Creating a perfect environment for your guests
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But indoor plants do so much more than that. Professor Margaret Burchett, a researcher in the use of indoor plants at the University of Technology Sydney, says new research shows indoor plants reduce air pollution, along with a number of modern malaises such as stress, illness and even short attention span. "We use a whole lot of materials derived from fossil fuels that contribute to pollution, like furniture, paint and computers. There's also more carbon dioxide as we all breathe together."
With so many breathing bodies in one area, such as a hotel reception or bar, high carbon dioxide levels can cause drowsiness and headaches and affect concentration levels among staff and guests. The use of indoor plants that absorb carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and refresh the air by releasing oxygen through the foliage, reduce carbon dioxide levels by about 10 per cent in air conditioned buildings and as much as 25 per cent in non air conditioned buildings, according to University of Technology Sydney research.
Toxic gases emitted from timber, carpets, televisions and window coverings contribute to poor indoor air quality. Airborne volatile organic compounds from these sources can cause the "sick building syndrome". Scientists at NASA found that indoor plants are extremely effective at reducing harmful toxins from the air in confined spaces. Very helpful in this is the potting mix used, which feeds bacteria in the air while the plant itself nourishes the soil that, in turn, purifies the air. The humble pot plant can remove urban air pollutants by up to 75 per cent within 24 hours.
Plants are like the lungs or kidneys of a building, says building biologist Nicole Bijlsma. "They balance humidity levels. Many plants, especially broad-leaved varieties, release moisture into the air through evaporation of the moisture in their leaves," she says.
People are more likely to develop viral infections when humidity levels are too low and when humidity is too high staff and guests are vulnerable to eye and fungal diseases. The underside of leaves help keep humidity within the optimal range. Norwegian researchers found indoor plants can reduce fatigue, coughs, sore throats and cold-related illnesses by more than 30 per cent.
UTS findings show indoor plants can reduce VOCs (volatile organic compounds - toxic gases) by over 80 per cent to below 100 ppb (recommended maximum 500 ppb).
Further UTS findings show plants in the foyer and office spaces give the perception to guests that the business is: trustworthy, warm and welcoming, stable and balanced, well-run, patient and caring, concerned for staff welfare, comfortable to work with, prepared to spend money on added beauty and providing a healthier, cleaner atmosphere.
As a bonus, the effects on staff are equally as rewarding: reduced sick leave, healthier work attitude, reduction in 'attention fatigue.' Reaction time in the presence of plants was 12% faster than in the absence of plants, indicating that plants may have contributed to increased productivity, according to Washington State University research.
These findings are hardly surprising as pot plants are a proven mood-booster. Just one plant is linked with a reduction in feelings of anger, anxiety, depression, confusion, fatigue and stress. What can a whole foyer full do to guest satisfaction?
The good news for accommodation providers is that they (or their maintenance staff) can do it all themselves utilising a huge variety of pots, urns, planters and water features or they can outsource the service. With the latter, the hire fee usually includes watering and maintenance of the plants by professional horticulturally trained personnel and plant/pot replacement when required.
Short term hiring of plants is a wonderful idea for events such as exhibitions, weddings, conferences and meetings, marketing displays, marquee decoration and corporate functions.
For DIY exponents, indoor plants do require quite a bit of work including feeding, watering and pruning. Whatever the reason for growing in a pot, the key to good growth comes down to the pot, what goes in it and how well it is watered and fertilised. Plants also need to be regularly re-potted (this is usually done in winter or in early spring). Re-potting can be moving plants into a slightly larger pot or taking them from an existing pot, trimming the roots, renewing the potting mix and replanting them back in the same pot.
Whether you outsource or have your staff control the work, indoor plants add a whole new dimension to any accommodation public area - no matter how big or small.
But if you are thinking of using artificial plants to reduce the ongoing workload, remember that while they may look nice for a while, you get none of the benefits mentioned above and they still need regular washing to remove the gathered dust and grime.
By Graham Vercoe, Industry Reporter
