Why Office Plants Should Be Alive Office plants have so many benefits that it is difficult to understand why some work places are without them. It is perhaps because they do not speak for themselves that their worth is so often not recognized. The fact that some hotels and offices actually use artificial trees made of plastic or cloth is another indication of ignorance. Pollution, and particularly air pollution, are matters of public concern throughout the world. Even in a seriously polluted country like China there is widespread knowledge of the role played by trees in taking in carbon emissions and emitting oxygen which helps to improve air quality. Indoor miniature trees may be even more effective in purifying and modifying air flows than their outside counterparts. Two factors might militate against indoor plants even in communities where the value of vegetation is theoretically well understood. The plethora of health and safety regulations that have flooded the world might militate against plants by instilling fears that they could be dangerous. Regulations aside, there is also the sheer laziness and indifference of cleaners who could not be bothered with dumb plants. They need human champions. Sick building syndrome is a well recognized phenomenon. People who work in 'sick' buildings often suffer from flu-like symptoms, or worse. Illness and absenteeism can be very costly but because this is a syndrome, with rather vague cause and effects it is not easy to legislate for it and health and safety regulations tend to ignore it, despite sociological research which identifies the condition. Dirt can be cleaned from floors and air conditioners may be installed, but these measures do not cure sick building syndrome. The causes are obscure and may even be exacerbated by mechanical air conditioning which are often harsh in action. Plants work invisibly, silently and mysteriously to purify the air and restore the natural balance between carbon and oxygen. It is important to choose species that will adapt to living indoors. They must be able to survive artificial conditions, be non-toxic and neat. Plants that drop leaves, flowers and fruits are not popular because cleaners tend to be impatient and intolerant with things that are associated in some minds with dirt. Certain plants, like the cactus drop very few leaves and require little water even when in a sunny spot. The African Violet is a good choice for people who like a special friend to care for on their desk. It will not flourish unless it receives careful attention including regular watering and fertilization. In return it will become a living creature that will receive as much tender loving care as a person wishes to lavish on it and will produce a shy but beautiful flower in due course. There are many varieties of office plant that will occupy corners, sit on desks or climb up frames. Pothos, philodendrons and aspidistras have played their unobtrusive but useful roles in human affairs for many years. New and different varieties may be searched for online and take their places among the ranks of really useful workers.