Follow these steps and you will increase the health, happiness and productivity of your workforce!  Guest post by Tiles Direct

There are numerous studies proving the benefits of bringing greenery into the office and workplace.  These highlight positive attributes including (but not limited to) improved air quality, productivity and wellbeing. It's not surprising that more and more businesses across the UK are enhancing their workspaces with indoor plants to create healthier, greener and more welcoming environments. ‍

Oh how these house plants and living green wall enhance the office space! Who wouldn't want to work here? However, there's more to incorporating indoor plants into office space than just dotting a few pot plants on desks here and there - you want your plants to create an appealing place to work, as well as accurately reflecting your brand and company culture. From exotic Dracaenas and bird of paradise plants to subtle spider plants, we're going to be taking you through 6 steps to choosing the perfect greenery for your office.

1: Consider the size of plants ‍

Small plants would look completely lost within this spacious office setting. Size definitely matters when it comes to choosing office greenery. Indoor plants should be noticed and appreciated, adding to the overall look and feel of your office - but they should stand out for the right reasons. In larger spaces, a bigger plant like a Dracaena can bring a bright, tropical look to any office space, but this may look overbearing in small areas. Similarly, small plants like spider plants used in vast spaces will easily get lost. It's also important not to forget about height - some plants, such as the rubber plant, can grow very tall if left unchecked. ‍

This charming rubber plant: Ficus elastica 'Belize', is already a giant. It measures at least 180cm tall and it will keep growing unless pruned to the desired size.

2: Think about the shape

The shape of indoor plants also ties in with the size. Ensure that your indoor plants don't become obstructive as they mature. Office plants are often used in entrance ways or as natural dividers between work areas. But a plant that grows outwards could eventually impede walkways or obstruct visibility. A safe bet here is a Sansevieria laurentii, also known as 'mother-in-law's tongue'  - it's striking, but grows upwards rather than outwards. For desk plants and windowsills, why not add texture and greenery with trendy succulents, bonsai trees or bamboo stems that won't grow to be overly big and bushy? ‍ Sansevieria laurentii is also known as Mother in law's tongue. It's a great office plant as it has a vertical shape. ‍ Aeonium are succulent house or office plants which look great in a collection.

3: Factor in the colouring

Indoor plants come in a wide range of colours and tones, from vibrant greens to deep purples and soft pinks. It's important to find plants that complement your existing decor and brand colours. Bright greens and tropical plants with flowers work brilliantly in contemporary spaces, contrasting nicely with neutral or pale palettes. But if you're looking for a more conservative look, opting for darker green shades, deep reds and purple-leafed plants will add colour and warmth subtly when paired with a light, neutral colour scheme. ‍

Colour can lend a different dimension to your indoor decor.  You can use plants to  complement the design. ‍

Begonia rex 'Stained Glass' makes a great home or office plant and can enhance the decor.

4: Find the right placement

Not all plants like the same level of warmth and sunlight. Be sure to bear this in mind when choosing your office greenery. For instance, plants like the peace lily and ferns prefer bright, indirect sunlight, so they're unlikely to thrive well in front of a window - whereas a jade plant will lap up the UV rays and heat. ‍ Find the right placement and your office plants will look stunning. ‍

The jade or money plant, Crassula ovata, is immensely popular as a house or office plant. It loves sunshine and is so easy to look after.

5: Don't forget about plant maintenance

As living things, your indoor plants will require some TLC - but some require less than others. In a busy office environment, caring for plants could be a low priority, so opting for low-maintenance plants like a Zamioculcas zamiifolia or some hardy, desert succulents will add brilliant colour and texture to your office space without requiring much effort to keep them alive. ‍

The 'Z-Z' plant, as it is often called, is really easy to look after too.

6: Add the finishing touches

Decide on plants that  reflect your brand and office culture, but don't forget to attend to the finishing touches. Choose appropriately sized pots to match your decor.  The right pot will keep your office plants healthy. Accentuate natural elements to tie the overall aesthetic together. You can also build on this all-natural look by introducing high-quality floor tiles in classic, earthy shades to truly bring the outdoors into your workspace. ‍

Plants can provide the finishing touch to internal decor within an office. With a huge range of indoor plants to choose from, you're sure to find just the right plants to achieve a stunning look - whether that's eye-catching tropical species like the Dracaena; tried and tested favourites such as the Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera) or delicate orchids for a splash of colour and elegance. ‍

The unmistakable foliage of the Swiss cheese plant with its split leaves. Take a look at the video to see for yourself: https://youtu.be/S-xIIL0bcw8