The Best Plants for Convention and Conference Spaces: Low-Maintenance Options That Pack a Punch

Convention and conference spaces, often vast and impersonal, can benefit immensely from the introduction of natural elements. Plants, in particular, have the power to transform these venues into inviting and inspiring environments. However, the high-traffic nature of these spaces demands low-maintenance options that can withstand constant foot traffic and varying environmental conditions.

The Benefits of Plants in Convention Spaces

Beyond their aesthetic appeal, plants offer more benefits to convention and conference spaces. Let’s explore how greenery can enhance your event.

Improved Air Quality

Plants serve as nature’s air purifiers, enhancing the quality of indoor environments. Convention and conference spaces often suffer from poor ventilation, leading to stale air and potential health issues for attendees. By removing toxins and releasing oxygen, indoor plants create a healthier and more refreshing atmosphere for everyone.

Enhanced Aesthetics and Atmosphere

Greenery has the power to transform the ambience of any space, and convention centres are no exception. Plants can turn a sterile environment into a welcoming and inviting oasis. Their presence fosters a positive and productive atmosphere, making attendees feel more relaxed and engaged.

Positive Psychological Impact on Attendees

Exposure to nature, even indoors, has a profound impact on our well-being. Studies have shown that plants can reduce stress, improve mood, and boost creativity – essential factors for successful conferences and conventions. Incorporating greenery into these spaces can create a more stimulating and enjoyable experience for attendees.

Low-Maintenance Plant Rentals: A Closer Look

While incorporating greenery into convention spaces is undoubtedly beneficial, there are challenges in maintaining live plants in high-traffic environments. This is where low-maintenance plant rentals come into play. Partnering with a reputable plant rental service can help event planners enjoy the aesthetic and environmental benefits of plants without the associated upkeep.

Low-maintenance plants are specifically chosen for their resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions. They require minimal watering, sunlight, and attention, making them ideal for busy convention centres. These plants are often delivered, installed, and maintained by the rental company, relieving event planners of the burden of plant care.

Top Plant Picks for Convention and Conference Spaces

Choosing the right plants for your event space can be overwhelming. To help you explore your options, we’ve categorised popular choices based on their specific traits. Keep in mind that this is just a starting point – we offer a wide variety to suit any event style and atmosphere.

Low Light Plants

These indoor plants thrive in areas with minimal natural light, making them ideal for convention centres with limited window space:

  • Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen): Known for its vibrant leaf patterns, the Chinese Evergreen is a low-maintenance plant that tolerates low light conditions exceptionally well.
  • Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): A versatile vining plant, Pothos is nearly indestructible and thrives in places out of direct sunlight, making it a perfect choice for busy event spaces.
  • Sansevieria (Snake Plant): With its sleek, upright leaves, the Snake Plant is a stylish and resilient option that requires minimal care and direct light.
  • Spider Plant: This easy-going plant produces baby spiderettes, adding a playful touch to any space. It’s also highly adaptable to places with indirect sunlight.
  • Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant): Renowned for its durability, this plant with dark green and heart-shaped leaves is a low-maintenance wonder that can tolerate neglect and thrive in dimly lit environments.
  • Chinese Evergreen: Similar to the Aglaonema, the Chinese Evergreen offers a variety of leaf patterns and colours while requiring minimal light.
  • Peperomia: Many Peperomia varieties thrive in low-light conditions, making them ideal for venues with limited natural light.
  • Philodendron Congo: This Philodendron can adapt to indirect light conditions, though it may exhibit slower growth than it would under bright light.

Air Purifiers

Improve the indoor air quality of your event space with these plants:

  • Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen): Known for its ability to remove benzene and formaldehyde from the air, the Chinese Evergreen is a great choice for purifying indoor environments.
  • Pothos (Devil’s Ivy): A versatile air purifier, Pothos effectively removes formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene from the air, contributing to a healthier indoor atmosphere.
  • Snake Plant (Sansevieria): This low-maintenance plant is a natural air purifier, removing toxins such as formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene from the air.
  • Spider Plant: A hardworking air purifier, the Spider Plant helps remove pollutants like formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the indoor environment.
  • Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Known for its elegant appearance, the Peace Lily is also an effective air purifier, removing benzene, formaldehyde, trichloroethylene, and ammonia from the air.
  • Boston Fern: This lush fern is an excellent air purifier, helping to remove formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air, while also increasing humidity.
  • Aloe Vera: Beyond its soothing properties, Aloe Vera is also an air purifier, effectively removing benzene, formaldehyde, and other toxins from the air.
  • Dracaena Marginata: This stylish plant is a great addition to any space and also helps purify the air by removing formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, and xylene.
  • Janet Craig: These popular indoor office plants are known for their ability to filter indoor air, effectively removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.
  • Dragon Tree: Helps clean the air by removing harmful toxins from the indoor environment of a convention or conference venue.

