Living Walls Or Lifelike Illusions: Which Types of Artificial Office Plants Are Best For Your Workplace?

Bringing plants into the office can dramatically improve the atmosphere and aesthetic of your workplace. But when choosing greenery, there are some tough decisions to be made: should you opt for living walls that breathe life into your office or go for the maintenance free ease of lifelike artificial plants? In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of both living and artificial plants, and how you can find the perfect balance for your office. Artificial plants are a cost effective option due to their low maintenance costs.

Why are plants good for your office to reduce stress?

Whether they’re real or artificial, plants are a fantastic addition to any office environment. They improve the overall look of the space, making it more inviting and pleasant for both staff and clients. Additionally, studies show that incorporating greenery into your office can boost employee wellbeing, reduce stress, and even increase productivity.

A wide range of artificial plants is available, offering diverse shapes, sizes, and colors to suit any office decor.

Whether they’re living or artificial, plants help to create a positive atmosphere and can make your workspace feel more connected to the outside world. In a world of screens and artificial office lighting, this can be a breath of fresh air (literally, in some cases!).

Types of Office Plants

When it comes to choosing the right office plants, there are numerous options to consider, each bringing its own unique charm and benefits to your workspace. Here are some popular types of office plants that can transform your office environment:

• Artificial Desk Plants: Perfect for adding a touch of greenery to individual workstations, artificial desk plants are a low maintenance option that can brighten up any desk. They require no watering or sunlight, making them ideal for busy professionals who want to enjoy the aesthetic benefits of plants without the upkeep.
• Artificial Hanging Plants: Great for adding a decorative element to office spaces, artificial hanging plants can be suspended from ceilings or walls to create a lush, green atmosphere. These plants are perfect for offices with limited floor space, as they add greenery without taking up valuable real estate.
• Office Plant Walls: A modern and stylish way to bring plants into the office, office plant walls can be customised to fit any space or design aesthetic. These vertical gardens not only make a striking visual statement but also help to improve air quality and create a more inviting environment.
• Artificial Succulents: A popular choice for offices, artificial succulents are low maintenance and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They add a touch of nature to your workspace without the need for regular care, making them perfect for busy office environments.

True or false: should you choose artificial office plants or real plants for your office?

When deciding between artificial and real plants, it’s important to consider the specific needs and constraints of your office space:

Why choose real plants?

Living plants have several incredible benefits, the most important being their ability to purify the air. Certain plant species naturally filter out pollutants, improving the air quality in your office, which can lead to fewer headaches, reduced sickness, and increased concentration. Real plants can also create a sense of calm and wellbeing, helping to reduce stress in a busy office environment. A living office plant wall, for example, can become a stunning, natural feature that transforms the space. It will certainly make a statement!

Why choose artificial plants?

Artificial plants, on the other hand, offer a different kind of convenience. For offices that experience irregular staffing patterns (like those with hybrid working setups), maintaining real plants can be a challenge. Artificial plants require no watering, pruning, or sunlight, making them ideal for offices with limited natural light or where plant care may not be consistent. They’re a great solution for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to pollen, ensuring that everyone in the office can enjoy the greenery without discomfort.

There’s also plenty of variety, with artificial desk plants and artificial wall plants bringing plenty of colour and style to a space. The range includes various types of artificial plants, such as tall bamboo plants and orchids, to enhance workplace environments. The quality of artificial office plants today also means they’re getting harder to tell apart from a real plant. Artificial plants are also easy to move and store, allowing you to change your décor in line with the seasons.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Workplace

Selecting the right office plants involves considering the specific needs and conditions of your workplace. Here are some factors to keep in mind to ensure you choose the best plants for your office:

• Lighting: If your office has limited natural light, artificial plants are an excellent choice as they don’t require direct sunlight. This makes them perfect for interior spaces or areas with minimal windows.
• Space: For offices with limited floor space, consider compact or hanging plants that won’t take up too much room. Artificial hanging plants or small desk plants can add greenery without cluttering the workspace.
• Maintenance: If you don’t have a lot of time to devote to plant care, low maintenance artificial plants are a great option. They require no watering, pruning, or special care, making them ideal for busy office environments.
• Allergies: If you or your employees have allergies, artificial plants are a safe bet as they don’t produce pollen or allergens. This ensures everyone in the office can enjoy the benefits of greenery without discomfort.

