Abstract/Summary

Indoor plants can benefit occupants’ health, well-being and thermal comfort and influence their perceptions of indoor air quality. The effect of the physical appearance of indoor plants on people’s responses is unknown. This study investigated the responses of 520 participants to the appearance of twelve indoor plants through an online photo-questionnaire. The physical appearance of the plant had a significant impact on participants’ responses. All healthy plants tested were considered beautiful to some extent and perceived to positively impact well-being and air quality. Perceptions of well-being benefits were affected by the interest and beauty of the plant. Air quality benefits were associated with the healthiness of the plant appearance and canopy density. An unhealthy plant had a negative impact on its perceived benefit for well-being and air quality. Shape was considered the most important characteristic affecting plant attractiveness, but there was no clear preference for one geometrical shape. The sharpness of the canopy contours appeared to have a greater influence on participants’ responses than the geometrical canopy shape. These findings could assist future researchers, architects and designers make informed plant choices for study and incorporation into different indoor spaces to maximize benefits for occupants.