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American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, 2023, Vol. 11, No. 4, 120-126
Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajcea/11/4/3
Published by Science and Education Publishing
DOI:10.12691/ajcea-11-4-3
Analyzing the Role of Indoor
Plants in the Design of Interior Spaces
Ramiz Khan1, Mohammad Arif Kamal2,*
1Department of Architecture, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
2Architecture Section, Faculty of Engg. & Technology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
*Corresponding author:
Received September 11, 2023; Revised October 13, 2023; Accepted October 20, 2023
Abstract Much of the scenic beauty of nature has been replaced by densely populated areas that sprawl for miles
from urban centre. This visual pollution affects us all and leaves us with a longing for a closer connection with
nature. We spend about 90 percent of our time indoors. Interior plants are an ideal way to create attractive and restful
settings while enhancing our sense of well being. In addition, indoor plants can help to purify the air in our homes.
Indoor plants not only convert carbon dioxide to oxygen, but they also trap and absorb many pollutants. Many of
these chemical compounds, which are released into our air through a process called ‘off-gassing’, come from
everyday items present in our homes and offices. Indoor foliage plants are those plants that have been grown and
specially trained to live in indoors for a long periods at relatively constant temperature and under low light intensities.
These are used within public, private, commercial interior spaces to perform functional, psychological and
aesthetical qualities. In this paper, the need of indoor landscaping in the present and future buildings has been
discussed. Also the elements, details and plant typology of indoor landscaping have been studied in this paper.
Keywords: indoor plants, architecture, interior design, interior spaces, indoor landscaping
Cite This Article: Ramiz Khan, and Mohammad Arif Kamal, “Analyzing the Role of Indoor Plants in the
Design of Interior Space.” American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture, vol. 11, no. 4 (2023): 120-
126. doi: 10.12691/ajcea-11-4-3.
1. Introduction
In nature we have an affinity with green spaces and the
plants that live in them. This affinity dates back to our
distant past when plants were a necessity for our ancestors.
Over the centuries, that relationship has changed
dramatically. During the middle ages plants were used for
their medicinal qualities. In Asia, this knowledge dates
back much further. In the western world, the link between
people, nature and plants were reinforced when they
began adding greenhouses and conservatries to the
residential areas and gardens. It was only in the 19th
century that people began to realize plants had a role to
play inside the buildings that it helps to make a positive
contribution to air quality. A considerable amount of
research on this fact has been carried out in recent decades.
The results indicate clearly that the impact of plants
should not be underestimated. In fact, plants are able to
break down harmful chemicals in the air. But that's not all
they are known to absorb heat and sound. Their presence
in office spaces helps to reduce stress, illness, health
issues and increase the creativity and workability. These
are the functional benefits of plants, but it also has
aesthetical benefits - it helps to improve the visual quality
of space [1]. The character of the space is completely
changed when a plant is introduced. It helps to improve
the visual appearance of the space and thus the quality of
space is increased. Indoor plants can also be used in many
ways to screen, buffer the spaces between them, thus they act
as a transitional space between indoor and outdoor [2]. Thus
plants have a great influence to the building and the users of
the space. In this paper the need of indoor landscaping in the
present and future buildings has been discussed.
2. Need of Indoor Landscaping
Much of the scenic beauty of nature has been replaced
by densely populated areas that sprawl for miles from
urban centers. This visual pollution affects us all and
leaves us with a longing for a closer connection with
nature. We spend about 90 percent of our time indoors.
Interior plants are an ideal way to create attractive and
restful settings while enhancing our sense of well being. In
addition, indoor plants can help to purify the air in our
homes. Indoor plants not only convert carbon dioxide to
oxygen, but they also trap and absorb many pollutants [3].
Many of these chemical compounds, which are released
into our air through a process called “off-gassing,” come
from everyday items present in our homes and offices.
Indoor foliage plants are those plants that have been
grown and specially trained to live in indoors for a long
periods at relatively constant temperature and under low
light intensities. These are used within public, private,
American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 121
commercial interior spaces to perform functional,
psychological and aesthetical qualities. There is an almost
limitless. Aside from creating beautiful sites, indoor
landscaping provides physical and mental health benefits.
The plants remove carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
rich air. Adding plantscapes to interior enhances the
indoor air quality by removing toxins and filtering air.
Additionally, plants can save energy by increasing
humidity and keeping the air temperature down. It has
been proven that being surrounded by nature reduces
stress, increases productivity, and generates happiness in
employees. Research found that patients in hospitals
rooms that are exposed to nature recover faster than those
who are not [4]. Plants also absorb sound; therefore,
background noise in the building can be reduced [5].
3. Plant Typology by their Shapes
Plants can be categorized into different shapes and sizes
as the availability. These differences help to make visual
pleasing combinations, but also highlight individual plants.
