10 Best Office Plants for a Happier and Healthier Workspace

If you ever felt bored or uninspired at work, adding some greenery to your workspace might just be the solution you need.

Office plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have numerous benefits for your health and well-being.

Studies have shown that having plants in the workplace can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve air quality.

In this article, we’ll explore the best plants that are ideal for your office area and provide tips on how to maintain them.

Benefits of Plants In Your Workplace


Having plants in your office can provide a range of benefits beyond just improving the aesthetic appeal of your workspace. Here are some potential benefits that you may experience:

  1. Improved air quality: Plants can help remove harmful toxins from the air, leading to improved air quality and better breathing for employees.
  2. Reduced stress: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress levels, which can lead to a more relaxed and productive work environment.
  3. Increased productivity: Having plants around can also increase productivity, as employees may feel more alert and focused in the presence of greenery.
  4. Enhanced creativity: Plants can also inspire creativity, making them a great addition to any workspace where creativity is valued.

Learn More about the Benefits of Having Plants in Your Workplace.

How to Choose The Best Office Plants For Your Space


  1. Consider lighting conditions: Different plants have different lighting requirements, so it’s essential to choose plants that will thrive in your office’s lighting conditions. For example, plants like snake plants and ZZ plants can tolerate low light, while plants like bamboo palms and rubber plants require bright, indirect light.
  2. Think about space availability: Consider how much space you have available for plants in your office. If you have limited floor space, consider plants like pothos, spider plants, and English ivy that can be hung or trained along walls or shelves.
  3. Determine maintenance level: Consider how much time and effort you are willing to put into caring for your plants. If you are looking for low-maintenance options, consider plants like snake plants, peace lilies, and Chinese evergreens. If you are willing to put in a bit more effort, plants like rubber plants, bamboo palms, and English ivy may be good choices.
  4. Choose plants that improve air quality: Plants can help purify the air in your office and create a healthier work environment. Look for plants like peace lilies, spider plants, and bamboo palms that have air-purifying qualities.
  5. Consider aesthetic preferences: Finally, consider the aesthetic of your office and choose plants that will complement your decor. Plants like rubber plants and philodendrons have striking foliage, while plants like peace lilies and snake plants have elegant white flowers.

If you’re unsure about where to begin, you can learn how to select the best plants for your office by clicking here.

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.

Best Office Plants


Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Snake plants, also known as Sansevieria, are one of the most popular office plants due to their low maintenance and ability to purify the air. They are native to West Africa and are easy to care for, making them perfect for busy professionals.

Snake plants can tolerate low light conditions and require minimal watering, making them a top choice for low-maintenance office plants.

Additionally, they come in various shapes, sizes, and colors to suit any office decor. Snake plants are also known to release oxygen during the night, making them a great option for improving air quality in enclosed office spaces.


Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Peace Lilies are known for their elegant white flowers and lush green foliage. They thrive in low light conditions and help to remove toxins from the air, making them an excellent choice for the workplace.

Peace Lilies prefer slightly moist soil but are generally easy to care for, making them a great option for an office environment. These plants also release moisture into the air, which can help improve humidity levels in dry office spaces, reducing the risk of respiratory issues.

Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos, also known as Devil’s Ivy, is a versatile and hardy plant that can survive in various light conditions. It’s an excellent choice for an office as it can be placed on a desk, hung from a ceiling, or trained along a shelf.

Pothos is known for its air-purifying qualities and requires minimal care, making it an ideal choice for the workplace. These plants also have trailing vines that can add a touch of greenery to any office space, creating a more natural and welcoming environment.


Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)

Spider Plants are adaptable and low-maintenance, making them perfect for busy office workers. They thrive in indirect light and can help remove pollutants from the air, making them an ideal choice for improving indoor air quality.

Spider Plants are also non-toxic, making them safe for offices with pets or small children. These plants can also produce baby spider plants, making them a cost-effective way to add more greenery to your workspace.


ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is known for its glossy, deep green foliage and its ability to tolerate low light and neglect, making it a great choice for offices with limited natural light and for those who may not have a green thumb.

ZZ Plants also help to purify the air, making them a practical and attractive addition to any office space. These plants can also survive without water for extended periods, making them an excellent choice for busy professionals who don’t have time to water their plants frequently.


Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

Rubber Plants are perfect for adding a touch of tropical flair to your office. They can grow quite large, making them suitable for spacious offices or as floor plants.

Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light and can help purify the air by removing toxins. These plants can also be trained to grow in various shapes, making them a unique and eye-catching addition to any office space.


Philodendron

Philodendrons come in various shapes and sizes, making them a versatile choice for office spaces.

They are low maintenance, requiring only occasional watering and indirect light. Philodendrons are also known for their air-purifying qualities and can help create a healthier work environment.

These plants can also be trained to grow along walls or shelves, creating a natural and beautiful backdrop for your workspace.


English Ivy (Hedera helix)

English Ivy is an attractive trailing plant that is perfect for adding some greenery to shelves or desks. It’s known for its air-purifying abilities, particularly in removing formaldehyde from the air.

English Ivy prefers medium to bright indirect light and requires regular watering. These plants can also be trained to grow along walls or trellises, creating a beautiful and natural focal point for your office.


Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

Bamboo Palms is an excellent choice for adding some tropical vibes to your office. They thrive in bright, indirect light and can grow quite tall, making them a perfect choice for larger office spaces.

Bamboo Palms are also effective at purifying the air and removing toxins, making them a practical and attractive addition to any office space. These plants can also help reduce noise levels in the office by absorbing sound waves.


Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreens are known for their striking variegated foliage, which adds a pop of color to any office space. They thrive in low to medium light conditions and require only occasional watering, making them a low-maintenance option for the workplace.

Chinese Evergreens are also effective air purifiers, helping to create a healthier and more comfortable office environment. These plants can also be used as decorative accents in planters or as table centerpieces.


How to Take Care of Your Office Plants

PlantMaintenance LevelWatering FrequencyCare Tips
Snake PlantLowEvery 2-3 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry out between waterings.
Peace LilyLowEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in low to medium light. Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves occasionally.
PothosLow to MediumEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Trim back any leggy or yellow leaves.
Spider PlantLowEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves occasionally. Remove any brown or wilted leaves.
ZZ PlantLow to MediumEvery 2-3 weeksPlace in low to medium light. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Trim back any yellow leaves.
Rubber PlantMediumEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Keep soil slightly moist but not waterlogged. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust.
PhilodendronLowEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Prune back any leggy or yellow leaves.
English IvyMedium to HighEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in medium to bright, indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Mist the leaves occasionally. Trim back any brown or wilted leaves.
Bamboo PalmMediumEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in bright, indirect light. Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust.
Chinese EvergreenLowEvery 1-2 weeksPlace in low to medium light. Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to remove dust.

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 do research on 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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Cristian Lungu

Cristian Lungu

I'm Cristian Lungu, the founder of OfficeGearLab and a dedicated office equipment reviewer. I guide readers towards making knowledgeable choices. Additionally, I love embarking on journeys with my family and camp around the country.