If you’re looking to add greenery to your workplace, you’ve probably seen a range of options: buying office plants, plant maintenance services, or plant rental. At London Plant Maintenance, we offer all three — and this guide breaks down the pros and cons so you can make the right choice for your office/workspace. But first lets explain what should be included in a plant display…
What’s Included in a Professional Office Plant Display?
Whether you choose to buy or rent, a quality office plant display should include the following:
1. Planter or Pot
Planters come in endless styles — colours, textures, materials, and shapes (balloon, cylindrical, rectangular, hanging, etc.).
Plants can also be integrated into furniture such as locker-top planting and tambour unit displays. At London Plant Maintenance we also have an option to colour the pot to any of the RAL classic colours; matching brand or existing colours.
2. Liner
Essential when adding plants to existing furniture. Some furniture already contains liners; others may need a waterproof lining if not fully water tight.
3. The Plant
A plant should be both aesthetically pleasing and suitable for your environment.
Office conditions often include:
- Air conditioning (reducing humidity)
- Inconsistent or low lighting
- Empty periods during holidays
- High traffic areas meaning chances of pests are higher
At London Plant Maintenance, we select hardy, pest-resistant species specifically suited to London office environments.
4. Substrate
Different companies use different methods, but a professional setup should include:
- A drainage layer (we use LECA)
- Peat-free compost with additives like perlite and vermiculite
- A high-quality top dressing (LECA, Vulkaponic, stones)
Top dressing improves aesthetics, reduces soil level drop, increases water retention, and helps prevent pests such as fungus gnats/scarid fly.
Option 1: Buying Office Plants (Purchase + Optional Maintenance)
When you purchase your displays, you own them outright. You can choose maintenance or manage them yourself — but remember indoor plants need more than fortnightly/monthly watering.
Our Indoor Plant Maintenance Service includes:
- Fortnightly visit from a trained Indoor Plant Technician
- Soil moisture testing
- Precise watering based on plant and environment
- Fertiliser and plant feeding
- Rotation for even growth
- Cleaning foliage to maximise light absorption
- Leaf shine where appropriate
- Pest prevention and treatment
- Replacement of failed plants (T&Cs apply)
Buying is ideal if you want long-term ownership and don’t expect to make major changes to your interior layout.
Option 2: Renting Office Plants (Plant Hire / Plant Rental London)
Plant rental is a popular choice for London offices looking for flexibility and low upfront costs. Your monthly rental fee includes:
- All plant displays
- Regular maintenance
- Free replacement of failed plants (T&Cs apply)
Contracts typically last 12–18 months and usually include a deposit, delivery, and sometimes one month’s rental upfront.
The key benefit?
You get premium displays without the larger initial investment of buying. The plant displays remain the property of the plant company, but purchase options can sometimes be discussed depending on the contract.
Plant rental is perfect if you:
- Want predictable monthly costs
- Need flexibility
- Prefer hassle-free maintenance included
Which Is Best for Your Office?
Both buying and renting have advantages — the right choice depends on your budget, flexibility needs, and long-term plans.
What’s most important is choosing an organisation who understands the challenges of London office environments — temperature swings, artificial lighting, humidity issues, and busy staff who don’t have time to maintain plants. That’s where London Plant Maintenance comes in.
Need Help Choosing? We’re Here for Your Botanical Needs
Whether you’re interested in office plant rental, buying office plants, or professional indoor plant maintenance, we’re happy to guide you.
Contact London Plant Maintenance today on hello@londonplantmaintenance.co.uk or click here to fill out our contact form and let’s find the perfect greenery for your workspace.