With spring now fully setting in, many of us will be preparing our homes for a nice refresh, and one way to do this is by purchasing some houseplants. And these don’t just have to be decorations, and there are several plants that will also help reduce your stress levels.
Former Royal gardener Jack Stooks has shared some tips for choosing the perfect houseplant for yourself. Speaking to Office Freedom, he highlighted the benefits of having plants in your workspace, whether that’s a busy city-centre office or just a small corner of your home. He said: “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.”
While any plant can be beneficial, Jack has revealed three that can help reduce stress and increase concentration: lavender, jasmine, and rosemary.
Lavender’s calming properties are well known, but jasmine and rosemary may be slightly more surprising for those who aren’t already in the know. All three of these plants release oxygen, and their pleasant scents help reduce anxiety and alleviate stress.
Alongside these three, if you’re looking for something to help reduce stress, then Jack has also recommended lemon balm and any scented leaf geraniums.
While these plants may help reduce stress, they aren’t the most low-maintenance options. Jack recommends different options for those looking for a green office space that doesn’t require much effort to care for.
He says: “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.”
Jack has also shared a number of plants that you should not place in an office environment. The first of which are box plants, which can have a rather off-putting scent that isn’t pleasant for anyone working in this space.
Other plants that shouldn’t be placed in an office are ones with sharp or spiky leaves, like agave or berberis, as these can cause injury if brushed against or knocked into.
