As the festive lights are packed away and the Christmas tree leaves the building, offices and workspaces across the country are often left looking stark, grey, and empty. To combat the "January Blues" and the visual void left by holiday decorations, plants@work is urging businesses to adopt a new motto for 2026: "Christmas Tree Out, Houseplant In." 

 

 

This initiative coincides perfectly with National Houseplant Appreciation Week, running from January 12th to 18th, 2026. 

 

Every year, the return to work after the holidays brings a noticeable dip in energy in many offices. plants@work members — the professional interior landscapers who create, install, and care for plant displays across the UK and beyond — are using this moment to highlight the powerful role indoor plants play in boosting wellbeing, and creating healthier, happier workplace environments. 

 

Kenneth Freeman, plants@work Chairman and the owner of Purposeful Places, said: "Houseplant Appreciation Week is a reminder that plants are not just decorative additions — they’re an investment in people, productivity, and wellbeing.  The removal of colourful decorations often highlights the drabness of the winter months. We strongly believe this time of the year presents the perfect opportunity to transition from temporary festive cheer to permanent workplace well-being. We would like to invite businesses to keep the spirit of greenery alive by introducing indoor plants into their workplaces throughout 2026 and beyond." 

 

 

The benefits of interior landscaping go far beyond aesthetics. As businesses focus on employee retention and wellness resolutions for the New Year, plants offer a scientifically proven solution. Research continues to show the wide-ranging benefits of indoor plants, including:

 

 

"When the Christmas tree goes, the corner of the office can feel incredibly bare," Stephen Dieppe, Managing Director at phs Greenleaf and plants@work committee member, said. "Rather than leaving that space empty, it is the ideal time to install indoor plants. National Houseplant Appreciation Week is not just about admiring a potted plant; it is about recognising that plants reduce stress and boost productivity by up to 15%. It is the best 'New Year, New You' investment a business can make for its staff."

 

 

plants@work members are fully supporting National Houseplant Appreciation Week by inviting facility managers, business owners, and office managers to assess their indoor environments. While buying a supermarket plant is easy, keeping it alive in a complex office environment is a skill. plants@work members are trained specialists in designing and maintaining planting schemes of all scales — from a single statement plant to fully planted offices, commercial and public spaces.