Our Ultimate Guide To Mood-Boosting Office Plants
Did you know that having plants around your workspace has been proven to improve mood and reduce stress of employees?
Numerous studies have confirmed that by incorporating plants into workspaces can have a positive impact on employee well being. Research indicates that by just having some greenery around can help lower stress levels and improve overall mood. Some studies suggest that the presence of plants can reduce feelings of anxiety and create a more calming environment for workers. The natural elements introduced by plants can also improve concentration, making it easier for employees to focus on their tasks. Plants also naturally purify indoor air by filtering out pollutants, which not only contributes to cleaner air in the work environment but can also improve cognitive function.
Many employers now are embracing biophilic design (integrating natural elements into office spaces) to create a healthier, more productive work environment. A well designed, green office space can make the workplace feel more inviting and stimulating, further boosting employee morale.
If real plants sound like too much hassle for you or if you are not a very green-thumbed work force, artificial plants can still have the same benefits as having real plants (minus the air-purification). Faux plants, just like real plants, have been shown to boost morale and employee wellbeing, especially when they look realistic. Artificial plants can be a great alternative to real plants if your lifestyle or location isn’t optimal for real plants.
For some office spaces, real plants can be difficult – but never impossible. All plants need some level of sunlight to survive and this varies with different species of plants. If your office doesn’t have much natural light, you could opt for plants that enjoy a shadier spot and require less sunlight to grow. Another option could be to install grow lights. Grow lights are LED lights that are designed to artificially mimic or supplement sunlight. Unlike regular light bulbs that are optimised for human vision, LED grow lights offer light for plants in the blue and red spectrums which are plants preferred wavelengths allowing them to absorb enough energy for photosynthesis. Grow lights are a great alternative to natural sunlight if there’s a shady corner in your office that looks like it needs a bit of greenery.
4 Plants That Can Thrive In An Office Environment
We understand that office plants can often be forgotten about and left neglected for periods of time. After all, you work in an office not a florist. Some of the best plants that are most suited for an office space are plants that thrive when they are left alone and don’t require much fuss to keep them happy. Below is a guide of some plants that will thrive in your work space (and with a bit of neglect).
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos plants, also known as Devil’s Ivy, are very a type of trailing plant. They can be hung using a plant hanger, or tied to a moss pole, encouraging them to climb rather than trail. These hardy little plants can go for weeks without watering and don’t require much care at all. Pothos are extremely fast growers, meaning they are a very rewarding plant to keep. The name Devil’s Ivy comes from their love of shady corners – this plant doesn’t require much direct sunlight to keep it happy, although it will thrive with more sun. They are also one of the easiest plants to propagate, leaving you with more plants! Simply take a stem cutting with a node and sit it in water for a few weeks and soon you will have roots. Once the roots have developed to be a few inches long you can plant the cutting in soil and eventually it will produce more new leaves.
Monstera Deliciosa (Swiss Cheese Plant)
Monstera Deliciosa are a type of climbing plant native to the tropical rainforests of central and south America. They are known for their large heart-shaped leaves with dramatic fenestrations (the holes/slits in the leaves). They get the name ‘Swiss Cheese Plant’ due to their fenestrations that look like the holes in Swiss cheese. These plants love the sun and need watering roughly once a week. They also like a moss pole or some sort of support system to allow them to grow taller. Monsteras require the most care out of all the plants on this list but they are worth the hard work when you are rewarded with such lush green foliage.
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)
The Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, more commonly known as the ZZ plant, is a great plant for any office space as it thrives off of a bit of neglect. This plant is native to dry grassland and forest in Eastern Africa, meaning it doesn’t require much water to keep it happy – make sure to let the soil dry out completely between waterings to avoid over watering. ZZ plants prefer bright, indirect light but they will tolerate shade also. They can grow 2-3 feet tall, meaning they can be purchased in a variety of sizes.
Dracaena Trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Snake plants (scientifically known as Dracena Trifasciata) are super hardy plants that would thrive in any workplace. These plants require very minimal care and water. They prefer indirect sunlight and water sparingly, only when the soil is completely dry. Also be sure to allow the water to fully drain away to prevent the roots from sitting in water and rotting. Snake plants are a great air purifying plant so they will contribute to a healthier office atmosphere too.
Hopefully this guide has helped you learn about the benefits of incorporating plants into your workspace and given you some options for ideal plants to keep! Wessex Interiors Ltd offers comprehensive office decorating solutions, creating beautiful productive spaces that work for you and your team. Get in touch today to see how we can help your business’ workplace transform.
