How to Choose the Right Plant for Your Workspace

Deciding whether or not to install potted plants in your workspace is a no-brainer.

The positive benefits of indoor plants and biophilic workspace design are overwhelming. Plants can improve airflow and extract pollutants, which in turn improves energy and wellbeing. They help to reduce stress and improve focus and concentration. They act as partitions and natural screens. They smell good and look beautiful. They can even absorb and deflect noise.

But let’s face it, we’re not all horticulturalists, and one of the very few downsides to keeping plants in the office is actually a significant one: they die.

A poor, wilting plant does nothing for relaxation, wellbeing or productivity. Aside from regular watering, plants need to be situated in the right place according to their variety. Some plants thrive on day-long sunshine and heat; others prefer cool, dark places away from direct sunlight. Some need regular watering while others — like cacti — are happiest in dry conditions.

So how do you know which plants will thrive in your flexible workspace?

This infographic by Quill, a supplier of workplace products, is a great place to start. It provides basic advice on how to choose plants according to the amount of light in your workspace and the level of maintenance. Recommendations include:

Low maintenance office plants:

Spider plant
Chinese evergreen, which can tolerate dry air, poor light and dry conditions
Warneck dracaena

Lots of natural light

Perfect for ‘succulents’ such as Aloe Vera
Polka dot plants – a small, bushy plant with beautiful leaves of varying colors

Little light, shady corners

Fittonia, with glossy veined leaves
Philodendrons
Parlor Palm

Take a look at the infographic below for more suggestions. If you’re naturally green-fingered, let us know your recommendations for indoor potted plants. Send comments and photos via Twitter or Facebook.