Imagine a workplace that feels more like a serene forest than a bustling office. Picture a hotel lobby that's as calming as a quiet garden. Or a restaurant that's as refreshing as a sun-drenched meadow.

Sounds like a dream, doesn't it?

Ask any reliable landscape company in Dubai, and they'll tell you the same thing: Greening up your commercial space offers many advantages, not just aesthetics.

Plants clean the air, reduce stress, and spark creativity. And for businesses in the hospitality and food and beverage industries, they can be the difference between a good experience and a great one.

Are you looking for ways to incorporate plants into your workplace? This article shares four creative ideas to get your green on and bring nature indoors.

1. Hanging Gardens of Delight

Picture a restaurant where lush green plants cascade from the ceiling, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere. Or a hotel room where a hanging plant adds a touch of nature to the windowsill.

Hanging plants offer more than just a pretty sight. They can also transform the room and bring a calming vibe, all while maximising the available space.

Here are a few plants you can place in indoor hanging planters:

  • The Asplenium nidus, more commonly known as the bird's nest fern, has unique, wavy fronds perfect for sprucing up any room. It thrives in low-light conditions, making it perfect for hanging baskets in dimly lit corners.
  • A classic plant choice for indoor landscaping, the Nephrolepis exaltata (Boston fern) loves humidity and indirect light, making it ideal for bathrooms or kitchens.
  • Seeking a low-maintenance marvel that can purify the air and add a touch of green to any room? Consider the Chlorophytum comosum, a.k.a. the spider plant. This popular houseplant grows not in low light conditions and doesn't take up much room.

When choosing plants for hanging pots, you need to consider more than their water and light requirements. It also pays to check their air circulation and humidity needs as some, like ferns, prefer humid places and may wilt inside an air-conditioned room where the air is dry.

If you want to create a hanging garden for your air-conditioned office, Tillandsia or air plants are your best bet. Just remember to spray or soak them in water at least once a week.

2. Vertical Greenery

Short on floor space? No problem. Vertical gardens offer a creative and practical solution to your commercial landscaping woes.

Imagine a wall adorned with lush greenery, bringing life and colour to your space. Moreover, there are plenty of green wall plant options you can choose from, including:

  • Ferns, with their lush foliage, are a popular choice for vertical gardens. They do well in humid environments and can add a touch of elegance to any space.
  • Bromeliads, with their unique, vibrant blooms, are low-maintenance and perfect for adding a pop of colour.
  • On the other hand, Tillandsia or air plants need minimal care and can be displayed in a variety of creative ways.

For a truly low-maintenance option, consider an artificial green wall. These walls are durable, easy to clean, and can be customised to fit any space.

3. Tree-mendous Transformations

A large potted tree can instantly elevate the ambience of a space. Whether it's a grand lobby or a cosy corner in an al fresco restaurant, a well-placed tree can definitely make a statement.

With its striking, sword-shaped leaves, the Yucca gigantea (yucca plant) is an excellent low-maintenance option that thrives in bright, indirect light. Be sure to water it sparingly, as overwatering can lead to root rot.

The Ficus lyrata (fiddle leaf fig) has large, fiddle-shaped leaves that make it ideal for adding a touch of drama to a space. However, it can be finicky. It prefers bright, indirect light and consistent moisture. Avoid overwatering and underwatering, as both can cause leaf drop.

Finally, the Ficus elastica (rubber plant) is a versatile option that can tolerate lower light conditions. It's a relatively fast-growing plant, so be prepared to repot it every few years.

4. Deskside Oasis

Bring a touch of nature to your workspace with small, low-maintenance plants.

Succulents, with their unique shapes and colours, are a popular choice for desktops. They're drought-tolerant and can thrive in low-light conditions.

With its upright, sword-like leaves, the snake plant is another great option for desktops. It's incredibly low-maintenance and can tolerate neglect.

Pro Tip: For office desks and small coffee tables, choose smaller varieties like Sansevieria bacularis that can be planted in small self-watering pots.

Spathiphyllum, or peace lilies, have elegant white flowers that can inject a touch of beauty to any workspace. However, they prefer humid conditions, so mist them regularly or use a humidifier.

The Zamioculcas zamiifolia – also referred to as the ZZ plant – is a virtually indestructible plant that thrives in low-light conditions. It's perfect for busy people who don't have much time to tend to their plants.

Get Your Green On

When you incorporate nature into your commercial space, you're not just adding a touch of beauty; you're also investing in the well-being of your employees and customers.

From boosting productivity to improving air quality, the benefits of indoor plants are undeniable. So, why wait? Start small by adding a few plants to your desk or a hanging plant to your office. As you experience the positive impact of these natural additions, you'll be inspired to create a greener, more vibrant workspace.