King’s former gardener reveals the plants that boost your productivity at work

With Spring now upon us, many of us are preparing our homes for a spring refresh, but did you know that certain plants can boost office harmony? We spoke to ex-Royal Gardener Jack Stooks on how you can create the perfect office environment for the Spring months.

Plants Boost Productivity and Mental Health in the Office

“The top benefits of having plants in the office, especially for productivity and mental health, are their calming and relaxing presence. Just knowing there’s something alive around you that needs tending, loving, and caring for can make a big difference. When people have plants in the office, they know they need to water them to keep them alive, and they’re also aware of the benefits like increased oxygen levels.”

Lavender, Jasmine, and Rosemary Improve Concentration and Reduce Stress

“Plants that help with concentration or reduce stress at work include those that release oxygen, like the ones mentioned above. It’s also beneficial to have scented plants or those with fragrant leaves in the office. Lavender, for instance, has a lovely scent but needs good lighting and regular watering. Lemon balm has nice leaves, and jasmine is excellent for reducing anxiety as you get occasional whiffs of its scent. Rosemary is another long-lasting option that thrives with good lighting. Scented leaf geraniums also work well indoors, as they release a pleasant scent when touched or brushed past, helping to alleviate anxiety.”

Evergreen Plants Like Ficus and Spider Plants Are Ideal for Spring Office Updates

“When updating office plants for spring, it’s a good idea to choose evergreen varieties that thrive year-round. Stability is essential, especially in workplaces aiming to reduce stress and anxiety, so it’s best not to change the office environment too frequently. Evergreen plants provide consistency, and they just need occasional care, like adding new compost and watering, to keep them healthy.”

“If you want to add a seasonal touch, consider spring bulbs placed on office desks or in a central area to create awareness of the change in seasons. However, it’s best to keep these in a designated spot while maintaining the rest of the office as it is. This way, you can introduce a seasonal element without creating too much change, which might cause stress.”

Low-Maintenance Plants Are the Best Choice for Offices with Limited Natural Light

“Low-maintenance plants that work well for offices with limited natural light include peace lilies, snake plants, dracaenas, and cheese plants. These plants are great oxygen releasers, which can contribute to a positive atmosphere in the office by providing cleaner air.”

Cheese Plants, Epiphytic Plants, and English Ivy Make Your Office Inviting

“For a more inviting office space, vibrant, low-maintenance plants like cheese plants or epiphytic plants do well indoors. English ivy is another good option for darker areas. It doesn’t have a scent but is perfect for filling a dark space and is quite long-lasting.”

Plants with Unpleasant Scents Can Negatively Impact the Office Environment

“Some plants can negatively impact mood or the office environment, particularly those with unpleasant scents. For example, box plants do well outdoors but not indoors, as their scent can be quite off-putting. Additionally, plants with sharp or spiky leaves, like agave or berberis, should be avoided as they can cause minor injuries if brushed against. It’s better to choose plants that are soft and won’t cause issues if touched.”

How Plants can Divide Open-Plan Workspaces Without Killing the Vibe

“You can use big planters with trees – things like olive trees and certain palm trees, which do well indoors – so you’re giving height without creating a complete blockade. A full divide can make the environment feel depressing or stressful if it’s too tight a fit. It’s important to have a bit of air, light, and openness.”

“You could also use long planters and fill those with more indoor-type plants. That way, you’re creating separation while still allowing a flow through the space. You don’t want to completely block off the room – especially if it means you can’t see your colleagues or friends.”

“When it comes to aesthetics, use planters with a modern finish, like concrete or slate – then let the plants bring in that natural contrast. You’ve got the structure in the planter, and the plants doing their own thing. It strikes a nice balance.”