Studies have shown that adding greenery to your workspace has many wellness benefits. From lowering stress to increasing productivity and enhancing staff morale, placing pot plants in the office brightens up the working environment and makes us feel happier.
Some plants even have scientifically proven air purifying properties that detoxify the air that we breathe at work. So, while we all like to look at a pretty plant while at work, who knew that there could be real health and financial benefits to having plants in the workplace?
Indoor plants don’t have to cost a lot and neither should it take much management time to look after them. It’s a pretty compelling argument, wouldn’t you agree?
Let’s take a look at 3 favourite plants that you might consider for your office.
1 – Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The beautiful peace lily signifies peace and prosperity, which is never a bad thing to have in the office. It’s a classic indoor plant that will enhance any workspace. Peace lilies have dense dark green foliage with the occasional white ‘flower’ that is actually a type of specialised leaf. They will thrive in shady rooms and don’t need a lot of watering. If you have an office with a limited amount of natural light, and no green fingered colleagues keen to take on the responsibility of looking after the office plant, a peace lily could be the perfect answer.
Intriguingly, peace lilies are also admired for their exceptional air cleansing qualities, according to the Clean Air Study carried out by NASA in 1989. Their ability to purify the air from toxins including ammonia, formaldehyde and benzene is possibly the best reason to put a peace lily on your desk.
2 – Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
The Kentia Palm is a timeless indoor plant that will look fantastic in any office environment. Hugely popular and virtually unsurpassed for its ability to tolerate shade, dry air and general neglect in the office, it only needs watering every 1-2 weeks, less during winter.
Kentias have upright slender trunks with lush dark green, feathered, arching leaves also known as fronds. These indoor palms are extremely durable and slow growing up to a height of 4 metres. And did we mention that they look simply spectacular in offices, foyers and reception areas?
3 – Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Weeping fig trees come in a range of sizes, from modest pot plants to 3 metre high indoor trees, so there’s bound to be one to suit your office space. With its hanging branches and abundance of dark green, often variegated leaves, this evergreen shrub is as attractive as it is useful.
Weeping figs prefer frequent watering and plenty of natural light, so a sheltered window sill is the best position. That said, they don’t like draughts and they really don’t like being moved – they’ll let you know by dropping their leaves! Similar to peace lilies, ficus trees will purify toxic chemicals found in carpet, furniture and the air that we breathe.
If you need specialist advice to choose the right indoor plant for your office, our experienced and knowledgeable team is at your service. We have an extensive selection of plants and containers for offices and corporate clients including simple pot plants, indoor palm trees and ready planted complete displays, along with a choice of planters, self watering containers and accessories. Totally Plants can even provide a free planting service for your convenience.