Most of us have probably looked at an upcoming events calendar and seen a Becoming Green seedling planting day or Reclaim our Waterways native re-planting event, and either gone along or thought that would be something you would love to do.
But you don’t have to even leave your office to get involved in the effort to re-green our planet. One of the easiest and best ways to give back to the environment and to say thank you to your customers or clients is with a living gift – an indoor plant.
Office plants given as corporate gifts are a wonderfully unique way to express your thanks or for Christmas or celebrate a client’s birthday. They are in every way the gift that keeps on giving.
Why indoor plants?
We all know that green plants are the ‘lungs’ of the earth, feeding oxygen to sustain life. But what else is special about plants that makes them excellent corporate gifts?
Plants clean the air
Plants are inexpensive air purifiers. One of the most-quoted studies on plants was done by NASA proving they are highly effective at removing impurities and toxins from the air. Synthetic floor coverings, paper with ink on, paint, printers, and a host of other items found in proliferation in offices produce air-borne chemicals like benzene, formaldehydeand trichloroethylene. Plants actively bind those toxins around their roots and then use them as food, a win-win for the plant and for those breathing the office air.
And most offices these days are climate-control and are sealed off to the outside air, essentially becoming hot-houses for toxins and the ideal places to grow plants.
Plants are good for your mental and physical well-being
The good folks at the Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study and found growing plants in an office reduces fatigue and the incidence of developing colds, coughs, headaches, sore throats and flu-like symptoms. A different study done by the Agricultural University of Norway showed that office staff who work with plants in the room are an astounding 60% less likely to become sick.
A study at The Royal College of Agriculture in Circencester, England showed that students were 70% more attentive when lectured in rooms that had indoor plants. This all equates to a healthier, happier and more focused office environment without having to spend a great deal of money.
So now that we know why indoor plants are excellent corporate gifts, which ones are the best to include in your order this year?
The Anthurium is not just a pretty face, this hardy indoor plant grows well in bright indirect light, producing glossy dark green leaves and pretty red flowers while quietly getting on with the job of cleaning the air and making you feel better. This plant does not need a lot of water – allow your Anthurium to dry a little before wetting again – and a small amount of fertiliser on occasion, so is the ideal gift for a busy office.
The Crassula or money tree is a symbol of affluence, nobility and auspiciousness and is said to bring money and fortune to those that grow them, making them popular corporate gifts. These tough succulents once again require little care except occasional watering and have attractive leaves and flowers. Succulents, and a few other plants like orchids, keep producing oxygen throughout the night, making them ideal for offices where there is night staff.
The Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily is a very popular indoor plant with lovely glossy green, attractive white flowers and a nice scent. This plant likes a warmer part of an office or reception area and likes to be kept watered, so they are better gifts for offices where someone will give them the care they deserve.
The CalatheaRufibarba is a more exotic indoor plant with striking dark olive leaves that have purple backs with interesting fury brown stems and foliage with crinkled edges. This plant produces yellow flowers at the base of the plant that become sprays of small mauve flowers as the plant matures, making it an attractive feature in an office. Allow the top 2-3” to dry out before watering as the Calathea does not like soggy soil, another great gift for a busy work space.
Giving plants is a great gift idea and is a unique idea for a housewarming gifts.Give a living plant in eco-friendly packaging with a personalised card. Indoor plants can be sourced from reputable growers and will arrive healthy and ready to get to work as soon as they are un-boxed.
Author’s Bio
My name is Alison Hefer, I am originally from Cape Town, South Africa but I have spent the last few years in beautiful New Zealand. I write articles for various lifestyle websites including Giveplants.co.nz and regularly contribute articles about the always changing world of SEO to Clickthrough.co.nz. I am a busy blogger/mom by day and avid writer by night. My career goal is to one day write a novel of my own. Connect with me via email at ali@clickthrough.co.nz