If it’s your goal to create a productive, healthy office environment this year, getting your hands on some new plants to fill the space will go a long way towards achieving it. Not all offices are created equal, and some may be more suitable for very specific plant species. Regardless of the ones you choose, these plants will need to be acclimated to the new environment. It takes a bit of care and consideration in order for them to adjust to being moved from one place to the next. Here’s how to go about doing so in a way that encourages them to thrive.
The Power of Office Plants
Office plants can do wonders for not only the space itself, but for the people in it too. They are known for reducing stress and increasing productivity, especially considering that they remind people of their home spaces. Their potential to purify the surrounding air also helps to reduce the likelihood of sickness. Lower sick days means a more productive workforce as a whole. In an open plan setting, office plants are able to reduce the noise bouncing from one corner to the next. This also helps with a more focused workforce, leading to better performance in the long run.
Why Do Plants Need to Be Acclimated?
If you’re introducing them into your space for the first time, it’s worth knowing why office plants need to be acclimated to begin with. Just like with humans, plants and trees have a “stress” response to being moved from one space to the next. They take time to reestablish themselves relative to the conditions in the new environment. Acclimation also refers more specifically to getting used to the climate. If the plant is coming from somewhere with vastly different conditions, it may not be able to adjust as well. For this reason, it’s important to choose carefully when you’re considering your options.
The More Shade, The Better
The first step to acclimating office plants to their new environment is to put them in shadier areas first. The idea is to gradually increase their exposure to the amount of sunlight, in a bid to gauge how prone they are to scale or burn from the summer sun. Plants that have been in an outdoor setting for long can be left outside for a few hours in the late afternoon at first. Gradually, the amount of time spent outside can be reduced, until they are 100% settled in their new spot. Successfully acclimatising any plant should also take into consideration if and when they need to be watered. Keep an eye at first, taking note of what amount works, and when it’s been too little or too much.
The Length of the Acclimation Process
Most experts will suggest that plants will need at least a fortnight to settle into their new space. Try not to move them around too much once you’ve picked a spot for the first time. After the two week period, it’s possible to introduce them to new “stress” and start exploring where they might be best suited in the long run. The ExecuFlora team is committed to helping businesses get the most out of their office plants. If you have any questions about how to go about acclimating your plants, or are struggling to decide which plants will work best, get in touch with us as soon as you’re ready.