There are six growth patterns and most indoor plants
resemble more or less to one of these [6]. A plant can
grow in a tight rosette, it can spread like a bush, it can be
upright, extending vertically rather than horizontally, it
can be glasslike, treelike or its stem is weak so that it must
climb up an external support or trail.
3.1. Rossette
A rossette is a roughly circular cluster of leaves
radiating from a central growing plant. Many small plants
saintpaulias and some sinning as for example -form flat
rosette that rise directly from the crown of the plant. Such
low rossette associate especially well with grass-
like ,bushy, or climbing foliage plants. One variation of
the pattern is found in many succulents where the leaves
are arranged in symmetrical tiers to create a dense ,solid
rosette. Another variation found among is bromeliads. In
some bromeliads the leaves form a distinct flat rosette, but
in others the long ,nearly upright leaves are closely
gathered around the base of the plant to form a watertight
cup. These larger rosette looks best when associated with
upright plant shapes or with trailing plants that contrast
with the spreading appearance of the rosette.
Figure 1. Dudleya Pulverulenta, an example of Rossete
3.2. Bushy
It is the stems growing from potting -mixture level,
giving the plants a spread almost equal to their height. For
this reason, bushy plants are often used alone rather than
in group displays .They branch naturally to form
increasingly thick plants .Among the most obvious
examples are plants of the genera Achimenes and Pilea.
Upright bushy plants make good background for small
trailing plants .And some naturally climbing plants can be
induced to become bushy by regular pinching out of
growing points or drastic pruning.
Figure 2. Coleus Blumei, an example of bushy plants
3.3. Grassy
The distinguishing characteristic of true grass are
slender but tough and wiry stems sheathed with narrow
pointed leaves. There are however other grass like plants
suitable for indoor cultivation which are highly regarded
because they provide graceful contrast, texture and outline
to all the foliage plants. They can be upright ,arching or
even trailing in their habit. The grass-like acorus, for
example ,forms a clump of stiff ,stem less leaves and like
the drooping achlorophytum ,adds an attractive element to
plant groups. One o the true grasses that has become
popular as a house plant is Stenotaphrumseaundatum
which has stems that trumble over the pot edge.
Figure 3. Acorusgramineus, an example of grassy plants
3.4. Upright
Rosette forming and bushy plants tend to grow outward
instead of upright. By contrast there are numerous species
that extend their growth vertically rather than horizontally.
These upright plants are often composed of non-woody
stems that bear leaves all along their length. In some
122 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture
species there is a single stem ,In others there are several.
Not all upright plants have both stems and leaves.
Sansevieriatrifasciata, for example, is stem-less, with
sharp pointed leaves rising straight upward. Columnar
cacti, on the other hand are leafless stems which can look
particularly stark unless in association with other plants.
Irrespective of minor differences ,upright plants are perfect
foils for low-growing ,spreading rosette and trailers.
Figure 4. Sansevieriatriasciata, an example of an upright plants
3.5. Treelike
A typical tree has a single upright trunk topped by a
crown of branches and foliage. Many potted plants would
become trees if permitted to grow unrestricted. Ficus
Benjamina, for example grows to a 20 foot tall tree in the
wild. As a indoor plant it is seldom exceeds 6 feet ,but it is
nevertheless treelike because its thin ,upright, unbranched ,
stem becomes like a woody trunk as it ages. Plants of such
architectural proportions are effective when used as
isolated focal points in spacious surroundings.
Figure 5. Ficus Benjamia, an example of treelike plants
3.6. Climbing and Trailing Plants
A climbing plant normally grows in any direction that
provides support to which it can cling .True climbers grow
rapidly and are easy to cultivate indoors, but they must be
given support in the form of trellises, stakes, moss poles
or even string. Many climbing plants however do equally
well as trailers. Similar many plants that naturally creep or
trail can be trained to climb. It is characteristic of these
plants that their stems are too weak to grow unaided with
thin, curling leaf tendrils by which they attach themselves
to a support. They are ideal for framing archways and
windows or used as living screens for room dividers. Less
vigorous climber’s associate well with small and
mediums-size groups of rosette and bushy plants Natural
trailers such a Zebrinas and Asparagus ferns display their
hand some leaf colours and tumbling shapes best from a
high position. The heavy, drooping stems of succulents
show to best advantage in this way. Such succulents are
among the trailers that cannot be trained to climb.
Figure 6. Zebrina, an example of climbing plants
4. Benefits of Indoor Landscaping
Plants with their constantly changing form enhance a
design concept in a number of ways .Plants contribute not
only to the visual quality but also to the physical quality
and have relevant design features such as form , colour ,
texture that can be used to add the character to the space.
