Congratulations on your decision to introduce plants to your office! You’ve taken the first step towards creating a more vibrant, healthy and beautiful working environment. It’s now time to consider the next important step: buying vs hiring plants for your office. Each option comes with its advantages and considerations, and choosing the right one can lead to even greater benefits for your workplace.
Choosing the plants
Buying your own plants
The main advantage of buying plants yourself is that you have complete control. You can choose each plant, every pot and all the finishing touches. You handle the research, find out what will thrive and decide on the best mulch, soil and fertiliser. It’s detailed, personal and hands-on.
Hiring plants
If you choose to hire, a specialist will handle everything. Many people aren’t plant experts and don’t have time to research which types will work best. A plant hire specialist will help you select the right plants and design an indoor plantscape that suits your style and layout. When comparing buying vs hiring plants, this professional support can save time and enhance your team’s productivity and well-being.
Delivery and Installation of the plants
Buying your own plants
After choosing your plants, you’ll need to transport them to your office. While some nurseries offer delivery, others expect you to arrange your own. Think about where your plants will thrive once they’re in place.
Hiring plants
If you’ve chosen a plant hire specialist, this part is simple. They handle delivery and installation, and ensure that temperature, humidity, light and air quality are suitable for each plant. This means less stress for you and a healthier environment that supports employees’ wellbeing and focus.
Maintaining and caring for your plants
Buying your own plants
Once your plants are in place, the real work begins: keeping them alive and healthy. If no one in the office has a green thumb, you’ll need to train staff to water, prune, clean, manage pests and replace plants as needed, as well as establish a care schedule. Although this requires extra effort, it can foster a sense of ownership among the team. However, it may also divert attention from core tasks, potentially impacting productivity.
Hiring plants
If you’ve hired a plant specialist, you can truly relax. They handle everything from watering and feeding to pruning and polishing leaves. If something goes wrong, there’s no need to worry. Your indoor plant company will replace any plants or pots without fuss, as part of their seamless support that keeps your office looking sharp and your team focused.
Cost Comparison
Buying your own plants
The upfront cost of buying plants can be significant, especially when purchasing large or mature specimens. You also need to budget for planters, soil, transport and ongoing plant maintenance. Over time, replacing plants that don’t thrive can add up quickly. That’s why, when it comes to buying vs hiring plants, these costs can come as a surprise to many.
Hiring plants
Hiring plants usually involves a predictable monthly fee that covers everything from maintenance to replacements, with no surprise costs. This makes budgeting much simpler. Over time, hiring often proves more cost-effective than buying, especially when you consider the expense of replacing plants and staff time required for ongoing care. Plus, this approach lifts employee wellbeing without straining your budget.
Pros and Cons of Buying Plants
Pros
- Full control over plant selection and placement
- Potentially lower long-term cost if plants thrive
- Potentially a fun team-building activity
Cons
- High upfront costs
- Ongoing plant maintenance and replacement responsibility
- Can distract staff from core tasks
- Risk of plants failing and affecting the office’s look and feel
Buying vs Hiring Plants: Which is Right For You?
| Aspect | Buying Plants | Hiring Plants |
| Selection | You choose your plants and planters | Specialists design a tailored plantscape |
| Delivery & install | Must arrange transport and setup | Delivery and professional installation included |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Full maintenance is handled by the hiring team |
| Cost | High upfront, unpredictable long-term | Predictable monthly cost, no surprise extras |
| Replacements | You must manage and pay | Included at no extra cost |
While both options have their place, hiring plants is often the smarter choice for corporate spaces. It saves time and provides expert support, ensuring you enjoy a consistently lush and healthy workspace that enhances wellbeing and drives productivity. It’s as simple as that.
Why Choose The Plant Man for Your Plant Hire
With over 30 years of experience, The Plant Man knows precisely how to transform any office into a thriving, green oasis. We design, install and maintain indoor plantscapes tailored to your space and style. Our team handles the hard work so your staff can focus on what they do best. After something even greener? We also offer outdoor plant hire to extend that lush, welcoming aesthetic beyond your office walls.There’s nothing quite like a bright, colourful workspace full of gorgeous greenery. Plants don’t just look good. They also purify the air, lift moods and help shape your office layout. Want to learn more about the perks of indoor plant hire? Get in touch with our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if one of my hired office plants dies?
No stress at all. If a plant starts to look unhealthy or dies, the team at Plant Man will quickly swap it out, hassle-free. Your office stays fresh, green and welcoming without you lifting a finger.
Is plant hire more expensive than buying?
While buying plants might seem cheaper initially, consider the ongoing costs: maintenance, replacements and your staff’s valuable time. When comparing buying vs hiring plants, many businesses find that hiring is more cost-effective and predictable in the long run.
Can I change the plants later if I want a different look?
Absolutely! One of the biggest advantages when it comes to buying vs hiring plants is flexibility. With plant hire, you can easily refresh your greenery to suit the season or update your office look, all without any extra hassle.
Do plants improve staff wellbeing?
Multiple peer-reviewed studies confirm that lower cortisol levels, fewer sick days and happier humans are the result of installing indoor plants. No matter where you stand in the buy vs hire plants debate, it’s clear that adding greenery supports staff wellbeing and lifts productivity.
