From improving air quality to reducing stress, we all know the benefits that plants can have on a workplace – and we also know that without adequate sunlight, plants can’t thrive.
So, if your workplace is fitted with window film, how will this impact your office plants?
How window film affects plants
If you cast your mind back to your school days, you’ll remember that plants rely on sunlight for photosynthesis – so if they don’t get adequate sunlight, they will start to wither. Depending on the type of window film, it will change the amount, type and quality of light that will enter a space.
UV-blocking films
Although plants need sunlight to grow, they don’t actually need UV rays. Too much UV exposure is notoriously bad for plants and people alike, with risks of overexposure including sunburn, eye damage and even skin cancer.
UV-filtering films filter out the harmful rays in direct sunlight, whilst still letting in plenty of natural light. They still let in red and blue light – red light promotes flowering, whilst blue light aids the growth of healthy leaves. So, this type of window film doesn’t tend to have a negative impact on plant growth, and can actually help to protect house plants from sunburn (yes, plants can get it too!) and excessive heat.
Reflective or solar control window film
Reflective and solar control window films reduce heat and glare by reflecting a portion of the sunlight, which can lower the levels of light that get inside. As the visible light levels are lower, this can have a negative impact on plants that need bright, direct light to thrive – such as succulents or cacti – but can actually be very beneficial for plants that love the shade and thrive without too much sunlight.
Some indoor plants – especially those with dark green leaves – fare better with window film, as it creates a more stable indoor temperature.
Frosted or decorative window film
These types of window films tend to diffuse light, which distributes it more evenly across a room. Plants tend to benefit from diffused light, as it can minimise harsh shadows and actually mimics the natural light conditions you’d expect to find outside!
Tinted window film
As you might expect, tinted window films let in less light than many other types of window film. This is bad news for plants that require a lot of natural light to grow, but great for plants like ferns or peace lilies that tend to thrive in low light conditions.
Keeping plants healthy after installing window film
If you’re worried that window film will negatively impact your plants, the most important thing you can do is select a film that balances your needs with your plants’ needs. For example, if you want to bring a bit more privacy to your workplace, frosted window film or films that block UV light can do that whilst not impacting your plants.
After your window film has been installed, make sure to keep a close eye on your plants for signs of either light deprivation or excessive exposure. Their leaves may start to yellow, or they could start wilting – monitor them to see how the light conditions might be impacting them. You can always move them closer to windows or to a more shaded area depending on how they have reacted.
If you have any questions about window film and would like to know the best types of film for your workplace, our team is happy to help.
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