The benefits of having plants in your office include elimination of air pollutants, reducing stress, and even improving your mood. Being more productive and more creative are some other possible advantages. According to a case study presented by www.deedman.co.uk, a simple plant on an employee’s desk helped relieve the sore throats he has been suffering from. Even if this is just one incident, it is representative for the multiple benefits of plants in one’s workspace. However, plants need to be taken care of so as not to turn brown or have their leaves shriveled.
What Are the Most Office-Friendly Plants?
In order to avoid having “sad” or even dead plants on your desk or in your office, choosing the right plants is sometimes vital. They have both to purify the air and to improve your productivity. Below is a list of the most appreciated plants for workspaces:
- English Ivy: It absorbs VOCs (volatile organic compounds) released by photocopiers, office furniture etc.
- Pepermint: This plant is known to stimulate the brain, improving attention and memory.
- Spider plant: It requires low-maintenance, improves air quality and reduces stress.
- Lemon Balm: It also stimulates the brain and improves mood and behavior.
- Philodendron: It frees indoor air of VOCs and excess carbon dioxide.
How to Take Care of Office Plants
Here are some simple tips for taking care of office plants:
Watering the plants
Be sure to give your plants the right quantity of water, not too much, nor too little. If the first 2 inches of soil is dry, it is a sign the plant needs watering. As a general rule small pots, because they tend to dry out more quickly, need to be watered more frequently.
Your plants require light
If possible, find a source of natural light as is the most suitable for indoor plants. Generally windows are a great place for plants, but you can also put them on your desk, provided the light is enough.
Water the plants according to the conditions in the workspace
Because of the heaters used during winter, there are dry conditions and the plants will require extra water.
Saucers of water
A plant should never be in a saucer filled with water for more than 30 minutes. Make sure you pour off this water in time.
Cold and hot spots
You should avoid placing the plants near doors, radiators, vents, which can lead to creating too cold or too hot areas for the plants.
