How to boost your workplace wellbeing with plants
Flex your green thumb by adding an array of lush plants to your business! Not only do plants add a beautiful aesthetic to any environment but they also reduce stress, increase productivity and so much more. This guide will help you choose the best plants for your space as well as provide information on the benefits of incorporating plants in your workplace.
Live plants can be purchased in-store or online via our Click and collect service. For more information on live plants and for help on selecting the right plants for your workplace, visit the IKEA for Business team at a store near you or contact us.
- Product information page
- Product information page
The health and wellbeing benefits of plants
Did you know that plants provide extensive benefits to our health and wellbeing? Here is a list of the benefits of having plants.
1. Plants create a pleasant aesthetic
Long gone are the days of bright and stark white office walls! Adding plants provides more visual stimulation and points of visual interest which in turn can help encourage creativity.
2. Plants foster a quiet environment
From spirited conversations between coworkers, the hissing of the espresso machine and the robotic noises from the photocopier - sometimes we all wish for some peace and quiet to be able to focus. Having multiple plants on display can act as noise buffers by absorbing noise and a concentration of plants in one area can act as a "quiet zone" for employees to escape to when they really need to concentrate.
3. Plants increase productivity
When you feel better, you do better! There have been many studies done which suggest that the boost of wellbeing that comes with incorporating plants in a workplace also influences productivity. Win-win!
4. Plants reduce stress levels
It's no secret that spending time in nature helps our mental health, but it can sometimes be difficult to find the time to go outside. By bringing plants into your business, you're bringing the outside world in which is still a wonderful way to connect with nature.
5. Plants clean the air
One of the most remarkable features of plants is their ability to clean the air and remove toxins. This feature alone can help employees to stay healthier while promoting a cleaner work environment.
The best plants for your space
The types of plants that you select for your workplace will depend on a few factors such as the space that you have available for plants and the amount of natural light that your workplace receives on a typical day. At IKEA, we have plants for everyone, from beginner to botanist. Read below to discover which plants are best suited for your business and click on plant names to learn more about each specific plant.
Little natural light | Lots of natural light | Small spaces | Large spaces
For spaces with little natural light
SPATHIPHYLLUM (Peace lily) - place in a shady area, keep growing media moist by watering frequently
DRACAENA CINTHO (Madagascar dragon tree) - place in a shaded area, low amount of watering always, do not dry out completely
EPIPREMNUM (Golden pothos) - ideal office plant, fast growing, keep growing media moist
For spaces with lots of natural light
ALOE VERA - place in a bright and sunny area, can survive without watering for short periods of time as it requires little water
CACTACEAE (Cactus) - place in a bright and sunny area, can survive without watering for an extended period
SANSEVIERIA TRIFASCIATA (Mother-in-law's tongue) - place in a bright and sunny area, sensitive to over-watering, water less in winter
For small spaces
ZAMIOCULCAS (ZZ plant) - place in a light area and out of direct sunlight, ideal office plant, growing media should be dry most of the time
CALATHEA LANCIFOLIA (Rattlesnake plant) - place in a light area and out of direct sunlight, sensitive to draughts, growing media should be moist but can dry out, sensitive to temperature changes
FICUS LYRATA (Fiddle leaf fig) - place in a light area and out of direct sunlight, growing media should be moist, sensitive to under-watering
CHAMAEDOREA ELEGANS (Parlor palm) - place in a light area and out of direct sunlight, easy care plant, growing media should be moist but can dry out
For large spaces
DRACAENA MASSANGEANA (Corn plant) - place in light area but out of direct sunlight, keep growing media moist and likes high humidity
PACHIRA AQUATICA (Money tree) - place in light area but out of direct sunlight, growing media should be dry most of the time, trim to keep shape
STRELITZIA (Bird of paradise) - place in bright and sunny area, prefers moderate watering, sensitive to low temperatures, mist occasionally
YUCCA ELEPHANTIPES (Spineless yucca) - place in a light area and out of direct sunlight, ideal office plant, growing media should be dry most of the time
Artificial plants = infinite possibility
Due to allergies, lack of time and resources to care for plants or other factors, live plants may not be ideal for your workplace. Don't worry! We have a wide selection of artificial plants that will enhance your business' aesthetic.
*Live plants are available for purchase in-store or online via Click and collect only.