Thus plants have functional and aesthetical characters.
These characteristics includes the following :
Helps to create aesthetical values by adding warmth and
colour to indoor areas.
• Functional values.
• Plants helps to improve air quality .
• Helps in space articulation
• Helps to act as screens .
• Soften harsh architectural surfaces.
• To create buffer zone .
• Direct traffic circulation
4.1 Aesthetical Values
Landscaping in indoor environment helps to increase
the aesthetical values of the space. Plants help to add
colour, texture, form and character to the space. When
plants combined with indoor environment it create a
natural feeling to the space and helps to make it live.
American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 123
Figure 7. Examples of Indoor hanging plants
4.2. Functional Values
Plants improve the indoor environment and help to
reduce the Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). Poor air
quality, excessive background noise , inadequate amount
of light and humidity are to be the important factors which
leads to SBS. Since plants have large surface areas and it
exchange gases and water with their surroundings, plants
can help tackle some of these issues.
Physically, they contribute to cleaner, healthier air for
us to breathe, thus improving our well-being and comfort.
It helps to keep the surroundings more pleasant.
They help in :
• Reducing the carbon dioxide levels.
• Reducing levels of certain pollutants, such as
benzene and nitrogen dioxide.
• Reducing airborne dust levels.
• Air quality is improved.
• Solve both environmental and health problems.
Figure 8. Indoor plants in the lobby of an office building
4.3. Space Articulation
Any element, natural or manmade which is able to form
a floor , wall, ceiling may be used to articulate space .
Plant material can be an effective means for achieving this
purpose due to its change in seasonal characteristics, form
and size. A tree can form a ceiling with its spreading
crown. A series of plants placed next to one another may
form a ceiling as a solid visual barrier. Eventually the
space that are created depend on the placement and
selection of species. The form ,scale ,density and texture
of plants will directly influence the character of a space.
Figure 9. Plants articulating the interior spaces
4.4. Screening
Screening is done to block out the view of any
unattractive feature or enhance one's privacy and
demarcate boundaries within the space. Screening with
plants creates a visual barrier. For an effective dense
screen a combination of shrubs of different sizes is
preferred. Screening helps to do separation and subdivide
larger areas into more intimate and scaled spaces.
Figure 10. Plants help in screening the unpleasant view
Figure 11. Indoor plants direct the circulation pattern
124 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture
4.5. Circulation
Plants can be placed in indoor areas in different patterns
which helps to create direction and helps to prevent
random pedestrian movement through the areas . Dense,
bushy shrubs with stiff foliage are most effective. Plants
helps in controlling traffic, if it is sparsely placed this
allows movement through openings . Hence it should be
massed together, and provide some space between the
areas where we want the people to move. The
effectiveness of the barrier relies on the characteristics of
plants used , the height and spacing of plants and width of
the planting.
5. Categories of Indoor Plants by Their
Foliage and Shapes
5.1. Variety in Shape
The most attractive feature of interior plants is their
foliage , although different leaves obviously display a
variety of attributes. Leaf shapes themselves are infinitely
varied . Some are gently waved ,others are finely toothed
or lobed .It is this immense variety of leaf forms and their
arrangement that creates the fascinating combinations of
outline that we call foliage.
5.2. Texture and Form
One of the most distinctive qualities of any leaf is its
texture .Where house plants are concerned it is true to say
that there are as many subtle difference in leaf texture as
in shape and size. For e.g. the leaf of Philodendron
scandens with that of Peperomiacaperata, they both look
similar, but philodendron leaf is smooth and glossy .
5.3. The Pattern on Leaves
The decorative effect of foliage is dramatized by
endless variations of pattern. Although green is there, in
every normal leaf (since chlorophyll essential for growth),
sometimes there are areas where chlorophyll is missing
and these parts do not look green .The resultant colour
pattern is known as 'variegation'.
5.4. The Drama of Colour
Although most variegated leaves have markings in
shades of white, gray and yellow, coloration is sometimes
far more brilliant. The richness of coloured patterns is
often enhanced by leaf texture which can either sharpen
colour contrasts or make them seem more mellow.
5.5. The Exotic World of Orchids
For intriguing colour combinations and durability there
is nothing like an orchid flower. And although many
orchids cannot be grown in normal rooms ,but there are
some that can be used in indoor spaces , are less exquisite.
Today, orchid symbolism and meaning have a strong
connection to the color of the orchid in question.
Pink – Grace, femininity, and joy
Purple – Admiration and respect
Red – Passion, desire, romance, and love
Orange – Boldness, enthusiasm, passion, and pride
Yellow – New beginnings or friendship
White – Purity, innocence, reverence, and elegance.
The orchids have taken on various culturally significant
meanings in rituals that come from South and Central
America to East Asia.
