Final Plant Proposal

Office Planting

Why choose plants?

• Plants have been shown to generate up to one sixth of the oxygen for a human being, raising air quality and improving humidity levels

• They remove carbon dioxide from the air

improving the condition of employees with breathing difficulties i.e. asthma

• Studies have shown that plants reduce absenteeism

• Plants are particularly good at absorbing high frequency sounds, improving noise levels

• Plants reduce the effect of sick building syndrome which can include headaches, nausea, feeling sick, poor concentration, etc.

• Reduces the number of particulates such as benzene and other VOC’s

Right Plant, Right Place Environmental conditions in each are of the office will need to be considered to ensure they thrive and continue to provide benefits.

Light Source of natural and artificial light will need to be considered for each plant.

Temperature All of the plants selected originate from either a tropical, sub-tropical or temperate regions of the world and we’ll need a reading of temperature to establish which region is best for our office.

Air movement Position of heating outlets and air conditioning will need to be considered as these could affect plants sensitive to changes in temperature.

Form I try to use the more developed branched forms as they tend to have a higher leaf count and therefore higher levels of photosynthesis which results is more effective air cleaning.

Scale Size of installation is a consideration to create impact or to simply brighten up a desk. I’ll work out what size plant is best for what space.

Natural Natural containers can include wood, woven banana leaf, wicca style or even stone.

Natural

Ceramic

Ceramic Ceramic containers are one of the most varied ranges due to the varied production processes available and a good choice for the office environment.

Synthetic

Synthetic Synthetic are probably the best choice for the office, lighter than ceramic and mimic the effects of most other containers.

Aglaonema ‘Pattaya Beauty’ All the same qualities of Aglaonema but with a bolder appearance.

Low Light Plants

Aglaonema maria originates from the moist rain forests of Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Borneo and Sumatra where they enjoy high humidity and warm to high temperatures. They produce insignificant flowers and therefore are mainly used for its foliage especially as they can tolerate low light.

Aglaonema maria ‘Christina’ originates from the same area as the above but has more variegated leaves and can tolerate low light levels.

Anthurium ‘Jungle Bush’ is the original Anthurium, it has insignificant green flowers so is mainly used for its foliage. Light – low to medium.

Aspidistra elatior which is commonly known as ‘Cast-iron plant’ comes from China, Japan, Taiwan and the East Himalayas, where it can be found in the cool, dense shade of the mountain forests. It was prized by the Victorians for its ability to do well in poor conditions. Light – low to medium

Asplenium Nidus originates from Tropical Asia, Australia & Polynesia and belongs to the group of ferns and is grown for its foliage. Their size, shape and habit vary greatly, but Asplenium nidus resembles a bird’s nest, hence its common name. Like all ferns it must have complete shade and needs little light. Light – low to medium.

Dracaena Fragrans ‘Compacta’ Compacta’ is one of the many cultivated varieties of Dracaeana fragrans that originated out of tropical Africa. This cultivar has deep-green leaves and compacted growth. Most of the Dracaenas prefer dry and shady conditions. Light – low to medium.

Dracaena Fragrans ‘Janet Craig’ Janet Craig’ is one of the many cultivated varieties of Dracaeana fragrans that originated out of tropical Africa. This cultivar has long lance-shaped, deep-green leaves. Most of the Dracaenas prefer dry and shady conditions. Light – low to medium.

Dracaena Fragrans ‘Warneckii’ Warneckii’ is one of the many cultivated varieties of Dracaeana fragrans that originated out of tropical Africa. This cultivar has long, lance-shaped green leaves with a white band down the edges. Most of the Dracaenas prefer dry and shady conditions. Light – low to medium.

Fatsia Japonica Fatsia japonica is regularly grown as a garden plant in temperate climates, growing into a large shrub/small tree. Indoors it is very suitable for cool rooms, porches or conservatories. In high temperatures leaves and stems become soft and sappy. Light low to high indirect.

Dracaena fragrans is the original species that originated out of tropical Africa. They are naturally upright-growing shrubs which are given an interesting branched framework whilst in the nursery. Most of the Dracaenas prefer dry and shady conditions. Light – low to medium.

Monsterosa Deliciosa Monsterosa deliciosa is a tall growing climbing plant from the moister rain forests of Mexico. Young leaves are heart-shaped but older leaves become incised at irregular intervals from the edge almost to the midrib. Holes may also appear either side of the midrib. Light – low to medium.

