Several years ago we started our annual search for the Favourite Office Plant of the Year. Just a small group of invited guests met at Indoor Garden Design with our now Ambassador, Ian Drummond to select their favourite plant from a short list whittled down from a larger list by plants@work members.

The criteria
In the main, it was and is about the most popular office plant but in various years we nominated other criteria which the plant should fulfil e.g. from reducing stress to improving productivity.

This year we are putting ten of the previous annual winners in the spotlight again and asking a panel to name their top choice and two close follow-ups from the previous winners of the Favourite Office Plant of the Year.

The plants
Here is the list of the last ten previous winners which now qualify to stand as ‘entrants’ in this year’s list for the overall Favourite Office Plant of the Year (working backwards from 2022). A panel of horticultural 'celebrities' are currently considering which of these top ten is the overal winner in their eyes. The winner will be announced during National Plants at Work Week 10 - 15 July.

Saintpaulia – last year’s favourite brought a touch of nostalgia to the office. The plant with the most votes was the African Violet. This compact, colourful plant has been out of vogue for some time but as we all know, things including plants, have a way of coming back around into favourite positions. So we were pleased to welcome the African Violet back as 2022’s Favourite Office Plant.

African violet courtesy of Pexel

Howea forsteriana aka the Kentia, a well known and easy to maintain palm gained the most votes from our panel of judges in the know, as the top houseplant for the office in 2021. Its ease of care and its interesting, even exotic past - it was originally only found growing on Lord Howe Island off the coast of Australia, where they still hold control of seed distribution for this palm - has made it an all time UK favourite. 

Howea/Kentia palm courtesy of The Joy of Plants

In 2020, Sansevieria - aka Mother-in-Law’s Tongue or the Snake Plant was declared a worthy winner as this eye-catching plant comes in many varieties, sizes and shapes. The criteria this year was all about improving our mental health especially after months of lockdown and home working which many people found difficult.

Sansevieria courtesy Flower Council of Holland

Philodendron Xanadu was the winner of this prestigious title, Favourite Office Plant 2019, by both a physical and a remote panel of judges. They all felt that Philodendron xanadu fulfilled the criteria of a retro revival with its lush, leafy form. They also agreed that it works well on its own or as under-planting.

Philodendron

Monstera deliciosa - stole the show in the judges' eyes to claim the title of Favourite Office Plant 2018. Fulfilling the criteria for the plant that makes a statement and a retro comeback as well as the plant, the judges would like to see used more, it was the overall winner by a 5:3 vote.

Monstera

Aspidistra - A favourite of the Victorians, the Aspidistra withstands dark corners, changes of temperature, draughts and neglect. It was its sturdiness that earned it the alternative name of the cast iron plant. This old favourite came back into vogue to win in 2017. Cheers for the Aspidistra elatior.

Aspidistra

Rhipsalis - In recent years we've seen a definite trend towards the popularity of succulents and 2016’s winner continued that trend. Rhipsalis is an attractive plant with hanging stems. It also makes you feel good, helps you to feel relaxed and is easy to maintain. Definitely a winner.

Rhipsalis courtesy of Pexel

Medinilla magnifica – aka the Philippine orchid to give it its common name fitted the criteria of ease of care in a commercial environment; best for relieving stress and best for cleaning the air. With its show-stopping good looks, it makes a wonderful alternative to orchids for reception desks in commercial buildings or in hotels.

Medinilla coutrtesy of Flower Council of Holland

Echeveria - Some would say that Echeveria is the most attractive of all succulents not least for their range of colours and leaf shapes. The rosette formations come smooth and fat to flat and frilly and shades from ghost like white and silver to deep red. There really is an Echeveria for everyone and every occasion.

Echeveria via Pexel

Peace Lily (Spathiphylum) - The Peace Lily is a timeless favourite. It achieved the accolade of our Favourite Office Plant of the Year in 2014. Peace Lilies are known as a symbol of peace: the white ‘flower’ represents the white flag which is understood internationally as a signal of ceasefire.

Peace lily courtesy of Flower Council of Holland

Did you know?

• Even one plant can improve our mood and reduce stress levels – imagine what several can do
• Plants raise our general wellbeing by almost 50%
• Plants can reduce the occurrence of headaches and tiredness
• Plants can stimulate and improve our performance and concentration
• Plants have a positive effect on our creativity
• Plants lessen noise around us by deflecting and diffracting sound

 Images courtesy of plants@work, Flower Council of Holland, The Joy of Plants and Pexel