Plants at work!
Research shows that indoor plants:
• Improve productivity and performance
• Reduce indoor air pollution
• Reduce sick-leave
• Lower stress and negative feelings
• Improve business image with potential clients
• Contribute to fulfilling at least 75% of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Criteria
Greening the great indoors for productivity and performance
• Think desk-tops; file-top ‘hedges’; green zones; nooks; spaces; walls, or vertical gardens.
• There’s a ‘living green’ contributor to productivity and workplace sustainability in every building situation. Cleaner air is healthier air, and leads to clearer thinking!
Results of the study can be found at: http://www.nipa.asn.au/fpdb/UTS%20Indoor%20plant%20brochure%202010.pdf
TOP 10 OFFICE PLANTS
(From Nursery and Garden Industry Australia: Improve Your Plant Life Balance Factsheet 23 Feb 2011, www.ngia.com.au)
Adding indoor plants to office settings not only brings freshness and colour, but also elevates mood, productivity and performance while improving your overall health and wellbeing. Most offices are windowless with little or no natural light so it’s often hard to pick the right type of plant to suit your work climate and conditions. Almost all indoor plants are tolerant of lower levels of light, easy to grow and require simple maintenance.
Here are 10 top desk and floor plants:
TOP DESK PLANTS
Bromeliads
Bromeliads come in a variety of shapes, sizes and foliage colours, and are hardy indoor plants which also grow well outdoors. They enjoy warmth and humidity, but must also have good air movement. The frequency of watering depends on the office climate as they need extra care and attention during hot weather or heated conditions.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace Lilies are one of the most popular office desk decors because of their attractive, glossy foliage and frequent blooms. They prefer moist conditions and leaves will brown if the plant is not getting enough humidity. To keep your Peace Lily in top condition, keep away from direct sunlight as they prefer lower levels of light.
Mother-in-law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)
Mother-in-law’s Tongue is a linear, architectural plant with stiff, upright leaves that can grow up to two metres tall. It’s the perfect desk plant for those who have little time because of its ability to withstand most conditions. If treated right, a Mother-in-law’s Tongue can last for years.
Walking Iris (Neomarica bicolour gracillis)
Walking Irises, also known as Apostle Plants, are attractive, hardy indoor plants with arching, sword-like leaves that can grow up to 60cm long. They grow delicate, fragrant, orchid-like flowers at the tips of its stems which only last a day. They require plenty of moisture and look stunning as indoor plants.
Mixed Garden
These multi-grouped plantings are designed for desk tops and reception areas where lighting is usually medium to high. Ensure tables and workstations are protected from water damage or scratches by using a cork mat or velcro tape.
TOP FLOOR PLANTS
Madagascar Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)
Dragon Trees are attractive indoor plants widely used in home, office and commercial décor. They have tall snake-like trunks which can grow up to three metres high while their green and pink leaves beautify any indoor space. They perform best in a well-lit environment to maximise leaf colouring.
Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcus zamiifolia)
Zanzibar Gems are the ideal office plants for busy workers because they can grow in dry, shaded areas, tolerate an amazing amount of neglect and are virtually impossible to kill. They have an unusual, striking foliage with thick tube-like stems that will brighten up any office. Water less during winter and keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp cloth.
Yucca (Yucca elephantipes)
Yuccas are one of the most versatile and hardy indoor foliage plants. They have long woody stems and large strappy leaves which add architectural flare to any office. They prefer high levels of light and tolerate neglect rather well. 3
Janet Craig (Dracaena deremensis)
Janet Craigs are tall plants with dark green, glossy leaves with a tolerance to lower light conditions, making them the most popular Dracaena used indoors. Janet Craigs are ideal to place in the office corner, away from walkways where they can get damaged by passing traffic.
Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Fiddle-leaf Figs are hardy, tropical looking plants with long stems and large glossy leaves. They are among the trendiest indoor plants to have right now with office fitouts. The frequency of watering depends on the amount of light the plant gets. Plenty of light is recommended as low light conditions causes the plant to stretch.
Tips for indoor plants:
1. Never over-water indoor plants and always check soil moisture before watering.
2. Only fertilise indoor plants with half strength liquid fertiliser during the active growing season.
3. Indoor plants enjoy a trip outdoors from time to time, especially during wet weather.
