How Plants Help in Soundproofing the Office

Plants are an excellent addition to an office space for both aesthetic and practical reasons. People often cite productivity, focus and air-purifying qualities among the top benefits of adding greenery to the workplace. However, one of the lesser-known benefits of interior plantscapes can have a significant impact on your office atmosphere – namely, soundproofing.

Soundproofing with plants is a natural, eco-friendly alternative to traditional soundproofing methods, and many varieties of plants are particularly good at dampening noise due to their structure, leaf density, and the materials they contain.

Why Use Plants to Soundproof an Office

Plants help reduce noise by absorbing sound through their leaves, stems, and surrounding soil. This works similarly to traditional soundproofing materials, such as foam or curtains, by breaking up sound waves and reducing reverberation. The thicker and denser the plant, the better it can trap sound. Additionally, plants can act as barriers, diffusing sound waves as they bounce through the space.

Not all plants are equally effective at soundproofing, so selecting the right types can make a big difference. Here are some types of plants that can enhance the acoustics of your office while also providing a calming, green atmosphere.

• Ficus: The Ficus, particularly the rubber plant (Ficus elastica), provide a substantial barrier to sound due to thick, structured leaves- especially when placed in corners or along walls.
• Snake Plant: The Snake Plant is a popular choice for both its air-purifying properties and its soundproofing potential. The stiff, upright leaves of the Snake Plant create a visual barrier and help dampen sound. Snake Plants are especially good at reducing high-frequency noise, which is typically more disruptive in office environments.
• Peace Lily: Peace Lilies not only reduce noise but also purify the air, making them a two-in-one solution for office environments. With their large, glossy leaves and tall stems, Peace Lilies can help reduce sound reflections, especially in larger offices. Their ability to absorb sound and their aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice for creating a calm, productive workspace.
• Spider Plant: The Spider Plant is another excellent option for soundproofing. With its arching leaves and multiple long stems, it helps break up sound waves in an office. Spider Plants are particularly effective at reducing ambient noise and preventing echoes, making them useful for open-plan offices or areas with hard surfaces that tend to amplify sound.
• Bamboo Palm: The Bamboo Palm is a tall, graceful plant that’s known for its ability to absorb both noise and airborne toxins. The palm’s feathery, dense fronds can help absorb sound and reduce noise in an office environment. Its height and spread allow it to cover larger areas, making it ideal for filling corners or acting as a divider in shared office spaces.
• English Ivy: English Ivy is a climbing plant that can be used to create a lush, green wall. By growing it vertically along trellises or frames, you can form a natural barrier that dampens noise in your office. Ivy’s dense foliage is effective at trapping sound and diffusing it, especially when placed on surfaces that are otherwise prone to sound reflection, such as walls or windows.
• Areca Palm: The Areca Palm, sometimes called the butterfly palm, has long, feathery leaves that provide effective sound absorption. The dense foliage creates a barrier against noise, particularly in shared or open-plan spaces. Areca Palms are also known for their air-purifying qualities and can tolerate various light conditions, making them adaptable to different office environments.
• ZZ Plant: The ZZ Plant is an excellent option for those looking for a low-maintenance plant that can help reduce noise. Its thick, waxy leaves make it a great sound absorber. Though it doesn’t have as much height or volume as some of the other plants on this list, the ZZ Plant’s dense foliage still makes it a good choice for reducing sound in smaller office spaces.
• Dracaena: Dracaenas come in various species and sizes, making them a sleek, tropical option for the workplace. Their broad, upright leaves help break up sound waves and reduce noise levels.

Maximizing the Soundproofing Benefits of Plants

Strategic Placement: The placement of your plants is key to enhancing their soundproofing abilities. Position them near noise sources or along walls and corners where sound tends to bounce. Large plants placed between workspaces or near noisy areas, like printers or air conditioning units, can be particularly effective.

Consider Planters: Larger planters help stabilize plants and can also contribute to noise reduction. Opt for thick, heavy planters that add an additional layer of sound dampening.

Group Plants Together: Grouping plants together can amplify their sound-absorbing effects. A cluster of plants in a corner or along a wall will create a more effective barrier against sound.

The experts at Tropex are proficiently in designing and installing beautiful plant displays, but we are also here to solve problems. If you are looking to dampen noise at your office and need soundproofing options, call Tropex today.