The Growing Role of Indoor Plants in Hotel Spaces: More Than Just Decoration | By Muhammed Iqbal

In recent years, indoor plants have become more than just decorative items in hotel interiors. They have evolved into important elements that contribute to wellness, sustainability, and the overall guest experience. This shift reflects a growing recognition of the benefits plants bring to indoor environments and hospitality design.

Today’s guests expect more than comfort and cleanliness; they seek spaces that help them relax, feel connected to nature, and experience a sense of calm. Indoor plants contribute significantly to these needs. Studies have shown that greenery reduces stress, improves air quality, and can enhance focus and mood. These effects create a positive atmosphere, making stays more enjoyable and memorable.

Biophilic design—the practice of incorporating natural elements into interior spaces—has become a key trend in hospitality. Hotels are moving beyond simply placing potted plants in corners. Instead, they are integrating living walls, large green partitions, and botanical elements in lobbies, lounges, and guest rooms to create environments that feel alive and welcoming.

Examples of such integration include living walls in entrance areas that create stunning visual impact while purifying air, potted plants used as natural dividers in communal spaces, and air-purifying species such as snake plants and peace lilies in guestrooms and corridors. Spa and wellness areas often include fragrance-free foliage to maintain a hypoallergenic environment.

Sustainability is another important factor driving the use of indoor plants in hotels. Many hospitality operators seek to reduce waste and minimize environmental impact, and plant-based decor fits well within these goals. Hotels increasingly prefer potted or hydroponic plants over cut flowers, as they last longer and generate less waste.

Choosing drought-resistant and native plant species further supports sustainable practices by reducing water consumption and maintenance requirements. Using plants also decreases reliance on synthetic air fresheners and artificial decorations, contributing to healthier indoor air quality and a more natural atmosphere.

Moreover, the incorporation of greenery supports hotels in achieving green building certifications such as LEED, which evaluate factors like indoor environmental quality and guest well-being. This alignment with environmental standards enhances a hotel’s reputation and meets growing guest expectations around sustainability.

A noticeable trend is the move from traditional floral bouquets to botanical styling. Instead of short-lived cut flowers, hotels now use rooted plants, foliage arrangements, and natural materials that offer longevity and evolving beauty. Such arrangements also often emphasize seasonal and locally sourced plants, which supports regional growers and reduces transportation-related emissions.

Taking care of indoor plants within a hotel setting requires coordinated efforts among housekeeping, engineering, and design teams. Maintenance involves proper watering, placement to ensure adequate light, pest control, and regular health checks. Training staff in basic horticulture has become an important part of operational excellence, as well-kept plants signal a hotel’s attention to detail.

Indoor plants not only enhance aesthetics but also improve acoustic comfort by absorbing noise, soften harsh architectural elements, and foster a welcoming ambiance. They create sensory experiences that engage guests on multiple levels, supporting both physical and psychological well-being.

Looking forward, the role of indoor plants in hotels is set to grow. As guests increasingly value wellness and environmental responsibility, hotels will continue to innovate in how greenery is incorporated. This might include smart plant care technologies, interactive plant features for guests, and even edible indoor gardens.

Indoor plants offer a unique blend of beauty, functionality, and sustainability. When thoughtfully integrated, they elevate hotel environments and contribute positively to guest experiences. For hospitality professionals, embracing greenery is not just a design choice—it’s a strategic investment in creating spaces that are healthy, memorable, and future-ready.