it comes to regular busy, high-traffic offices. Some easy indoor office plants that require minimal care and attention include:
Snake Plant
Also known as mother-in-law's tongue - the humble Snake plant is one of the best office plants, they are extremely low maintenance and thrive in low light.
The snake plant requires minimal watering, which makes them a great choice for busy offices. They have the added benefit of helping to clean the air a NASA study shows that they are one of the most effective plants.
Pothos or Devil's ivy
Pothos plants are also low maintenance and do well in bright, indirect light. They require very little water, so they’re perfect as an office plant in a space that doesn’t have a lot of bright natural light.
Spider Plants
Spider plants are low maintenance and do well in bright, indirect light. They require minimal care, such as occasional watering and pruning. The spider plant can be neglected and still thrive as an office plant with minimal attention.
Chinese Evergreen
Chinese Evergreens or Aglaonema thrive in offices without much direct sunlight and are incredibly low maintenance office plants.
These can be kept as small office plants on desks or as part of a green wall to brighten up an office space.
Cast Iron plant
Cast iron plants – this air purifying plant is also a very hardy plant and extremely low maintenance. It can be left unfed and needs no direct sunlight.
Offices with lower light levels
A dimly lit office with low light levels can still benefit from adding indoor plants. Some plants thrive even without much natural sunlight
Plants that work well in a low-light office environment include:
1. Snake Plants
2. Peace Lily’s
3. Dracaena species
4.. Money plant
5. ZZ Plant
These plants are all easy to take care of and require minimal maintenance, making them perfectly suited for any office environment.
Office lobbies and Reception Areas
Create a stunning first impression with plants in the lobby or reception area. These areas are high traffic areas and often receive a lot of attention, so it is important to present a professional, inviting space for visitors.
Plants can help make these areas more inviting and welcoming for guests, as well as employees. Adding plants will create a warm atmosphere while also improving air quality and reducing noise levels. They can also help to create a relaxing, calming environment that is perfect for both employees and visitors alike.
Living walls are perfect for these spaces and often create a lasting first impression.
Living walls in the Office
Living walls are a great way to add some colour and life to any office and are a great alternative to potted plants. These vertical gardens can be used to create stunning displays that will bring nature into the office and improve air quality all at once.
Plants that can be incorporated include anthurium, philodendron, air plants, flowering plants, the spider plant, the swiss cheese plant and a variety of other leafy green companions. They are also low-maintenance plants that require minimal care and will look great for years to come.
A good plant stylist will create a display that not only looks lush but also has areas of interest to draw the eye around the wall. This could be through using unusual foliage, rare plants or arranging plants in a shape (or your logo!)
The benefits of adding plants to the office go far beyond improving air quality and boosting creativity. Plants give employees a connection to nature without having to leave their work environment, which can help reduce stress levels, reduce noise pollution and lead to better job satisfaction and increased productivity.
By bringing a bit of nature indoors, offices can create a more inviting atmosphere that will benefit everyone.