Caring for a frond with benefits

1. Don’t overwater

“When it comes to caring for your indoor plant, the main thing is to not overwater them.

“If you water your plant too frequently, it can develop root rot which kills leaves.

“Give your plant a good watering when you receive it, and from there, aim to water it around three times a week.

“We’d recommend letting the plant dry out before watering, and consider investing in a water meter, which can be purchased from Bunnings.”

2. Remove dead leaves

“If some of the leaves on your plant do die, it’s best to remove them – otherwise, the plant will use all its energy trying to rejuvenate the leaf.”

3. Find the light

“I’d recommend taking your plant out of the office and placing it in a shady spot once a week to receive a bit more light, and some fresh air.”

4. Re-pot growing plants

“If your plant is growing, it will need to be re-potted. This is because if its roots and space is restricted, its growth will be impacted.

“Your plant is currently planted in a terracotta pot.

“When you re-pot your plant, choose another terracotta pot as they allow the plant to ‘breath’ better and also make it easier to tell when the plant is wet or dry (the terracotta goes damp or looks dry).”

5. Replenish nutrients

“The soil that your plant is potted in is packed with nutrients – nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium – all the good stuff that plants like to replenish!

“We’d recommend replenishing your plant with these nutrients in about six months’ time.”

A study from the University of Technology Sydney found that indoor plants at work raised productivity and performance, improved job satisfaction, lowered stress and reduced the amount of time taken off as sick leave.

In an office in the UK, another study showed that employee productivity increased by a staggering 15% after indoor plants were introduced to the workplace.

These benefits all come down to the way indoor plants improve indoor air quality.

According to John Patykowski from Deakin University, air pollution levels are nearly always higher inside buildings than they are outside – even in busy city centres – and research shows any decrease in indoor air quality directly affects health and performance.

“Good indoor plants can positively affect air quality and reliably reduce Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) loads by up to 75%, and increase oxygen to carbon dioxide ratios, at least during the day while they are performing photosynthesis,” he said.

Aside from increased workplace productivity, there’s also research linking desk plants to improved mood, concentration and creativity.

“It’s well-recognised that indoor plants can have positive effects on mental and physical health,” said John.

This is the reason you commonly see indoor plants in places like hospitals.

“Humans have a natural tendency to prefer settings with natural elements, and the perceived attractiveness of indoor plants can induce stress-reducing effects.”

Interior designers use plants to not only bring colour and life to a space, but to make it feel more welcoming, calm, and open.

Finally, the simple act of taking care of a plant can deliver a sense of accomplishment, that can also make you feel a lot better – something we could all do with after a challenging year!

Indoor plants are just one way you can create a more green, sustainable and healthy workplace – and we encourage you to join us in creating a fresher future for generations to come.