Aesthetically Pleasing

Elevate the visual appeal of your event with these striking plants:

  • Kentia Palm: With its tall, graceful fronds, the Kentia Palm exudes elegance and tropical charm, creating a sophisticated atmosphere.
  • Fiddle-leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata): The iconic fiddle-leaf fig has large, bold leaves that make a dramatic statement, adding a touch of modern sophistication to any space.
  • Strelitzia (Bird of Paradise): This exotic plant features vibrant, bird-like flowers that create a stunning focal point, bringing a touch of the tropics to your event.
  • Bamboo Palms: With their slender trunks and feathery foliage, Bamboo Palms offer a delicate and airy appearance, adding a touch of natural elegance.
  • Bromeliad: Known for its vibrant colours and unique shapes, Bromeliads add a burst of tropical flair and visual interest to any space.
  • Dracaena Marginata: With its slender, red-edged leaves, the Dracaena Marginata creates a sleek and modern look, adding a touch of sophistication to your event.
  • Peperomia: With a vast array of leaf shapes, textures, and colours, Peperomias are prized for their ornamental value and ability to fit into various decor styles.
  • Philodendron Congo: Featuring large, velvety heart-shaped leaves, the Philodendron Congo is a popular choice for adding a touch of tropical elegance to indoor spaces.

Good for Dry Environments

These plants thrive in drier conditions, requiring minimal care and attention, ensuring your decor remains fresh and vibrant throughout your event:

  • Aloe Vera: This succulent is not only known for its healing properties but also for its ability to tolerate dry conditions. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water, making it highly drought-tolerant.
  • Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant): This low-maintenance plant is exceptionally drought-tolerant, thanks to its ability to store water in its underground rhizomes. It can withstand long periods without watering, making it perfect for busy event spaces.
  • Peperomia: These plants are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand periods of dryness, making them suitable for venues with low humidity.
  • Dragon Tree: This drought-tolerant plant is well-suited for conference and convention centres where humidity levels are low.

Add Height and Vertical Interest

These tall plants can help create a sense of space and drama in your convention or conference space:

  • Kentia Palm: With its graceful, arching fronds, the Kentia Palm adds height and elegance to any space. Its tall stature makes it a striking focal point.
  • Fiddle-leaf Fig: Known for its large, distinctive leaves, the Fiddle-leaf Fig brings a dramatic vertical element to any venue. Its height and bold foliage can create a stunning visual impact.
  • Dracaena Marginata: This slender palm-like plant offers a sophisticated and vertical presence. Its tall, narrow shape can help to draw the eye upward and create a sense of space.
  • Janet Craig: A striking floor-standing plant, the Janet Craig Palm (though not a true palm) offers a tall, slender silhouette that can dramatically enhance a venue’s vertical space.
  • Dragon Tree: The Dragon Tree, with its tall, woody stems and distinctive branching structure, creates a focal point and adds dimension to a conference hall or convention centre.

Choosing the Right Plants for Your Space

Selecting the perfect plants for your convention or conference space involves careful consideration of several factors.

Assess Lighting Conditions

Are the areas you plan to decorate bathed in natural light, or will the plants rely on artificial illumination? Some plants thrive in low-light conditions, while others require brighter environments.

Consider the Size and Layout of the Space

The size and layout of the floor space are also crucial considerations. For large, open areas, towering plants can create dramatic focal points, while smaller, tabletop arrangements may be more suitable for intimate spaces. Consider the overall aesthetic of the venue and choose plants that complement the existing decor.

Match Plants to Event Theme or Style

A tropical-themed conference might call for lush ferns and vibrant orchids, while a minimalist gathering could benefit from the clean lines of succulents or air plants. By carefully considering these factors, you can create a plant display that enhances the overall atmosphere of your event.

Green Up Your Event Space

Incorporating greenery into convention and conference spaces is a win-win situation. Plants not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of these venues but also contribute to improved air quality and a more positive atmosphere for attendees. Choosing low-maintenance plant rentals provides the benefits of live plants without the hassle of care.

With a variety of options available, from versatile succulents to elegant ferns and unique green walls or air plants, there is a perfect plant solution for every event. By considering factors such as lighting, space, and event theme, you can create stunning and impactful plant displays that leave a lasting impression on your guests.

Ready to transform your next event with the power of plants?

The next time you’re planning a convention or conference, don’t underestimate the power of plants. Choose low-maintenance rentals and let nature elevate your event to new heights. We can help you create an unforgettable event that stands out from the crowd. Contact Tropical Plant Rentals today for expert advice and a customised plant hire solution.