There is no longer any doubt that adding plants to a workspace is a worthwhile investment. In addition to bringing a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, plants help workers concentrate, get along well and improve overall morale.
Unfortunately, not all of us have the privilege of working in an office with large windows, but it is still possible to add a little greenery in areas where light is more limited.
Contents
10 Plants that don’t need light for a windowless office
1. Zamioculcas
Commonly called “ZZ Plant”, Zamioculcas Zamifolia is an original and resistant plant. In addition to tolerating low light, it requires very little watering. It will be necessary to be patient, Zamioculcas likes to take its time before letting its brand new glossy leaves show through. It likes dry air, indirect light, shade, it really has all the characteristics of the perfect office companion.
2. Sansevieria
Also known as “Mother-in-law’s Tongue”, Sansevieria comes in several sub-categories that make it a versatile plant that is easy to keep alive despite the lack of light. A drying between waterings, a fluorescent neon light and hop … it’s done!
3. Pothos
The Pothos also ranks among the office favorites for its ease of maintenance and interesting look. In addition to growing in long vines, Pothos is available in several varieties that are sure to please. If your office only offers artificial light, turn to the “Jade” Pothos. Otherwise, you can opt for the “Marble Queen” and the “Neon”, which require a minimum of natural light to fully develop.
4. Dracaena Compacta
With its stylish look, the Dracaena Compacta, also known as the “Dragon Tree” will bring a modern twist to the décor of your workspace. This beautiful plant offers a long but constant growth and has no problem with fluorescent lights. Don’t forget to dust a little bit its leaves so that it keeps its brightness.
5. Dracaena Warneckii
Offering more color than its predecessor, the Dracaena Warneckii is a great option for people who want to bring some punch to their work area. The young Dracaena Warneckii are not very tall and are rather bushy, which is perfect for placement on work tables. As a shrub version, the plant is perfect for lobbies and will look great under neon lights.
6. Aglaonema
Called “Chinese Evergreen” by English speakers, this superb variegated plant is said to bring (according to some beliefs) good luck. In addition to having an exemplary behavior under limited lighting, Aglaonema is among the most depolluting plants that exist. There are therefore many reasons to adopt it in the office!
7. Aspidistra
The Cast-Iron Plant inherited its name from the English hundreds of years ago and is still a favorite among people looking for low-maintenance plants. This deep foliage plant tolerates very well in low light and can even do without a watering or two (but don’t forget it for too long).
8. Schefflera Arboricola
The Schefflera Arboricola or “Umbrella Tree” adapts perfectly well to different climates and light intensities. Despite the fact that it would probably prefer a window sill to a dark hallway, this tropical plant will provide an interesting dimension to the decor of your office without being too demanding.
9. Ivy
This very decorative office plant develops a foliage in long tendrils that you can arrange to your liking. You can direct the branches in different directions to decorate your office as you wish.
10. Cactus
A potted cactus placed on the employee’s desk is a good way to introduce plants into the workspace. Cacti are robust and require very little watering. Resistant, they purify the air you breathe: a simple way to improve your workplace.
The beneficial effects of the presence of plants in the workplace
Studies show that employees perform better when green plants are planted in a company’s office: the increase in productivity is an impressive 15% compared to the figure measured in offices without plants. Adding generous touches of greenery to a stripped-down work environment significantly improves employee performance, especially in terms of memorization.
The presence of green plants, in an office, helps improve productivity
Of all the benefits of putting green plants in an office, the most talked-about one is obviously improved concentration and productivity – after all, it’s all about work.
But we’ve listed some other less well-known facts below, including reduced stress and improved skin condition, even if it didn’t take much to convince you to visit your local garden centre as soon as possible. By the way, have we talked about improving health?
They help reduce stress
Another valuable advantage of office plants is their excellent stress-reducing capacity. If the prospect of a productive, stress-free workplace appeals to you, read on and discover the top 5 best plants recommended for the office.
The presence of plants in the office promotes positive psychological changes: plants help us, for example, to perceive our environment as more welcoming, soothing, colorful and relaxing.
A study conducted in 2014 shows the following results
- Anxiety – 37% reduction
- Depression – 58% reduction
- Fatigue – 38% reduction
- Anger/Hostility – 44% reduction
- Fewer days of absence due to illness
Studies have shown that green office plants can reduce absenteeism by up to 50%, while reducing minor injuries by 30%.
The air is healthier
Plants have the ability to improve air quality in office space
Plants have the ability to improve air quality in an office space: they can reduce the amount of CO2 by 50% and the amount of dust, mold and other bacteria that may be present in the room by 20%.
Not only will you work better in an office with green plants, but you’ll also breathe less toxins in the space where you spend much of your time. To make the most of these benefits, make sure that there is 1 green plant for every 3 employees.
There is less noise
If you think that office plants can’t do much else for your concentration, think again. It’s scientifically proven that green plants can also reduce noise in an office by 5 decimal places. And if the noise level is lower, the level of concentration is higher, as is the level of employee and employer satisfaction!
The presence of green plants stimulates creativity.
Another study on office plants has shown that they can even stimulate creativity and make it grow by 15%. As creativity evokes a range of positive effects, plants prove once again their usefulness in the office.
Skin looks healthier
Not only will you be in better shape, but it will show. Studies have shown that office plants can reduce skin dryness by 20%.
Summary
In addition to the undeniable aesthetic qualities of green plants and the fact that they are a source of good mood, office plants have psychological powers that trigger a proven cognitive stimulation effect. Nature has long provided a stimulating force for those in an office: for example, the fact that employees see a natural environment from their desks rather than a concrete setting has a positive impact on their mental and physical health.
This is because plants have micro-restorative properties, i.e. they allow our brains to recharge throughout the day. The numerous researches carried out on this subject refer for the most part to a principle established by psychologists Rachel and Stephen Kaplan: the “attention restoration theory”.