5.6. The Unusual Blooms
In some plants the true flowers are less notable than the
bracts surrounding them. These highly flamboyant
modified leaves are the main feature of such plants, to
attract pollinating insects to flowers that wouldn't attract
them otherwise. Sometimes, though ,bracts and flowers
have similar visual impact ,but the bracts usually remain
attractive long after the flowers have died.
6. Impact of Indoor Plants
In addition to the health benefits, plants also provide the
following benefits for customers and their bottom lines:
6.1. Affect Productivity and Improve Worker
Satisfaction
When a company provides and maintains plants for
their employees, a message of goodwill is sent. Workers
feel management cares because plants create a tended
space giving people the sense of caring and well-being. In
fact, in one study workers have demonstrated 12% more
productivity with plants present.
6.2. Reduce Absenteeism
Studies have shown that a reduction in employee
complaints of fatigue by 20%, headaches by 45%, sore
throats by 30%, and coughs by 40% in facilities with live
plants2. In addition, a few well-placed plants can help
moderate the noise level and thus reduce stress, keeping
employees happier and healthier at work.
6.3. Make Buildings Look More Welcoming
Subtle settings created by plants alleviate the harshness
of the building environment. They create a warm inviting
refuge. In addition, plants can hide less attractive building
features with elegant, functional solutions to service areas,
kitchen entries, connecting walkways, etc.
6.4. Increase Tenant Occupancy and Retention
By maintaining healthy plants in attractively designed
containers and displays, the character and appearance of
the building improves.
American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture 125
6.5. Make a Design Statement
Interior landscaping is emerging as a “fashion-oriented”
business. It can be the finishing touch to the overall design
as focal points to catch the eye.
7. Advantages of Indoor Plants
Most people feel better and more comfortable with the
presence of a few green plants. Green eyes rest or eyes
and make for freshness. For many of us the presence of
green helps successfully to overcome the stressful
moments. Plants play an important role on the healthy
climate in our closed homes. According to recent studies,
the green space has a strong impact on all present. People
who live and work with green surroundings, have more
productive work. Such space have positive impact on
patients and their faster recovery, as well as to better
learning in students and pupils. Plants canl clean the air in
the area, reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions and
increase humidity. They help to reduce the concentration
of certain pollutants such as benzene and nitrogen dioxide.
They reduce the concentration of dust in the air indoors.
They are useful because they keep low temperature in the
room during the hot summer months. House plants are
especially important for us to improve our home
environment and thereby provide the necessary comfort.
Some more advantages of indoor plants are as follows:
• Reducing stress levels and boosting mood
• Improving concentration and productivity
• Improving indoor air quality by removing toxins
and carbon dioxide
• Fostering a connection with nature and inspiring
creativity
• Promoting healing and reducing chronic health
issues such as depression and anxiety
• Enhancing the decoration and aesthetics of space.
8. Disadvantages of Indoor Plants
Inspite of having many advantages, the plants in
interior spaces have few disadvantages also. The
disadvantages are summarized as below:
• Lack of sun can alter the taste of herbs.
• Certain indoor plants are bad for the health.
• Some indoor plants can try to take over.
• Indoor plants can look unsightly.
• Indoor plants can attract bugs.
• Indoor plants require care and attention, including
day-to-day maintenance such as watering, wind,
and sunlight.
• Indoor plants usually cost more.
• Most plants survive in humidity, which can be
uncomfortable for humans.
• Plants are breeding ground for mold and bacteria.
9. Conclusions
The average person spends more than 85% of their time
indoors. Indoor plants are an easy way to bring the
outdoors and greenery into the residence and workplace.
Studies have shown that indoor plants are associated with
improved mental health. Plants with their constantly
changing form enhance a design concept in a number of
ways. Plants contribute not only to the visual quality but
also to the physical quality and have relevant design
features such as form, colour, texture that can be used to
add the character to the space. Thus plants have functional
and aesthetical characters. These characteristics includes
the following :
• Plants helps to improve air quality .
• Helps in space articulation
• Helps to act as screens .
• Soften harsh architectural surfaces.
• To create buffer zone .
• Direct traffic circulation.
Figure 12. Examples of Air filtering plants for Indoor spaces
126 American Journal of Civil Engineering and Architecture
Figure 13. Some more examples of plants for interior spaces
Research reveals that environments can increase or
reduce our stress, which in turn impacts our bodies. What
we are see, hear, or experience at any moment changes not
only our mood, but how the nervous, endocrine, and
immune systems works. The stress of an unpleasant
environment can cause feeling of anxiousness, or sad, or
helpless. This in turn elevates the blood pressure, heart
rate, and muscle tension and suppresses the immune
system. A pleasing environment reverses these symptoms.
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© The Author(s) 2023
. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).