If you ever feel sluggish, distracted, or stressed at work, it might be time to add some greenery to your office space.
Studies like the one published by the University of Exeter in 2014 (“Why plants in the office make us more productive“) have shown that having plants in the office can boost productivity, reduce stress, and even improve air quality.
To help you create a happier and healthier workspace, here are ten of the best office plants that are easy to care for and offer a variety of benefits.
1. Snake Plant
Also known as mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant boasts tall, upright leaves with striking green patterns bordered by yellow edges. Originating from West Africa, it has become popular worldwide due to its robust nature.
Benefits:
- Air Purifier: Efficiently removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Thrives on neglect, requiring minimal watering and care.
- Variety: Available in various sizes and leaf colors to suit different aesthetic preferences.
Care:
- Water: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry out completely between watering. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, indirect light to low light. Tolerates a wide range of temperatures.
Additional Information:
A great choice for beginners and those with busy schedules, the snake plant adds a modern touch to any office.
2. Echeveria purpusorum
Echeveria purpusorum is a compact, rosette-forming succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that are dark green with red spots and edges. Native to Mexico, this plant is highly decorative and easy to care for, making it a popular choice for indoor gardens and office spaces.
Benefits
- Decorative Appeal: Its unique coloration and form make it a striking addition to any plant collection.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive with minimal watering, ideal for busy individuals.
Care
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, direct to indirect sunlight.
Additional Information
Echeveria purpusorum is perfect for sunny windowsills and desktops, providing a splash of color and texture with minimal maintenance.
3. Spider Plant
A graceful plant with long, arching leaves and “spiderettes” (baby spider plants) that dangle from the mother plant. Native to South Africa, the spider plant is renowned for its air-purifying abilities and easy propagation.
Benefits:
- Air Purifier: Excellent at removing toxins from the air.
- Easy to Propagate: Spiderettes can be easily rooted to create new plants.
- Non-toxic: Safe for pets and children.
Care:
- Water: Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not soggy.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, indirect light.
Additional Information:
The spider plant’s cascading foliage adds a touch of elegance to any workspace, making it a popular choice for office decor.
4. Peace Lily
A beautiful flowering plant with dark green leaves and elegant white blooms. Native to tropical regions of the Americas and southeastern Asia, the peace lily is celebrated for its air-purifying properties and tranquil appearance.
Benefits:
- Air Purifier: One of the top air-purifying plants, removing toxins like formaldehyde and benzene.
- Humidity Booster: Helps to increase humidity levels in dry office environments.
- Low Light Tolerant: Can thrive in offices with limited natural light.
Care:
- Water: Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged. Prefers high humidity.
- Perfect Environment: Low to bright indirect light.
Additional Information: The peace lily’s blooms add a touch of tranquility to any workspace, enhancing both aesthetics and air quality.
5. Eve’s pin
Eve’s Pin, also known as Eve’s Needle, is a striking succulent cactus native to the highlands of South America, particularly Peru. It features cylindrical, spiny stems that grow upright, with slender, pointed leaves that add an interesting texture to its appearance.
Benefits:
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive long periods without water, making it ideal for busy or forgetful plant owners.
- Unique Appearance: Its unusual structure and spiky stems add a unique touch to any plant collection.
Care:
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, direct sunlight to partial shade.
Additional Information: Eve’s Pin is perfect for adding an exotic flair to office spaces or home gardens, requiring minimal care while offering maximum visual impact.
6. Aucuba japonica
Aucuba japonica, commonly known as Japanese laurel, is a hardy evergreen shrub with large, glossy green leaves often speckled with gold or yellow. Native to Japan, China, and Korea, it is popular for its attractive foliage and ability to thrive in low-light conditions.
Benefits:
- Shade Tolerant: Ideal for offices and indoor environments with limited natural light.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and can tolerate neglect.
- Air Purifier: Helps improve indoor air quality by removing toxins.
Care:
- Water: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between watering. Avoid waterlogging.
- Perfect Environment: Low to bright indirect light. Prefers moderate humidity.
Additional Information: Aucuba japonica adds a touch of lush greenery and elegance to any indoor setting, with its striking leaves making it a standout plant in any collection.
7. Dracaena Plant
Dracaena is a popular houseplant known for its long, slender leaves that often have colorful variegations. Originating from tropical Africa, this plant is loved for its robust nature and adaptability to indoor environments.
Benefits:
- Air Purifier: Removes common toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air.
- Low Maintenance: Tolerates a wide range of conditions, making it easy to care for.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its tall, upright form and striking foliage add visual interest to any space.
Care:
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Avoid over-watering as it can lead to root rot.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, indirect light to low light. Can tolerate low humidity.
Additional Information: Dracaena is perfect for adding height and structure to office or home interiors, enhancing the décor with its bold foliage.
8. Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas Cactus)
Schlumbergera truncata, commonly known as the Christmas Cactus, is a popular holiday plant with segmented, flattened stems and vibrant blooms that appear in winter. Native to the coastal mountains of Brazil, this plant is prized for its festive flowers and easy care.
Benefits:
- Festive Blooms: Produces beautiful flowers in shades of pink, red, white, or yellow during the holiday season.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated from cuttings to create new plants.
- Non-toxic: Safe for pets and children.
Care:
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged during the growing season. Reduce watering after flowering.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, indirect light. Prefers high humidity.
Additional Information: The Christmas Cactus adds a splash of color to any indoor space during the winter months, making it a favorite for holiday decorations and gifting.
9. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)
Monstera, commonly known as the Swiss Cheese Plant, is a popular tropical plant native to the rainforests of Central America. Recognized for its large, glossy, heart-shaped leaves with unique perforations, Monstera adds a dramatic touch to any indoor space.
