Office plants are more than just a decorative addition - they make a significant contribution to a healthier and more productive working environment. Find out here exactly why and which plants make sense for the office.
What are the benefits of plants in the office?
It is often assumed that greenery in the office is purely decorative and simply makes the office look more inviting, but these green helpers offer many more benefits.
- Improved air quality: Through their natural processes, they cleanse the air of pollutants and increase oxygen levels. This boosts productivity and helps counteract fatigue and headaches. In addition, plants release moisture through their leaves, increasing humidity levels, which is especially important during dry heating periods.
- Stress reduction: Plants convey a sense of connection to nature and remind us of the calm and beauty of the natural world. Watering, repotting and caring for office plants can also help bring some variety into the working day and provide a short break from the screen. This can also lower cortisol levels, leading to reduced perceived stress.
- Increased productivity: The combination of less stress and better air quality increases productivity and efficiency throughout the working day
- Sound insulation: Plants act as natural sound dampeners by absorbing and dispersing sound waves. This is due to the porous surface of leaves and stems. The larger and denser a plant is, the more effective its sound-insulating effect.
What should you consider when choosing?
Once you have decided to transform your workspace into a green oasis, you are probably wondering which plants to choose. To select the right office plants, there are a few aspects you should consider before buying.
Where should the office plants be placed?
The choice of location is crucial in determining which plants you should ultimately choose. Light is probably the most important factor here. Most plants cannot thrive without light and will die within a few days or weeks. If your workspace gets little or no daylight, an artificial houseplant is the better choice. These do perfectly well without any light at all. You should pay particularly close attention to how “real” the plants actually look. Real plants also need a certain level of humidity and room temperature in order to grow healthily.
What size should the plant be?
Depending on where you want to place office plants, size is also a key factor. If the greenery is meant to sit on the desk, a smaller plant is the better choice. A hanging variety can be placed on shelves or in hanging baskets. If you are looking for a plant that will stand on the floor, you only need to consider the room height and the space available.
How much care do office plants need?
In general, this naturally varies depending on the plant species. Some only need a little water every few days, while others require special pruning and fertiliser in order to thrive. So be sure to pay attention to the specific needs of each type of plant. The amount of water also plays a major role. Waterlogging damages the roots, while too little water causes wilting. A good rule of thumb for most office plants is to water them whenever the soil has already dried out slightly.
Which plants are suitable for the office?
Some plants are better suited to an office than others. The important thing here is that it should be a robust species. Because of holidays, illness and working from home, office plants need to be able to put up with quite a lot these days. If you are only rarely in the office, do not have green fingers, or simply do not have time to care for plants, we would also like to offer you an artificial alternative for every plant that looks deceptively real but requires no care or light at all.
These 5 are particularly well suited to the workplace
1. Peace lily (Spathiphyllum):
The peace lily is not only beautiful, but also air-purifying and blooms regularly. Its white bracts, which are often mistakenly referred to as flowers, give it an elegant yet understated appearance. As an air purifier, it helps improve the indoor climate and removes pollutants from the air. The peace lily prefers a bright spot without direct sunlight and needs regular watering, but should not be left standing in water.
2. Zanzibar gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia):
Zamioculcas zamiifolia, better known as the ZZ plant or Zanzibar gem, is a true survivor among houseplants. Its robust, fleshy leaves store water, making it extremely resistant to drought. It even thrives beautifully in shady locations. The ZZ plant is not only easy to care for, but also highly decorative. Its glossy, dark green leaves add an elegant touch to any room. Thanks to its low maintenance requirements, it is the ideal plant for anyone who has little time for plant care.
3. Money tree (Pachira aquatica):
The money tree is a real eye-catcher and brings an exotic flair to the office. The money tree is not only a decorative highlight, but also a symbol of success, prosperity and positive energy. With its artistically braided trunk and large, bright green leaves, it draws all eyes to it and lends any room a sense of elegance and harmony. The money tree has its roots in the tropical regions of Central and South America, where in the wild it can grow to an impressive height of up to 20 metres.
4. Eucalyptus (blue gum tree):
A hanging eucalyptus is not only a visual eye-catcher, but also reliably filters pollutants from the air and gives off a fresh, invigorating scent that can promote concentration and reduce stress. However, with this beautiful houseplant in a modern boho chic style, it should be noted that it is toxic to pets and small children. Some people may also react allergically to eucalyptus and experience symptoms such as breathing difficulties.
5. Ficus (rubber plant, weeping fig, fiddle-leaf fig)
The ficus is a popular choice for offices, as it is robust and adaptable. It is not only decorative, but also improves air quality. Ficus plants prefer bright locations without direct sunlight and like consistent moisture. Regularly misting the leaves increases humidity and contributes to healthy growth. It is important to avoid waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
Conclusion: Plants for the office
Plants for the office are more than just attractive decoration – they make a significant contribution to a healthier and more productive working environment. They improve air quality by filtering pollutants and increasing oxygen levels. In addition, plants have a calming effect, reduce stress and boost concentration. Their natural beauty creates a pleasant atmosphere and makes the office a place where you feel comfortable. When choosing the right plant, factors such as lighting conditions, room size and personal preferences should be taken into account. Whether it is the hardy Zamioculcas, the easy-care money tree or the elegant peace lily – there is a suitable plant for every taste. With a little care and attention, office plants can become long-term companions and make working life much more pleasant. If you have little time, little light or simply no green fingers, then artificial plants are a decorative alternative.