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With working from home likely to continue for some time, UK workers are now balancing a house which has become an office, gym and even a pub!
Many are investing in a humble houseplant or two to update their surroundings (and create an enviable Zoom background for those weekly work catch ups.)
Known for their ability to improve mood, wellbeing and even purify the air, it’s no wonder house plants are a must-have item for every home office. With such a diverse range to choose from, picking a plant for each room offers as much variety as deciding the colour of the cushions for your sofa.
For people sharing their home with animals, children or both, there are other considerations to bear in mind; with wandering hands and a fondness for chewing, problems range from spilt soil to poorly pets when not researched properly.
Simple tips such as knowing where to position each plant, to being aware of the toxicity of each type can help to create a safe and beautiful home jungle. Ahead of UK house plant week 2021, we spoke to foliage expert Phil Gaskin of Little Plant Guys, to learn which plants are the most pet and children friendly.
Floor plants
Desk dwellers
Plants for baskets or shelves
Now we know which plants to buy, Phill shared some tips for keeping them healthy:
"Anyone with a pet or a child will know that plants love to be pushed over the second your back is turned, leaving soil all over the floor. But this isn’t the only danger for your new plant friends. Too much water is the number one killer, with most new plant parents believing they need to water them every few days or once a week. Stop!
“Pop your finger in the soil. If the top two inches are completely dry, then and only then give them a good drink. Set an alarm on your phone to repeat the process every two weeks. Then place them somewhere light and out of reach of any inquisitive little hands or paws.
“Finally, whilst this list is for houseplants that are safe for kids and pets, it is worth saying that no plants should be voluntarily ingested.”
Did reading this post inspire you to invest in some plants for your home office? Share your new, leafy Zoom backgrounds with us on Facebook or Twitter.
Plants can upgrade your new working environment, but if you’re still struggling to be productive read our blog post for more home-working tips including improving your focus, battling the blues and collaborating with your team.
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About the Author