Benefits:
- Aesthetic Appeal: Its large, perforated leaves add a bold, tropical look to any decor.
- Air Purifier: Helps to improve indoor air quality by removing toxins.
- Rapid Growth: Can quickly fill a space with its lush foliage, making it a great choice for those looking to create an indoor jungle.
Care:
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil is dry. Ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
- Perfect Environment: Prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight as it can scorch the leaves.
- Humidity: Thrives in higher humidity but can adapt to average indoor humidity levels. Misting the leaves occasionally can help maintain humidity.
Additional Information: Monstera deliciosa is known for its rapid growth and can be trained to climb supports like moss poles or trellises, enhancing its dramatic appearance. It’s also easy to propagate from stem cuttings, making it a favorite among plant enthusiasts who enjoy sharing plants with friends and family.
10. Succulent plant
Succulent plants are a diverse group of plants known for their thick, fleshy leaves that store water. Native to arid regions around the world, succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them highly versatile and popular among indoor gardeners.
Benefits:
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care and watering.
- Drought Tolerant: Can survive long periods without water, ideal for busy or forgetful individuals.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds a touch of modern elegance with their unique forms and colors.
Care:
- Water: Water sparingly, allowing soil to dry out completely between waterings.
- Perfect Environment: Bright, direct sunlight to partial shade. Tolerates low humidity.
Additional Information: Succulents are perfect for creating low-maintenance, decorative displays in office spaces or homes, bringing a touch of nature indoors with minimal effort.
How to Choose The Best Plants For Your Office
Before transforming your workspace into a green oasis, it’s important to choose the right plants for your office environment. Here are some key factors to consider when selecting the best plants for your office:
1. Light Conditions: Assess the lighting in your office. Do you have bright, direct sunlight, or is it mostly indirect light? Some plants thrive in bright light, while others prefer low-light conditions.
2. Maintenance Level: How much time and effort are you willing to dedicate to plant care? If you have a busy schedule, opt for low-maintenance plants that don’t require frequent watering or special attention. Some popular low-maintenance options include snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos.
3. Size and Space: Consider the available space in your office. Are you looking for small desk plants, or do you have room for larger floor plants? Choose plants that fit your space comfortably and won’t overcrowd the area.
4. Air Purifying Qualities: Certain plants are known for their air-purifying abilities, removing toxins and improving air quality. If this is a priority for you, consider plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and Boston ferns.
5. Aesthetic Appeal: Choose plants that you find visually appealing and that complement your office decor.
6. Toxicity: If you have pets or young children in your office, be sure to select non-toxic plants to avoid any accidental ingestion.
Remember, these are general guidelines. Depending on your office specific environment and conditions, you may need to adjust the frequency of watering or other care techniques. Always monitor your plants closely and adjust your care routine as needed.
How to Take Care of Your Office Plants
Here’s the updated table with Monstera instead of Philodendron:
| Name | Difficulty | Water Frequency | Perfect Environment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snake Plant | Easy | Sparingly, let the soil dry completely | Bright, indirect light to low light |
| Echeveria purpusorum | Easy | Sparingly, let the soil dry completely | Bright, direct to indirect sunlight |
| Spider Plant | Easy | Regularly, keep soil moist but not soggy | Bright, indirect light |
| Peace Lily | Moderate | Regularly, keep soil moist | Low to bright indirect light |
| Eve’s Pin | Easy | Let the top inch of soil dry out between waterings | Bright, direct sunlight to partial shade |
| Aucuba japonica | Easy | Keep soil moist but not waterlogged during the growing season, reduce after flowering | Low to bright indirect light |
| Dracaena Plant | Easy | Allow the top inch of soil to dry out | Bright, indirect light to low light |
| Schlumbergera truncata (Christmas Cactus) | Moderate | When the top inch of soil is dry | Bright, indirect light, high humidity |
| Monstera | Easy | Sparingly, let the soil dry completely | Bright, indirect light to partial shade |
| Succulent Plant | Easy | Sparingly, let soil dry completely | Bright, direct sunlight to partial shade |
Conclusion
Adding plants to your office can significantly improve the atmosphere, purify the air, and contribute to a more enjoyable workspace.
With various low-maintenance options to choose from, there’s a plant to suit every office’s needs and aesthetics.
By incorporating one or more of these top 10 office plants, you’ll create a happier and healthier environment for yourself and your colleagues.
Remember to choose plants that suit your office’s lighting conditions, space availability, and maintenance requirements, and enjoy the many benefits of bringing nature into your workspace.
FAQ
What are some good low-maintenance plants for the office?
Some good low-maintenance plants for the office include snake plants, peace lilies, and Chinese evergreens. These plants require minimal watering and care, making them ideal for busy offices.
How do I care for my office plants?
Caring for office plants can vary depending on the specific plant species. However, general care tips include placing plants in appropriate lighting conditions, watering them as needed, and occasionally wiping down the leaves to remove dust.
Can office plants survive in low-light conditions?
Yes, some office plants can survive in low-light conditions. Plants like snake plants and ZZ plants can tolerate low light, while plants like peace lilies and Chinese evergreens can thrive in medium to low light.
How do office plants improve air quality?
Plants can help improve air quality by removing harmful toxins and pollutants from the air through a process called phytoremediation. This can lead to improved respiratory health and increased productivity in the workplace.
Can office plants be harmful to pets or children?
Some office plants can be toxic to pets and children if ingested. It’s important to research any plants you plan to bring into your office and ensure they are safe for pets and children
How many plants should I have in my office?
The number of plants you should have in your office depends on the size of your workspace and personal preference. Generally, it’s recommended to have one plant per every 100 square feet of office space.
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