Office is a space where most of us spend early mornings and late evenings (ok, quarantine has made it a little easier as we work from home). Corporate culture sometimes makes it hard for us to relax and feel comfortable while working. Thus, plants are one of the easiest ways to soften the strict office environment.
Often office workplaces are quite densely located, which causes a decrease in oxygen levels in the air and, consequently, the fall of the employeesâ performance. Plants can saturate the air with oxygen, increase the humidity level in the room, clean the air from bacteria and other harmful substances. They relieve stress (green is the color of calm and peace), and are pleasant to watch for those who are tired of working at the computer.
Before buying a plant
Remember: not every flower can survive the office environment. Consider whether the plant you choose is easy to care for. Is it unpretentious? How much sunlight does it need? What about humidity levels? Do these plants smell? Can they cause allergic reactions?
Do you have enough office space for plants? Are there any windows or only artificial light? How about an air conditioning system?
Pay attention that not all employees have time to water, feed, and prune the plants regularly. Discuss the âplantâ issue with all of your colleagues.
Below we prepared a list of houseplants that perfectly suit every office space.
Monstera
An evergreen liana with large carved leaves up to 45 cm in diameter. This beauty came to us from the tropical forests of America, grows quite fast and even bears fruit when kept in warmth. Monstera needs diffused light, regular watering and fertilizing once a year. If the plant is kept in warm temperatures (+20-25°C (68-77 F)) and spoiled with fertilizer, it will quickly grow to a height of several meters and even produce fruit. Monstera has a huge number of useful properties that are good for the indoor microclimate. During the day, this flower produces oxygen and can ionize the air in an enclosed space.
Ficus
This is a classic example of a decorative plant for any room. Large glossy leaves of dark green color attract attention, so the ficus becomes an excellent accent element of the interior. Ficus benjamina, commonly known as the weeping fig, is a versatile plant which looks attractive as a stand alone specimen or as part of a mixed display.
The plant likes spraying, and the leaves to keep their healthy and presentable appearance should be wiped with a damp sponge. Ficus feels best in the warmth with constantly moistened soil. Cold drafts from windows or doors will harm them, so make sure to place them somewhere where drafts will not be an issue.
Violets
Bright violets bribe with their tenderness and fragility. These plants like bright light, so they usually live on windowsills. Protect them from frost, drafts and temperature changes. If you donât overwater your violets, they will please your space with beautiful flowers of various shades and create an atmosphere of comfort in the office.
Aglaonema
This plant, sometimes called âaglos' or Chinese evergreens, Aglaonema are popular because of the colour that the leaves can attain. While many are deep green, they can also have traces of silver or red. Aglaonemas with green leaves grow well in places with insufficient light, while plants with variegated leaves need brighter light. Aglaonema effectively cleans indoor air, reduces the volume of benzene and other harmful substances that enter the air from furniture, plastic and paint-and-lacquer coatings.
Spathiphyllum
This flower is an indispensable decoration of any office. It has a beautiful appearance and the ability to clean the air from various harmful impurities.
Spatiophyllum is popular for its white, boat-shaped flowers and beautiful, large leaves on delicate stems. You can watch its bloom for weeks: the unusual flower slowly unfurls, revealing an elongated yellow bud, and just as slowly blooms. Spathiphyllum tolerates shade and dry air well, but likes the soil to be always moist.
Depending on the chosen variety, the height of the Spatifillum can vary from 50 to 100 centimeters. The leaves are large, deep green with wavy edges and a waxy patina. Spathiphyllum flowers can be seen for quite a long period of time.
This flower is capable of purifying the air. It neutralizes harmful substances in the office, leaving after its work a pleasant and fragrant smell.
Sansevieria
It is well known for its combination of unusual appearance and unpretentiousness. The leaves of Snake Plant, which grow strictly upward, are pointed at the ends and covered with dark spots and stripes. They are a great decoration for any room and make a spectacular hedge when planted in a row. In addition, sansevieria is one of the leaders in oxygen production.
Chlorophytum
Probably the most unpretentious plant among them mentioned here. Chlorophytum will grow even if you do not take special care of it. It can tolerate temperatures up to +8 ° C (46 F). The plant can be placed both in the penumbra and in the sun - in the second case, the color of its thin leaves, gathered in a lush rump, becomes brighter and quite compensates for the impossibility of flowering. Chlorophytum does not need frequent watering, and spraying is not required at all.
Zamioculcas
Better known as the "Money tree", Zamioculcas captivates gardeners with its beautiful dark green leaves that have a noble gloss. Native to Africa, the plant tolerates drought well, so you can practically forget about watering it in winter. Zamioculcas rarely blooms, but that doesn't stop it from being in our âtop choiceâ - it grows well and looks great in any interior.
Bromeliads
Perfect for reception areas or corridors, Bromeliads may require a bit more maintenance at first in order to bloom â they are notorious for taking their time â but once they bloom, aside from the odd watering, they require very little care.
One of the main reasons for this is that they donât require a strict care routine. All you need is provide bright indirect sunlight, maintain optimal humidity and keep the soil moist but not soggy. Therefore, the striking colors and blooms of Bromeliads will please you for long.
Where to put plants
To successfully place potted plants in the corporate space, remember a few tips:
- Put large-leaves plants in spacious rooms not cluttered with furniture;
- Fill work tables, window sills, wall shelves and floor decorative stands with compact plants;
- Foyer and reception area are the best places for large-scale houseplants;
- Use large trees to divide the working zones;
- If you have low ceilings, compensate it by âtieredâ plants;
- In one room, no more than two ornamental-flowering vases should predominate.
With the right selection and placement of plants in the office, you can create an environment that is pleasant to stay and to work in. Any of the abovementioned plants can successfully complement your office interior and help employees to distract from the hustle and bustle.
