The right typology

• Choose plant families that are clearly bred for indoor use; these include most tropical and subtropical plants.
• Combine plants with similar needs such as light, care and growth rate.
• Prefer species with big or full leaves and abundant foliage to provide the most amount of green per square meter.
• Avoid plants that are difficult to maintain or require high water consumption.
• Avoid using small plants, cacti and flowering plants. This reduces the amount of maintenance and also prevents allergies.
• Avoid using artificial plants and preserved moss.
• Require the plant supplier to provide a “plant passport” that certifies the sustainable origin of the specimen.

The right mix of shapes and colors

Create plant arrangements and groups. Consider the different growth types: sideways, upwards, pendant, etc. Ask the plant nursery for a diverse plant mix. Vary and combine:

• Morphologies such as high and short stems, bushes, hanging, creeping, linear or bushy plants, etc.
• Different leaf shapes such as round, oblong, small, large, straight, or curved.
• Complementary color mix such as dark, light, and neon green for variety.

The right combination of heights

• Select plant sizes proportionate to the ceiling heights and to the space available.
• If plants are too small, they can become a tripping hazard.
• Combine different heights within a group.

The right proportions

• Choose pots with proportions that match the plants.
• Keep the main focus on the lush greenery rather than the pots.
• Instruct the gardener to fill the planter with a dense amount of plants to avoid leaving too much bare soil visible.

Arrangements and shapes

• Arrange individual pots in groups of three or more.
• Place planters on the floor, on planter caddies, or on sideboards.
• Built-in planters are an option, but offer less flexibility.
• Use pots with wheels if flexibility is important. However, mobile solutions become problematic if plants are moved to areas with inadequate light levels.
• Hanging pots may be used in specific locations, and when there is no floor space available, since these entail a more difficult maintenance.
• Refrain from systematically placing small pots on top of sideboards, or spacing them equidistantly and symmetrically. Prefer casual, random or irregular arrangements.

Materials

• Choose pots and planters to match the material concept of the space.
• Prefer locally crafted, natural and sustainable materials, such as clay, terracotta, wood, stone, stoneware. Avoid using plastic planters.
• Combine a variety of shapes and sizes from the same planter family to keep consistency while creating a lively impression, but not chaotic.

Technical requirements

• Involve a gardener or plant specialist from the outset. Draw on their expertise to select the best vegetation system for the project.
• Consider the vegetation layer when deciding on the pots and planters: account for the substrate, water indication or irrigation system. These vary from country to country.
• Watering intervals can be reduced when pots with a water reservoir are used, but increase their weight.
• Avoid decorative top layers such as colored gravel or pebbles. Keep it natural!

Substrate systems

• Natural soil is available worldwide and is highly cost effective. However, the plants require more maintenance due to more frequent watering intervals. It can also be heavier than other options and more prone to parasite infestations.
• Other specific substrates like mineral or inorganic materials like expanded clay have moderate costs. They store water longer than normal soil, so plants require less maintenance due to less frequent watering and fertilizer intervals. These alternatives usually weigh less and are also more resistant to parasites. Because of this, it is a highly recommended option.
• Hydroponic systems with expanded clay or organic substrates can store water longer and need less frequent watering. They also need a specially cultivated plant. Like automated systems, they are expensive to install and costly to maintain, but may be suitable for some projects.

Reception areas

Flowers are a nice welcoming touch in reception areas. The floral design should have a casual arrangement and a natural look, one should see the work of Mother Nature and not a forced look by human hands. Use flowers loosely gathered, and paired as they would be in nature. Avoid artificial-looking, very curated bouquets. Change flowers regularly, interpreting the seasons using modern abstraction.

Consider the colors already present in the space when choosing a flower color. Stick to a single color for a minimalist effect.

Ensure that the flower arrangements are proportionate with the dimensions of the room and the reception counter. Use pots and vases which add a consistent character to the room.

Roche sites

Roche sites must develop a greenery concept of their own, bringing cohesion and identity to the Site, and adapted to its particular circumstances. It is to be developed by a specialist plant designer and coordinated with Facility Management.