Plants for our health in the office

Do you spend a lot of your time in the office, or work from home with no plant nearby? That is a real shame. Studies in recent years have clearly proven that indoor plants break down harmful substances in the air, which benefits your health. They clean the air and increase its humidity, and they can relieve eye irritation and headaches. Placed correctly, they dampen noise, and last but not least, they have relaxing and aesthetic effects.

What are the main benefits of plants?

• some species, especially those recommended for office environments, clean the air
• they filter harmful substances from the environment (from furniture, walls, etc.)
• they have a positive effect on people’s mental state and health
• they boost your creativity and inventiveness
• they create a more pleasant environment for both work and relaxation
• they reduce noise and create a sound barrier
• they increase air humidity
• they strengthen the body’s immune defenses

 

Harmful substances in our surroundings

We all have furniture at home, various kinds of flooring, beautiful wall finishes and plenty of man-made things that can create a lovely interior. But each of these things was made from various artificial and often toxic materials that invisibly and gradually release substances that harm our health into the air, and keep doing so for a very long time after they were made (for example, formaldehyde, found mainly in furniture, carpets and adhesives).

Serious and highly hazardous substances include formaldehyde, benzene, acetaldehyde, radon, phthalates, toluene, trichloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene, aldrin, lead, carbon monoxide and others. Cigarette smoke and outdoor smog do not help either if you live in a densely populated neighborhood. Add to that the substances produced by people themselves (carbon dioxide) and by electronics. Such rooms then need to be aired out more often. You have surely noticed that in some rooms the air feels heavy or unpleasant, sometimes with a faint smell you cannot identify, and some of you may get headaches more often, have trouble breathing, feel tired, often have burning eyes or simply feel unwell in the room for long periods without being able to say exactly why.

Plants that purify your air

In past decades, NASA carried out research and studies for space travel and for better conditions on space stations, and in the process established the effectiveness of plants suitable for growing at home. Many plants, especially the houseplants many of us have at home or in the office, have a proven ability to clean the air and break down the harmful substances mentioned above, which are bad for people. Let’s take a look at the “air-purifying” plants that do this and that we also recommend when greening offices.

 

 

Photo: Sansevieria laurentii

Sansevieria

Sansevieria, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, is one of the most recommended plants for purifying the air. It has short roots and is usually grown in shallower containers, and because it is a succulent that can withstand drought, it can be left on its own for longer periods. It is a very hardy plant and attracts almost no pests. Anyone who values a good night’s sleep will appreciate one huge advantage: it is one of the few plants suitable for the bedroom, thanks to its ability to produce oxygen mainly at night, unlike other plants.

Sansevieria absorbs trichloroethylene, benzene and xylene.

 

 

Photo: Ficus Lyrata Bambino and Ficus pumila

Ficus plants

Ficus plants like higher humidity. The weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) grows into a large shrub with small leaves, but other ficus species are also recommended, such as Elastica robusta, Ficus Alli, Ficus cyathistipula or Ficus pumila. Their care is also reasonably simple, and apart from their sensitivity to cold drafts in winter, they are beautiful plants well suited to offices and homes.

Ficus plants remove formaldehyde and, thanks to their electrostatic charge, capture dust in rooms.

 

 

Photo: Chamaedorea elegans

Dracaena and other palms

Exotic “palms” like partial shade and warmth. They suit break rooms, waiting rooms and common areas. They do not like drafts or cold. They are popular plants and create a pleasant, calm atmosphere. The name Dracaena covers many species; the most commonly available include Dracaena marginata, Dracaena magenta, Dracaena sanderiana and others. The “palms” also include plants known as Chamaedorea elegans or Chamaedorea lutescens, which are just as effective at breaking down these substances.

These plants absorb harmful substances such as formaldehyde, benzene, tobacco smoke compounds and carbon monoxide. They even have a beneficial effect on substances emitted by monitors and computers.

 

 

Photo: Spathiphyllum Alana

Peace lily

These plants tolerate normal room temperature as well as spots with less light. They humidify the air well thanks to their water reserves and, in good conditions, reach an impressive height.

Peace lilies absorb alcohol, benzene, acetone and formaldehyde. They also pleasantly freshen the air.

 

 

Photo: Chlorophytum (spider plant)

Spider plant

A plant we all know from our grandmothers’ homes. It grows fast, is very easy to propagate, works well in hanging planters and is a good choice for beginners. It needs plenty of light, a slightly humid environment and more frequent watering (it also does well in hydroponics). Doctors also recommend this plant for households with allergies or lung disease.

It breaks down carbon monoxide, acetone, benzene, formaldehyde and ammonia. It also releases substances that can kill up to 80% of microbes.

 

 

Photo: Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Zamioculcas

It is a low-maintenance succulent that you can place anywhere. It tolerates lower light and, like Sansevieria, needs very little water, so it can be left on its own for longer periods and does not need fussing over. In fact, it loves dry conditions; overwatering will kill the plant.

The plant helps humidify the air in rooms, and its glossy, beautifully green leaves make it a decorative plant.

 

 

Plants help us

There are many plants that help our mental well-being and our health. You can find more plants for your home or desk in our store in Prague 8. Other beneficial plants include those of the genera Epipremnum, Scindapsus, Aspidistra Elatior, Alocasia, Syngonium, Aglaonema, Philodendron, Monstera and more.

 

Photo: Interiors at H&M that we furnished with plants

Interested in greening your interiors?

In 2022, we added interior greenery for businesses and other services to our portfolio. If you would like an expert consultation or a tailored quote, email us at info@dejmipokojovku.cz.

 

Author: Martin Seidl