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Ian Drummond is the Creative Director at Indoor Garden Design, an industry leading company who is celebrating its 45th anniversary this year. He is more than passionate about finding new and exciting ways to use plants in a home, work or event space.
Specialising in creative projects, Ian has created indoor gardens for the BAFTAs, London Fashion Week and Elton John just to name a few! Ian is also the author of houseplant manual At Home with Plants, which is now available in seven languages and has proven to be a popular addition to the houseplant book libraries of novices and experts alike.
In addition to designing ‘plantscapes’ for both corporate and creative clients, Ian also develops show stopping displays for world renowned events such as the RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
There are many plants that Ian swears by when creating a scheme for any space, as their biophilic properties are always beneficial to the people using it. Here are his top five that you shouldn’t be without:
Aloe Vera
Aloes are a great addition to the workplace as they are virtually indestructible providing you have plenty of natural day light in the room, so they are ideal for forgetful waterers. The architectural, silver grey foliage makes a real statement on your desk and will have your colleagues green with envy.
Chlorophytum (Spider Plant)
Like most retro houseplants, the humble Spider Plant has made a humongous comeback due to its scientifically proven, air purifying properties. Their ability to remove 95% of benzene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide and nitrates from the air in the room is a must have benefit in our ‘sealed’ office environments where air can be of low quality. Also, Spider Plants produce a mass of plantlets which make great gifts for your friends and jealous workmates!
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
With over 70 species of Sansevieria available on the market, you’ll be sure to find a variety that suits your tastes. All act as great natural filters in your home or workplace whilst being a doddle to look after. It requires infrequent watering and is tolerant of lower light levels if you have a dark corner that needs brightening up with some greenery.
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
Another plant worthy of its NASA endorsed air purifying qualities, the fresh (if not a little dramatic) Spathiphyllum or Peace Lily is a beautiful flowering plant readily available in a variety of sizes. With crisp white bracts above deep green foliage, this essential houseplant lets you know exactly when it needs watering by drooping its leaves and perking up again an hour after you’ve given it a drink – much like ourselves on a Friday afternoon.
Vanda Orchid
One of my favourite flowering houseplant species is the Vanda Orchid for its richly hued blooms and silvery trailing root systems. Predominantly grown for the cut flower market, they are now becoming increasingly available to buy as whole plants. As the Vanda doesn’t require soil in which to grow, you can save on desk space and hang them from a shelf or the ceiling for an impressive tropical display. Their epiphytic nature means that wild Vandas survive on the moisture in the air; so in our less humid workspaces, a quick spritz every few days with a spray bottle will ensure the roots don’t dry out.
Follow Ian Drummond on Instagram here. Image credits: https://www.thejoyofplants.co.uk/
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