This article provides information on biophilic design and the use of hanging plants as plant curtains, including recommendations for the best plants for the office to create the best natural design elements 🌱
What are hanging plants?
Today, we will be exploring the specific application of the indoor plants concept - hanging plants, which are potted plants suspended from vertical surfaces, with their vines cascading downwards due to gravity's pull. Our main focus will be on the hanging plants that function as curtains.
We define hanging plants as a part of biophilic office design.
Biophilic design is an approach to architecture and interior design that seeks to connect people with nature. This green biophilic office practice incorporates elements of nature into buildings, such as natural light, plants, and organic materials, to stimulate positive emotions. Sometimes it can include sustainable materials and raw materials (unpolished wood, real stone, etc.) that nurture our connection to nature. Through biophilic design, architects, and designers can bring the healing power of nature into urban office environments, making them more pleasant for office workers. Read more about biophilic design in our dive-in article.
What is the best place for hanging houseplants?
Hanging houseplants can be hung from the ceiling, walls or even shelves to create a unique look that brings a piece of nature indoors. One of the most popular locations for hanging plants is in front of a window or wall to create what is known as a green wall. A rather unusual but interesting variant is hanging from the ceiling.
The latest trend on hanging plants. Why have the hanging plants in the office?
Working spaces, whether cozy offices in small startups or sprawling corporate setups across multiple floors, can quickly feel rigid, boxy, and confined without greenery. But dedicating more space to the plants is not in your yearly plan? Well, there are vertical places you might not think of at first, for example, a wall, which can transform into a beautiful green wall in your office. Also, windows that can be covered with plants create such radiant curtain plant designs.
+ Hanging office plants cover your office from direct sunlight
Having office plants that hang from the ceiling is a great way to protect your office from direct light. Many businesses install potted plants or hanging baskets in their offices to provide a decorative element as well as functional shade. Hanging plants can be used to create natural dividers between workstations and block out sun rays throughout the day, creating a more comfortable working environment for staff.
While each office can have different light levels, some, such as Microsoft Office in Zurich, have windows on the sunny side with quite a large amount of natural direct light. On the other side, Indoors Microsoft Switzerland used warm artificial light to highlight their lobby and create a calm nature-like environment for business discussions. Artificial and Natural light together can be too bright for the office. So the best decision for this environment was to visually split outdoors from indoors without interrupting nature, for this purpose plant curtains were chosen in this natural design concept.
+ Improved mental health and increased cognitive function
In general, excessive lighting is usually not a concern for office spaces, especially during long winters like in Switzerland. The inclusion of plants helps to bring elements of nature indoors, providing a reminder of lush green forests. The study proves that human-nature connections, even if it is just a desk plant, nourish mental health and psychological well-being.
Your well-being is closely tied to your surroundings, and bringing nature indoors can work wonders to help you relax and reduce the average stress level of your employees.
However, during autumn and winter, the limited greenery outside restricts our options, and even looking out of the window may not bring joy or much-needed mental relief.
+ Reduce allergies, and headaches and improve your indoor air quality
Plants filter pollutants from the air and increase air humidity - both factors that have a positive effect on the respiratory system. In winter, plants reduce the frequency of infections and reduce sickness.
Do hanging houseplants also have disadvantages?
- It can be challenging to provide proper care for hanging plants
Taking care of indoor hanging plants can be challenging because of their placement. Removing them, watering them, and allowing them to drain can be a tedious task. If you choose to use a ladder, it can be difficult to climb up and water each plant.
4 hanging houseplants that are easy to care for and require little light
1. Aeschynanthus rasta
Feast your eyes on the stunning Lipstick plant, named for its vibrant red flowers that pop out on the background of green leaves. And here's a pro tip: maintaining a stable office temperature will ensure this beauty blooms all year round.
2. Philodendron scandens
The original Philodendron is dark green, but the 'Brazil' variety is light green with a yellowish undertone. Philodendron Scandens is robust and fast-growing, making it a great element of any planting concept
3. Scindapsus pictus 'Trebie'
Scindapsus pictus 'Trebie' is a stunning hanging plant that makes a great addition to your indoor space. With its unique foliage and the striking contrast of its silvery foliage against the bright green veins, it's sure to draw attention wherever it is placed.
4. Cissus rhombifolia 'Ellen Danica'
Cissus rhombifolia 'Ellen Danica' is an attractive and easy-to-grow trailing houseplant that adds beauty to any indoor space. This hanging plant produces long, cascading stems with a lush display of bright green foliage. The leaves are oval and have diamond-shaped patterns along the veins. When kept in bright, indirect light, this Cissus
Step by step to your plant curtain
1. Choose the right green plants – Consider the amount of light available, as well as how much time you’re willing to spend on maintenance and watering.
2. Hang your curtains – Measure your wall space and cut lengths of string according to that measurement. Hang the strings from your wall with screws or hooks depending on the material of your wall.
3. Tie the potted plants onto each length of string – Securely tie the potted plant onto each length of string using a fishing line or wire so that it hangs without tipping over or slipping off.
4. Water your plant curtains regularly – Make sure you water your plants regularly according to their needs so they stay healthy and vibrant!
5. Trim and care for them as needed – Regularly trim away any dead leaves or stems to keep your curtains looking neat and tidy. Additionally, check for any pests or diseases that may be affecting your plants, and treat them accordingly so they remain in optimal health!
6. Or get personalized biophilic design concepts and greenery help to take care of your new office jungles.
If you are interested in other interesting vertical greening applications, visit our project page or learn more about biophilic design.
This article was brought to you by our marketing representative Lala Rud with the support of the Greenery specialist from OxygenatWork