Medium Light Plants

Caryota mitis is a more unusual but impressive indoor palm, it is commonly known as the ‘Fishtail palm’ because its leaves look like fishes’ tails. Originating from tropical India across to Indonesia and up to the Philippines and only reach 5-6m in height. Light – medium to high indirect.

Chamaedorea seifrizii comes from Yucatan in Mexico is a great slender palm for tight spaces. A larger species than the more common dwarf palm ‘Chamaedorea elegans’ it can grow up to 2.5m in height. Light – medium to high indirect.

Chlorophytum comosum, the well-known ‘Spider plant’, is a native of tropical and southern Africa. Although commonly known, it is still a firm favourite of mine, and I especially love using the new cultivated variety ‘Ocean’. Light – medium to high indirect.

Cordyline ‘New Congo’ is a great indoor Cordyline that is native to tropical Africa, the Congo and Nigeria. It has insignificant flowers and is used for its variegated foliage. Light – medium to high indirect.

High Indirect Light Plants

Clusia rosea is native to North America and commonly known as the Pitch Apple. This evergreen tree has showy, pink and white flowers that appear at night and sometimes continue into the morning on overcast days. Light – high indirect light.

Beaucarnea recurvata originates from Mexico. It is available as a Bonsai, a single stem and the more developed branched form. Coming from arid regions, it withstands drought and requires little water. Light – high indirect.

Ficus elastic ‘Tineke’, commonly known as the ‘Rubber Plant’ is grown commercially around the world as an ornamental plant, outdoors in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and indoors in colder climates as a houseplant. It can grow up to 40m in height. Light – high indirect.

Pachira aquatica is a tropical wetland tree, native to central and South America where it grows in swamps and can grow to 18m in height. It is grown as an ornamental plant in tropical, moist, frost-free areas and as a houseplant elsewhere. Light – high indirect.

Cordyline fruticosa is a great indoor Cordyline that is native to tropical southeastern Asia, Papua New Guinea, northeastern Australia and the Indian Ocean. It has insignificant flowers and is used for its colourful foliage. Light – medium to high indirect.

Lemon Lime’ is one of the many cultivated varieties of Dracaeana fragrans that originated out of tropical Africa. This cultivar has long, lance-shaped, dark-green and lime leaves. Most of the Dracaenas prefer dry and shady conditions. This is the mature version of the plant. Light – medium to high indirect.

Ficus elastica, commonly known as the ‘Rubber Plant’ is grown commercially around the world as an ornamental plant, outdoors in frost-free climates from the tropical to the Mediterranean and indoors in colder climates as a houseplant. It can grow up to 40m in height. Light – medium to high indirect.

Howea forsteriana has been a popular indoor palm since being introduced by the Victorians, thanks to its durability in medium indoor light. Grown as a group of plants for indoor use, it never achieve the 15m heights it can reach on its native Lord Howe Island in Australasia. Light – medium to high indirect.

Maranta leuconeura ‘Fascinator’ is a low-growing, creeping plant from Brazil. The sheathed stems and leaf stalks are practically vertical, but the oval oblong leaves are held horizontally. At night, the leaves role up, giving it the common name, the ‘Prayer Plant’. Light – medium to high indirect.

Sansevieria trifasciata is an evergreen herbaceous perennial plant that forms dense sword-like leaves by way of its creeping rhizomes. It is native to tropical West Africa and is commonly called the ‘Snake Plant’ or ‘Mother-in-Law’s Tongue’. Light – medium to high direct.

Inspiration So know you know a little more about office planting here is a bit of inspiration for you.

There are good examples of the use of texture, colour and foliage. Large leaves come at you and small leaves seem further away.

I’ll use the best plants for the locations choosing form and size to complement the area.

WaitroseMother in Laws Tongue £11.99Aglaonema £8.99Spider Plant £5.99

IkeaDracaena Marginata £12.99Dracaena Massangeana £20.00Ficus Nitida £35.00Mother in Laws Tongue £2.50Chrysalidocarpus Lutescens £19.00Pachira Aquatica £30.00Howea Forsteriana £39.00Sanseviera Cylindrica (MiL) £5.50Sanseviera Trifasciata £7.00Small Dracaena Marginata £4.50Ficus Elastica £6.50Small Pachira Aquatica £9.00Aloe Vera £2.50

Compost 20L £5.00Pots £3.00 - £40.00Gravel (prevents flies) £3.00 per bag