How To Choose The Right Plants For Your Event

During a a spell of furlough and subsequent redundancy caused by the 2020 pandemic, Event Manager Mia decided to take a temporary hiatus from the events industry. An Instagram post from ‘Pearspring’ her favourite plant shop in SouthEast London, inspired her to apply for a supervisor position there. Over the course of this eight month plant sabbatical, she delved into the world of plants, developing an in-depth knowledge and admiration for them. We asked her to share her top tips for event planners looking to add some green to their gathering. Below are the benefits of living and working with plants and Mia’s top tips for keeping your workspaces green, including which plants are the best to use for in-person events.

How plants can enhance experiences

Plants play a crucial role in transforming a space, whether it’s about creating natural styling for a conference making a statement with a bold centrepiece or backdrop at a brand activation or exhibition. Beyond their role in decoration, plants and flowers have a proven impact on promoting happiness, relaxation and productivity. Studies have shown that the presence of just one plant in a room can increase positivity and reduce stress.

In one study, participants who spent only five to 10 minutes in the presence of some plants felt happier than those in a room without plants.Being surrounded by natural elements during a conference or corporate meeting can amplify attendee’s productivity and creativity by up to 47%, enabling them to absorb information better and engage with content and other guests.

To achieve these effects, Mia recommends incorporating green plants, the colour of health, at events or even home offices. Its calming tone tricks the mind into thinking you’re in natural surroundings.For those working from home, the beautiful Oxalis triangularis follows the circadian rhythm (24 hour cycle). It opens its purple butterfly-like leaves with daylight and closes them at night, a reminder of a good sleep cycle.

Another way to foster mindfulness and engagement at events is by dedicating time in an agenda for workshop sessions. Bouquet arranging and terrarium making are both unique and relaxing experiences that can be included at an event.

Which are the best plants for events?

Having a mix of tall plants with structural foliage will create impact and give the most aesthetically pleasing look. For example: Howea forsteriana (Kentia palm), Dracaena fragrans and Strelitzia nicolai (Bird of Paradise) are very popular.

There are lots of different types of Sansevieria (snake plant) that can work very well in smaller/medium planters.Echeveria succulents work well for tabletops on coffee tables. These also won’t need watering at all as they store so much water in their leaves.

If your event falls during the growing season, they may even flower. If choosing floral arrangements, you can ask for more green foliage to bulk out arrangements. This will keep the costs down and really showcase any flowers against the leafy greens.