More businesses are turning to artificial office plants to bring greenery into the workplace without the upkeep, watering schedules, or dying displays that come with live plants. For office managers, facility teams, and business owners planning an office refresh, that means a lower-maintenance way to make a space feel finished, without adding another task to the maintenance list.
This guide walks through where artificial plants work best in an office, how to choose species and materials that hold up over time, and what to look for before you buy.
Artificial office plants are faux greenery, ranging from small potted accents to larger statement pieces and wall installations, chosen and placed to enhance a commercial workspace. This covers everything from a handful of smaller accent pieces to a fully designed reception feature, and it's distinct from temporary greenery rented for a single event: office plants are a purchased, long-term part of the space, selected to suit its layout, brand, and day-to-day use.
The atmosphere of an office affects how the space feels to employees and visitors, and artificial greenery offers a practical way to improve it without adding to anyone's workload. Instead of assigning a "green thumb" role to someone on staff, artificial plants provide the benefits of office greenery with a lot less to manage:
If you've never decorated an office or workspace with artificial plants before, here are five things worth thinking through as you plan.
Most offices already take advantage of some type of minimalist theme as the template for the workspace. You can choose office plants that match and reflect the lines and shapes of the existing architecture to enhance the flow of the workspace.
Smaller, more understated selections may fit better in an office space. Having one or two larger but highly visible pieces can still make a great centrepiece for the middle of the office.
Not every corner of the office needs to look identical. Reception areas, meeting rooms, and open-plan work areas each serve a different purpose, and the greenery in each can reflect that. A bold, branded feature works well at the entrance where clients and visitors form their first impression, while smaller, simpler accents suit quieter work areas and hallways without getting in the way.
Using a variety of plant styles and sizes across these zones, a tall statement piece at reception, and smaller accents in open-plan areas, keeps the space feeling considered rather than repetitive.
Decorate the space based on the existing colour scheme, whether that's bright and colourful or soft and neutral. There's a lot of variety in artificial plants: you can select ones with simple lines and natural green colours that work in almost any space, like an artificial Sansevieria or ornamental grasses.
You can also go bolder with fake ZZ plants, fiddle leaf plants, or large leaf artificial plants like monstera or split-leaf philodendron. Pottery and accessories are worth considering too, whether that's a bold colour for a pop of contrast or a neutral stone finish to match the existing décor theme.
Wall-mounted plant frames can be striking décor accents or backdrops in an office space. If the office is larger or has hallways, like in a clinic or professional services office, a piece like a green or moss wall can add a special design touch. They connect the space to nature and help create a sense of calm, and tend to make a strong impression on guests and clients moving through the space.
Not all faux greenery is the same, and since these plants will likely be in place for years, it's worth choosing high-quality ones.
Look for potted plants made from high-quality polyester or latex. These materials tend to have lifelike textures and natural-looking colours, and plants with sturdy bases and realistic potted designs, such as those with faux soil or moss, elevate the overall look.
Using high-quality materials means your artificial plants will look fresh and professional, helping create a welcoming, well-kept office atmosphere over time.
Avoid plants made from cheap plastic, which tend to fade, crack, or look overly artificial. Glossy finishes and overly bright, unnatural colours are also signs of lower-quality materials. It's also worth steering clear of silk plants, which are more delicate and have largely been replaced by more durable modern materials.
Beyond individual accent pieces, Greenscape designs and fabricates larger custom installations, including branded greenery features, green walls, and statement plant displays built to match a specific office, brand, and budget. For larger or higher-occupancy spaces, that also means being able to source foliage with a Class A non-flammable fire spread rating to meet fire safety requirements. Whether you need a few pieces for a reception area or a fully designed installation for your office, Greenscape's team can help from concept through installation.
Very little. No watering, fertilizing, or pruning is required. Occasional dusting is typically all that's needed to keep artificial office plants looking their best.
Yes. Species, colour, size, and pot style can all be selected to match a specific interior design or brand palette, and larger installations like green walls can be custom-built to a space's exact dimensions.
Greenscape's design and installation services for offices are focused on British Columbia and Alberta. If your office is outside that area, purchased pieces can still be shipped Canada-wide for you to style and install yourself.
After providing greenery to workplaces across BC and Alberta, Greenscape's team knows what makes an office feel finished. Browse our gallery for ideas or connect with us to start planning your space.
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