As more companies return to office-first ways of working, indoor plant specialist Patch Plants shares which businesses are investing in biophilic design the most and using plant life to make offices more productive and happier places to be.

The positive business impact of thriving plant life in a corporate space was proven in a 2014 study by the University of Exeter, which showed conclusively that introducing plants into an office could increase productivity by 15%.

The research indicated that indoor plants help to enhance cognitive functions such as concentration and memory, both of which contribute to a more efficient work performance. And as well as improving efficiency, the University of Technology Sydney found that having more green life in a working environment has been associated with the reduction of stress levels among office employees. 

Top Five Industries Prioritising Biophilic Design In Office Spaces

Patch Plants shares which industries are making the most investment in plant life in their offices:

• Tech
• Law
• Architecture
• Finance
• Media

“These are industries that operate in fast-paced and high pressure environments,” says Kelly Dyer, Plant Doctor at Patch Plants; “Not only are sectors like Tech and Law investing in the initial purchase of green life, but they are committed to ensuring the green life in their offices are well maintained in order to best deliver their performance-driving potential among staff.”

Happy plants and office working spaces don’t always go hand in hand, and the health of plants is a key component of biophilic design as Dyer explains: “For plants to enhance productivity and wellbeing in a working environment, it’s as much about the type of plants as it is about the health of the plants. It’s actually counterproductive to have dead or diseased-looking plants in an office, as this will have the opposite effect on people’s wellbeing, making them feel worried, stressed and depressed. The maintenance of healthy plants is as important as their presence. They are living, growing organisms that respond to their environment and care, and while they may add ornamental value, it’s important not to reduce them to ‘fittings’. This is why Plant Maintenance services exist; so that trained, skilled horticultural professionals can respond to your plants needs and respond with the appropriate care.”

Plants That UK Businesses Want Most

According to sales insights, the most sought-after plants for office spaces are: the Snake Plant, Pothos, ZZ Plant, Kentia Palms and Strelitzia. Whilst all aesthetically pleasing, these plants are the best-sellers with businesses due to their high impact aesthetic qualities, as well as their low-maintenance care needs. 

Kelly Dyer who regularly consults with companies on how to use plants to make the most impact in an office space, warns that the positive performance and efficiency benefits of these best-selling indoor plants are only effective if an office can keep their plants alive, happy and healthy. 

Dyer says: “Offices seldom have fresh air, the temperature is either controlled by aircon in Summer or heating in Winter, and the light is either artificial or blocked out by blinds. For this reason, it’s advisable to consult an expert on suitable plants specific to your conditions and to trust the recommendations on ‘Office Plants’ website filters. These will have been tried and tested in similar environments and specifically curated.”

With plants only improving concentration and reducing stress when they are healthy and happy, Kelly Dyer shares her advice on ensuring how to best look after the most popular indoor plants with offices: 

• Snake Plant: A hardy favourite, that is forgiving to forgetful waterers and low-light corners, but for best results bright, indirect light is best, so position them near a window for optimal growth. That being said, these plants do prefer warm environments and should be protected from temperatures below 15°C.
• Pothos: Perfect for beginners, a pothos can bring trailing vines, pretty heart-shaped leaves and instant charm to an office environment, whilst being able to withstand most conditions and low levels of care and attention.
• ZZ Plant: Offering a sleek, sculptural aesthetic that holds up well under fluorescent lighting, the ZZ is an ideal option for lighter spaces but is renowned for being virtually unkillable. 
• Kentia Palms: Growing upwards, rather than outwards, the long slender stems and soft soothing arching leaves of Kentia plants are brilliant for squeezing into tight office corners or next to desks. They handle temperature fluctuations and dry indoor air better than more delicate species, and don’t outgrow their space quickly, making them manageable long-term.
• Strelitzia: Also known as Wild Banana, this plant brings bags of tropical impact with its impressive height and grand leaves. It needs a bit more care and attention to make sure it looks pristine and brings as much positive impact as possible; regular watering and bright light will help it realise its full potential. 

To see a range of indoor plants deemed suitable for corporate environments, visit:  https://www.patchplants.com/pages/plants-for-offices/