Why not mix and match?

If you can’t decide between real and artificial plants, why not have both? Combining the two can give you the best of both worlds - real plants for their air purifying qualities and natural beauty, and artificial plants to fill in areas where live plants might struggle to thrive. A well placed artificial desk plant or artificial hanging plant can add a lush feel without the need for daily care, while a living wall or potted plants in brighter, well lit areas will bring the fresh benefits of nature indoors.

Mixing and matching also allows for flexibility with design, providing the freedom to experiment with different sizes, shapes, and colours to suit your office’s unique aesthetic.

Office Plant Trends

Office plant trends are constantly evolving, reflecting the growing appreciation for greenery in the workplace. Here are some popular current trends that can enhance your office environment:

• Biophilic Design: This trend involves incorporating natural elements, such as plants, into office design to create a more welcoming and calming atmosphere. Biophilic design can help reduce stress and improve overall wellbeing, making the office a more pleasant place to work.
• Living Walls: Using plants to create a living wall is a fantastic way to purify the air and improve indoor air quality. These vertical gardens not only look stunning but also provide the health benefits of natural plants, making them a popular choice for modern offices.
• Artificial Plants: High quality artificial plants are becoming increasingly popular for creating realistic and low maintenance plant displays. They offer the aesthetic benefits of real plants without the need for regular care, making them ideal for busy office environments.

Installation and Aftercare

Proper installation and aftercare are crucial to ensuring that your office plants thrive and continue to enhance your workspace. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Installation: For large or complex plant displays, consider hiring a professional to handle the installation. This ensures that your plants are properly placed and secured, creating a polished and professional look.
• Aftercare: Regularly dust and clean your artificial plants to keep them looking their best. This simple maintenance task can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your office plants.
• Maintenance: Set up a maintenance schedule to ensure that your plants receive regular care and attention. For artificial plants, this might involve occasional cleaning, while living plants will need watering, pruning, and other care to keep them healthy.

Get help from a professional plant hire and design service

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the choices or simply want to ensure your office plants look their best, consider seeking help from a professional plant hire and design service like phs Greenleaf. Our experts can assess your office space, suggest the best plants to suit the environment, and even maintain them for you. Whether it’s a stunning living wall or some low maintenance artificial plants, we’ll take care of the upkeep, ensuring your office always looks its greenest. With our design expertise, you can rest assured that your plant displays will enhance your workspace without becoming a distraction.

Expert Insights

Our team of experts has years of experience in providing high quality office plants and plant displays. Here are some expert insights to keep in mind when choosing and maintaining office plants:

• “Artificial plants are a great option for offices because they’re low maintenance and can be easily customised to fit any space or design aesthetic. They offer the beauty of real plants without the hassle of regular care.”
• “Living walls are a fantastic way to purify the air and improve indoor air quality, but they do require regular maintenance to keep them thriving. It’s important to have a plan in place for their care to ensure they continue to provide benefits.”
• “When choosing office plants, consider the specific needs and conditions of your workplace. This will help you select plants that will thrive and provide the benefits you’re looking for, whether it’s improved air quality, reduced stress, or simply a more attractive office space.”

By following these expert tips and insights, you can create a beautiful and functional office environment that benefits both employees and clients.

Bring life into your office with phs Greenleaf

With the help of phs Greenleaf, you can bring all kinds of plants into your workplace, ensuring your employees feel the benefits while adding some affordable and attractive décor. We sell everything from artificial office plants to bespoke living wall displays, allowing you to rent or buy beautiful plants according to your needs.

Whether you go for real plants, artificial plants, or a combination of both, phs Greenleaf is here to help. We can discuss designs, colour schemes and maintenance, so that you can make the best choice for your business.

Creating a more welcoming, productive space with the help of some office plants from phs Greenleaf. Contact us today for more information about our plants hire and maintenance services.

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