Keep the office green

Having plants in the office space is more beneficial than you think, writes Stephanie Choo

ASTUDY by researchers from Washington State University that was published in the

found that workers were able to complete their tasks on computers with greater efficiency and focus when greenery was present.

Productivity was raised by 12 per cent and the workers were more attentive by 10 per cent. Want to have the same result at work? Experience it for yourself by tending to some greenery. While doing so, enjoy nature‘s beauty and its many benefits.

BRIGHTEN UP THE OFFICE

One quick way to incorporate greenery into the office interior design is by using potted plants. Display them on the desktop, window ledge, shelf or floor and they can instantaneously turn the dull office into a natural and beautiful space.

INSPIRE PSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS Greenery brings life and a positive feel to a space. A pleasing colour to the eye, green is also calming and stress-relieving. The effects can lower one‘s anxiety and boost mood levels.

PURIFY THE INTERIOR AIR

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration concluded that plants are very efficient at absorbing contaminants in the air. Plants like the heartleaf philodendron, spider plant and money plant are able to remove eight per cent of the toxic formaldehyde molecules within 24 hours when they are sealed inside acrylic chambers.

Flowering plants like gerbera daisy, chrysanthemum and peace lily are also effective pollution fighters. The corn plant, Dracaena fragrans, is also found to be useful in purifying the indoor air. With better air quality, the office is a more pleasant place to work in. Workers, hence, feel better and perform better naturally.

Gerbera daisies are also great pollutant fighters. GROWING CONDITIONS

To keep plants in the office alive and thriving, provide them with a suitable soil mix, brightness, temperature, humidity, amount of water and nutrients.

Always use a well-draining soil mix and pots with holes at the bottom to allow excess water to drain away. Air-conditioning affects plant growth due to the dry cool air it circulates and the drastic changes air temperature (the air cools down and warms up fast) in the room. Plants transpire even more moisture when placed near the vents

Start your green office with an easy-care plant like the money plant. where there is air movement. So keep them away from draughty areas.

When humidity is low, tropical plants can develop tip burns or leaf spots. Misting tropical plants with water and watering the root ball more often help to keep those symptoms at bay. Different plant species require different amounts of water. Plants from the arid regions such as succulents, including cacti, only need a little water to survive as they transpire less water.

The same goes for the sunlight needs of each plant. When the plant is not receiving enough light, their leaves turn yellow. If there is no natural sunlight, place plants under 12 to 18 hours of artificial light each day.

Under-watered plants look wilted, limp or lifeless. On the other hand, over-watered plants look droopy and have mushy foliage and roots, and brown or yellow leaves. The wet soil makes the pot feel heavy.

Water plants only when the pot feels lighter in weight or soil feels dry to the touch when you insert your finger about 2.5cm deep into the media. Feed plants lightly with a balanced liquid fertiliser when the plants look lacklustre or stunted.

Ensure that the plants are settled in places where there is good air circulation. Once a week, refresh the plants by placing them in a shady spot outside to soak in some fresh air, sunlight and night dew, just the way they would grow in a natural environment.