Commonly Asked Questions

Plants have a calming, therapeutic effect on people. Numerous studies have found that exposure to greenery – even indoors – helps to reduce stress and anxiety. For instance, research has shown that people who spend more time around nature (or have plants in their environment) report less mental distress, lower levels of anxiety and depression, and overall higher well-being[36]. In a workplace setting, adding plants can create a more relaxed atmosphere: greenery tends to soften the environment, which can lower blood pressure and make people feel more at ease. In fact, just looking at plants or taking a brief care-of-plants break can be restorative. One study noted that spending 20–30 minutes in a place that allows interaction with nature can significantly lower stress hormone levels[37]. Over time, an office with plants can foster a happier mood, better focus, and even improved morale among employees – essentially, plants help people feel good at work.

One big trend is integrating more dramatic plant features into workplaces – for example, living green walls and large statement plants are very popular as they make a bold visual impact and maximize greenery without consuming floor space. Companies are also using plants to redefine office layouts: clusters of plants or even mobile plant walls are employed to create informal breakout zones or to divide open-plan areas, adding privacy and a calming vibe in a way that traditional partitions can’t[39]. Another trend is the push to make offices feel more like home (“resimercial” design) – this means incorporating cozy touches like potted plants, natural finishes, and even indoor trees to soften the corporate feel and improve comfort[40]. Wellness is a driving force behind design now, so we see dedicated quiet corners or relaxation spaces filled with plants where employees can unwind during the day. Sustainability is trending too, with more demand for locally sourced plants, reclaimed wood planters, and even installations like green roofs or rooftop gardens for employees – these not only provide natural respite but also help insulate buildings and support biodiversity (green roofs, for example, can significantly cut cooling costs and are starting to appear on urban offices)[41]. In summary, biophilic design isn’t a niche anymore – it’s become a mainstream element of modern office design, with creative uses of plants being key to cutting-edge workspaces.

It’s very unlikely. The indoor plants used in offices are generally chosen for their low allergen profile – most have no flowers or very low pollen output, so they shouldn’t bother people with hay fever or allergies. (Many office-friendly plants are foliage plants, and any flowering ones can be substituted if needed.) Regarding pests: Planteria takes measures to prevent pest issues. They often use a peat-free, soil-free substrate (instead of regular soil) for plant installations, which greatly reduces the chance of fungus gnats or other soil pests in the office[28]. The maintenance technicians also routinely inspect the plants for any signs of bugs (like aphids, mealybugs, etc.). If an issue is spotted, they address it quickly using safe, office-appropriate treatments or by isolating/replacing the affected plant. In practice, it’s rare to have pest problems in a well-maintained interior planting scheme. So, you can enjoy the plants without worry – they shouldn’t create any pest nuisances or allergy problems for your staff.

Sustainability is central to Planteria’s approach. For instance, they use a special peat-free growing medium called Ecoponic for nearly all their indoor plant installations[27]. Using peat-free substrate protects natural peat bog ecosystems (important carbon stores) and is much more eco-friendly. Ecoponic is also a sterile, mineral medium, which means it doesn’t harbor soil pests or require chemical pesticides – a healthier choice for offices[28]. Planteria also prioritises local sourcing of plants wherever possible and reduces waste by recycling and reusing materials. (They even collect and compost old flowers from their floristry service rather than sending them to landfill[29].) Their maintenance methods are designed for efficiency – for example, the watering systems they use avoid waste, and they plan service routes to minimize travel emissions. Planteria has an ongoing sustainability strategy and complies with all relevant environmental regulations, so you can be confident that adding plants through Planteria is a green choice in itself[30].

Yes – incorporating biophilic design (plants and natural elements) can contribute positively to many building sustainability and wellness standards. Certifications such as BREEAM, WELL, LEED, or FITWEL all have criteria related to indoor environmental quality, occupant well-being, and biodiversity. Adding indoor plants can help meet these criteria by improving air quality, visual comfort, and overall occupant satisfaction with the space[31]. For example, WELL Building Standard awards points for biophilic design features that reduce stress, and BREEAM considers indoor air quality and ecology – areas where plants can play a role. Planteria’s team is experienced in supporting projects with these goals and can tailor their designs to align with specific certification requirements[32]. While plants are just one piece of the puzzle for certification, they are an effective and visible way to demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and wellness in your building.