There’s just something about plants

that people love; the organic shapes, lush colors, and the way they’re always there for us. Incorporating plants in the workplace is one of the simplest ways to make a big impact on morale and team health. This can be especially important for remote workers who may be prone to feeling isolated or having trouble staying focused.

So why should you spring for some office plants?

Mental Health

There’s a myriad of research on the fact that plants really do make you happier. They have been shown to boost mood, combat depression, reduce stress, and increase overall feelings of wellness. Plants also provide routine (watering, pruning, etc), which is another key factor to good mental health.

Productivity

In addition to helping you FEEL better, having a lush collection of indoor plants also helps you PERFORM better. They help increase focus and combat attention fatigue. Having more plants also reduces the feeling of boredom, keeping you engaged in the tasks at hand.

Design

Of course, as a design-oriented firm, we cannot forget the most obvious benefit: plants look good. You can find plants to fit any aesthetic. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and colors. They can spruce up empty corners, provide additional privacy, or add that extra personal touch. You can also find decorative planters to reinforce your design style, whether it’s traditional, ultra-modern, or somewhere in between. Be sure to support your local nurseries and artisans who sell plants and planters!

Choosing the right plants

Now that you’re convinced that you need some plants in your life, let’s talk practicality. When looking for office plants, there are a few key features you’ll want to keep in mind.

Maintenance

Low maintenance is the name of the game when it comes to office plants. If things get busy, or there’s a long holiday weekend, you want to be sure that your plants will survive a little neglect here and there. Look for plants that prefer to dry out a bit between waterings.

Natural Light

Every office (or home office!) has different levels of natural light. Assess your space to see where best to place your plants. What kind of light to those spaces receive? Full sun, indirect sun, or limited sun? Many plants do well with an abundance of indirect light. Plants placed directly in the windows may actually receive too much light and heat which can scorch the leaves. You may also consider rotating plants so that they each get their time in the light.

Allergens

In an office environment, it’s good to be considerate of all team members, as well as guests and visitors, when selecting plants. Look for plants that are low allergen or allergen-free. This article highlights some of the best and worst plants for allergy sufferers. As a rule of thumb, avoid flowering plants, plants that produce pollen, and plants that thrive in very moist soil.

Types of Plants

Based on the above considerations, the following types of plants are a great place to start for your indoor plant collection. They each have a wide variety of sizes and aesthetics available, so go wild and choose plants that spark joy for you!

We’d love to see your indoor plant collection! Tag us on Facebook or Instagram using the hashtag #methodplants. Be sure to follow us over on Instagram to follow the journey of our leafy office friends!