The Best Plants for Office Spaces and Why They’re Important
In this digital age, where many of us spend countless hours in our offices or shared workspaces, it’s more important than ever to create a space that sparks inspiration and boosts our well-being. And what better way to do that than with some lush greenery?
Plants aren’t just pretty decorations; they’re also known to improve air quality, reduce stress, and even enhance creativity. Plus, with so many low-maintenance options available, you don’t need to be a seasoned gardener to enjoy the benefits.
The best plants for office spaces are those that are low-maintenance, easy to care for, and can thrive under various conditions, such as low light and infrequent watering.Bringing plants into the workspace breathes life into the environment. Their beauty calms the mind, while their practical purpose improves health and productivity. Every office should have them!
Whether you’re a plant newbie or a seasoned green thumb, we’ve got you covered. In this blog, we’ll share our top picks for the best office plants that will thrive in any environment, from dimly lit cubicles to spacious open-plan offices. So, let’s dive in and transform your workspace into a vibrant oasis! Strategy-planning is key when selecting plants for your office.
Here are 10 popular office plants and why they’re important:
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant, with its upright sword-like leaves, is a perfect low-maintenance plant for beginner gardeners. Called Mother-In-Law’s Tongue for its sharp leaves, the Snake Plant purifies air by removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene. Its resilient nature allows it to thrive in low light and with infrequent watering – ideal for forgetful waterers!
Peace Lily
With delicate white flowers that give off a gentle fragrance, the Peace Lily is another easy-care option. More than just a pretty face, it filters out harmful VOCs and its glossy leaves lend calmness to the environment. The Peace Lily thrives in office plants with no natural light situations, making it perfect for bright or dim offices. Careful though, as it wilts dramatically when thirsty and perks right up after a drink.
ZZ Plant
If you have a brown thumb when it comes to plants, consider the ZZ Plant. Native to arid regions of Africa, it tolerates neglect and adapts well to low light conditions. The waxy leaves give a graphical pop to desks. Water sparingly just once a month!
Pothos
Trailing vine plants also make great office plants. The Pothos and its curly heart-shaped leaves can be trained along shelves and cubicle edges, softening hard edges while removing airborne particles.The Pothos is a classic choice for home office plants because it is easy to care for and provides a cascade of greenery in any workspace.
Spider Plant
For a cool cascading display, hang the Spider Plant with its grassy arched foliage and baby spiderettes. Spider Plants are also known for their air-purifying properties and easy care requirements, making them perfect plants for office desks. They are effective at removing harmful substances like carbon monoxide and formaldehyde from the air while adding a stylish, natural element to any workspace.
Jade Plant
For something more sculptural and statement-making go for the Jade Plant and its thick winding stems and glossy oval leaves. Jade Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing with their thick, glossy leaves but also symbolise good luck and prosperity. These plants are easy to care for and can thrive in indoor environments with minimal sunlight.
Dracaena
Adding height and drama with the spear-like arching leaves of the Dracaena. These plants come in various species, all of which are excellent choices for offices. These plants are effective at removing toxins from the air and require minimal maintenance, making them popular among office workers looking to enhance their workspace environment.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are extremely popular houseplants thanks to their attractive, heart-shaped leaves and vining growth habit. The satin pothos variety has velvety, silver-green leaves that can help clean indoor air. Philodendrons are able to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air through their leaves. They are also pet-safe and low maintenance, only needing occasional watering and pruning.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is known for its gel-filled leaves that can soothe minor burns and irritation. But did you know aloe also removes benzene and formaldehyde from indoor spaces? As a succulent, aloe is drought tolerant and thrives on occasional waterings and plenty of bright, indirect light. The thick leaves can also lend a modern, sculptural element to office décor.
Rubber Tree Plant
Rubber tree plants have large, glossy leaves that look great in offices and lobbies. Plus, their air-purifying abilities are impressive – they can eliminate formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and trichloroethylene. Their waxy leaves also resistant dust, keeping their appearance shiny. While rubber plants prefer bright, indirect light, they handle low light conditions fairly well too. Let the soil dry out some between waterings. The rubber plant’s status as one of the best large office plants is well-earned given its air cleansing properties and visually impactful presence.
Why Are Plants Important in Office Spaces?
Greenery can truly enhance any office environment. Thoughtfully incorporating plants into your workspace not only purifies the air, but also promotes productivity and creativity. From classic potted plants to modern wall gardens, botanicals lend a vibrant, professional polish. Visitors often feel more at ease surrounded by nature’s beauty. And nothing nurtures company culture better than thriving foliage tended by colleagues working cooperatively toward a common goal. With so many varieties to choose from, you’re sure to find the perfect plants to fill your office with life. The benefits of office plants are far-reaching, from improving air quality to reducing stress and boosting creative thinking.
Here are the six vital ways best office plants enhance work environments;
Improved Air Quality
One of the most impactful reasons is that plants naturally purify indoor air. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, helping remove pollutants like benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene from the air. This leads to improved air quality, reducing headaches, fatigue, and even long-term health issues for staff over time.
Increased Productivity
Secondly, studies show that employees are more productive, focused, and creative when working in spaces with natural elements like plants. By incorporating greenery, offices give brains a break from harsh mechanical environments, which can drain cognitive functioning over the course of a workday. Natural beauty can spark inspiration and motivation as well.
