Plants can add more to an office than a decorative touch: psychologists have found that, as well as oxygenating the air, bringing some flora into the workplace can improve employee satisfaction and can increase productivity by up to 15 per cent.
But the lack of natural light and variable temperatures can make an office environment tough for many plants to thrive in. "The big thing for offices is air conditioning," says Freddie Blackett, co-founder and CEO of online gardening startup Patch. "Plants aren't used to very fast-varying environments."
Blackett had the idea for Patch in 2014 after struggling to grow plants on the balcony of his flat. Aimed at city dwellers, its web app curates collections by the conditions they're best suited to and gives buyers easy-to-follow care instructions. The company was founded at the end of 2015 and recently announced a $1.1 million (£850,000) seed investment.
Read more: How to design an office to maximise productivity
To choose the right plant for your office. Blackett says you should first assess how much light the space gets. You can use a compass on your smartphone to work out if the windows are west-facing (which will get plenty of sunlight) or if you should be looking for varieties that cope well in the shade.
Next, decide what you want your plant to bring to the workspace. Aesthetically, plants play three main roles, says Blackett: "They can fill a space, they can frame a space or they can follow a space." This will help determine the size, shape and density of foliage you should go for. Read WIRED and Blackett's guide on the opposite page for some suggestions.
Once you've greened up your space, Blackett advises setting up a staff rota to water and feed your new team members as needed, so they don't get neglected. "Inevitably, plants will die; they are living organisms," he says. "But if you have more plants survive than die, then you're on to something good."
1. Aspidistra elatior: Nicknamed the "cast iron plant", this copes well with little care.
2. Monstera deliciosa: Also known as the Swiss cheese plant, it thrives at room temperature.
3. Zamioculcas zamiifolia: An African plant which tolerates shade - ideal for a dark corner.
4. Howea forsteriana: This Australian flowering plant will fill whatever space you place it in.
5. Parentesit wall panel: This freestanding screen, designed for Arper by Lievore Altherr Molina, enables you to customise an office area.
6. Pachycereus: The easiest option: a cactus that requires almost no watering.
7. Dracaena fragrans: A tropical species that filters out nasty airborne chemicals such as benzene and formaldehyde.
8. Sansevieria trifasciata: This plant is practically indestructible and also helps to remove pollutants.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
