The ultimate guide to indoor plants in the workplace

Indoor plants have soared in popularity over the past few years, not just because they add a point of visual interest to a space, but also due to the mental and physical health benefits they offer. Plants have become increasingly popular in the workplace, offering workers boosted productivity, improved mood and a space with purified air. Of course, though, it’s important to know which plants thrive best in an indoor environment, and how best to look after them to ensure longevity.

 

Indoor plants can be categorised as such because of their ability to thrive in low levels of light. They also don’t need to be watered too often, and many of them are able to adapt easily to their environment.

 

 

Whether you simply want to gift each of your employees with a desk succulent, or you want to dedicate a whole wall space to an indoor garden, it’s worth doing some research around each plant so that you know how best to look after them. But, as a general rule of thumb, plant owners should have a small watering can or plant spritzer, fertiliser and suitable sized plant pots.

 

Watering your plants & fertiliser

It is, of course, essential that you water your plants to keep them healthy. However, plants have different requirements; some need watering more than others. Overwatering your plants, though, can be just as damaging as neglecting them – so it’s important to know when each one needs watering. In addition to conducting some wider research, you can simply test the soil for a rough guide. It’s important to remember that soil that feels dry on the surface is not necessarily dry all the way through – so try feeling the soil that’s closer to the roots.

 

Water is, of course, an essential ingredient of healthy plant growth, but fertiliser should also be added every now and then to offer the plant the nutrients it needs to thrive. For the benefit of the environment, it’s a good idea to try and use natural fertilisers, and if time allows, you could look into making your own from compost.

 

Check the roots

When initially choosing a plant, try checking the state of its roots. This is easier to do if the plant is smaller, since you can lift it out of the pot. Roots that are thick and light in colour are a good indication of a healthy plant – so try looking for these. Once you’ve placed the plant in your desired space, try not to take it out of the pot. This will avoid unnecessary damage to the roots, and will allow the plant to thrive and grow in the space it’s become accustomed to. Only re-plant it if necessary; for example, if you’re growing a Devil’s ivy and the plant needs more room to grow, you may need to transfer it to a larger pot.

 

 

Indoor lighting

Make sure that your plants are placed as close to a light source as possible – whether that’s natural lighting or artificial. If your space lacks light, try opting for plants that thrive in this setting. Devil’s ivy plants, for example, tend to grow particularly well in low light settings, whilst philodendron plants adapt very easily to their environment. Many succulents and plants with foliage, however, need roughly 4-6 hours of light – so it’s worth considering this before making a new purchase.

 

Your plant pots

When choosing a new plant, check that the pot has drainage holes at the bottom. This allows excess water to seep out, and is essential for keeping the plant healthy. These are also a good indicator of when a plant has had enough water; you can stop when water begins trickling through.

 

 

Plants don’t just add colour and texture to a space. They offer a variety of health benefits, and typically last 2-5 years, provided they are looked after. Biophilic design has become an increasingly popular trend within interior design, particularly in workplaces, helping to create a person-centred approach. To find out more, don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team.