Reduced Stress and Boosted Well-being
On a similar note, the presence of good indoor plants for offices has been proven to decrease stress and boost well-being amongst employees. On both a psychological and physiological level, people feel calmer and more relaxed when surrounded by living plants. Their innate connection to nature lowers blood pressure, puts them in a positive mood, and offers welcome mental respite from constant digital stimulation.
Enhanced Aesthetics and Ambiance
Beyond health advantages, introducing plants enhances the overall office aesthetics with natural decor. The ambiance shifts from sterile and generic to warm and inviting. Plants breathe life into space, reflecting the company’s brand personality and values. Simple potted greens or intricate wall gardens can liven up any environment.
Noise Reduction
Offices can also leverage plants to dampen disruptive sounds. Large-leaved varieties help absorb echo and muffle conversations, allowing people to focus without distraction. This useful feature promotes privacy and productivity.
Biophilic Connection
Finally, having plants indoors connects staff to biophilia – humans’ innate tendency to seek connections with nature and other forms of life. Satisfying this psychological need leads to improved outlook and contentment. Greenery in the workspace, whether a fiddle leaf fig tree or succulent garden, tapped into these feel-good biophilic reactions.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Office Plants
Lighting Requirements
When assessing lighting, note duration and intensity. Is it from nearby windows or overhead bulbs? Low light foliage like pothos and Chinese evergreens thrive away from windows, while cacti and succulents need ample sun exposure.
Space Limitations
A cramped desk calls for a compact container garden or petite succulent. Expansive conference rooms can house majestic rubber plants. Always cross reference a plant’s mature size before purchasing.
Maintenance Level
If your team is always on the go, choose no-fuss plants like sansevieria or air plants. For plant enthusiasts, orchids and finicky ferns may thrive. Assess how much care your office greenery will realistically receive.
Allergy Considerations
Leafy Chrysanthemums, bamboo palm, and rubber plants filter indoor air yet release little pollen. It’s important to choose plants that won’t trigger reactions. Research specific plants’ allergen and purification levels to find options suitable for your office.
Pet-Friendly Options
Cats and dogs may cohabit workspaces. If you have pets in the office, it’s crucial to select plants that are non-toxic to animals. Some pet-friendly options include spider plants, peace lilies, and Boston ferns.
Tips for Caring for Office Plants
Proper Watering
Quench your office greenery’s thirst with the right amount of water. Check soil moisture before watering and research the requirements for your specific plants. Lack of water causes drooping leaves and yellowing, while overwatering leads to root rot.
Suitable Fertilisation
Use a balanced fertiliser every 2-3 months in spring and summer to provide plants with nutrients. Dilute the fertiliser in water at half strength to avoid salt buildup or leaf scorching. Choose a fertiliser specifically formulated for indoor plants and follow the instructions carefully to avoid over-fertilisation.
Regular Pruning
Trim away dead or overgrown leaves and stems to promote healthy growth and prevent disease. Pruning also encourages bushier plants and improves air circulation. Use sharp, clean shears to make precise cuts and avoid damaging the plant.
Dusting and Cleaning
Dust dulls leaves’ ability to photosynthesize. Gently dust leaves once a month with a damp cloth. Wash leaves periodically with mild soap and water.
Monitoring Temperature and Humidity
Most houseplants grow best with day temps of 65-75°F and night temps >55°F. Consider moving plants away from drying vents. Group plants or use a humidifier to create humidity.
Placement Ideas for Office Plants
Let the plants be improving your office into a flourishing, rejuvenating space for people to thrive. Here are some ideas to spark inspiration:
Desk Plants
Bring a touch of nature to your workspace with desk plants. Succulents are an excellent choice – their sculptural shapes and muted colours are pleasing without being distracting. Mini cacti and bonsai trees can also make striking desk companions. For those worried about caring for live plants, artificial office plants are a great hassle-free option. Their lifelike designs can lend a natural ambience without ongoing watering and sunlight needs. With minimal upkeep required, fake plants allow anyone to enjoy the benefits plants can offer.
Hanging Pots
Maximise vertical space and create a lush atmosphere, for a touch of drama, consider hanging plants. Boston ferns or air plants dangling near a window can lend an almost magical ambience. One could also hang low planters above seating areas to immerse visitors in nature. Office pot plants hung in macrame add warmth and texture to any workspace. The possibilities are endless when utilizing height and greenery to transform an office.
Floor Plants
Large floor plants make a bold statement and can instantly transform the ambiance of an office. Choose plants with architectural forms, such as fiddle-leaf figs, palms, or snake plants. They can create privacy screens, absorb noise, and improve air quality.
Living Walls and Vertical Gardens
Create a living tapestry on office walls with living walls or vertical gardens. These installations combine plants with a support structure to create a lush, green display. Imagine rich green ivy, lovely tillandsia, or even orchids strewn artistically across a wall. It lends such vitality.
Group Displays
Arrange plants in groups to create a focal point or define different areas within the office. Mix and match different plant species, sizes, and textures to create a visually appealing display. Group displays can help improve air quality and create a more inviting and productive work environment. A trio of plants woven elegantly signals care, uniqueness and vibrancy.
Bringing thoughtfully chosen plants into office spaces nurtures employees’ wellbeing through natural beauty and purified air, cultivating more inspired, collaborative, and productive teams. When incorporated consciously, best office plants enhance aesthetics and ambiance, reduce stress, boost focus, absorb noise, and lift moods, transforming sterile environments into flourishing havens that bring out the best in people.
Contact us to learn more about realising your dream office oasis!
