Plants can instantly beautify a space, but did you know they can also contribute to your well-being? The presence of plants can boost your mood and reduce your stress levels—bringing tranquility to any space, even a home office.
Studies have shown that where indoor plants have been installed, work performance increased, staff welling improved, and sick-leave absences were reduced(see 'Green vs Lean' study).
But like making a good hire, you’ll want to screen a few plants to find the right fit. Below we share our top five plants for your office to help get you started. All require minimal care—because you have enough work to do already!
Pothos
There’s a reason you see the popular Pothos just about everywhere—from malls to doctors’ offices to your friend’s living room—it can tolerate many different indoor environments. Its easy-going nature has even earned it the nickname Cubicle Plant! The Pothos does best in bright indirect to medium indirect light but can tolerate low light, with water once every 1 to 2 weeks when the potting mix is dry. Learn more about Pothos Care here.
Philodendron
The Philodendron is similar in both aesthetic and hardiness to the Pothos. If you’re trying to tell the difference, look at the leaf shape and vine thickness. The Philodendron's leaves are more heart-shaped, and its vines are thinner and more delicate-looking. But don’t let that fool you—this plant is still as hardy as they come. It does best in bright indirect to medium indirect light but can tolerate low light, with water once every 1 to 2 weeks when the potting mix is dry.
ZZ Plant
If you’re looking for a plant with vertical growth, look no further than the low-maintenance ZZ Plant with its thick upright stems and waxy green leaves. You may spot large potato-like rhizomes underneath the surface of the ZZ’s potting mix. These rhizomes store water, making the ZZ a hardy, drought-tolerant houseplant that only needs water every few weeks! It does best in medium indirect light but can tolerate low light, with water once every 3 to 4 weeks when the potting mix is dry.
Snake Plant
Famous for having a top spot on NASA’s air-filtering plants list, the Snake Plant has been shown to purify indoor air by removing toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene. And having evolved to survive drought in its native habitat like the ZZ Plant, it only needs be watered once every few weeks! The Snake Plant’s thin, upright leaves with irregular banding—that resemble the skin of its namesake reptile—will enhance any workspace.
Bird’s Nest Fern
If you’re looking for the perfect plant to give your home office tropical vacation vibes, look no further than the Bird’s Nest Fern. Known for its wavy ripple-edge fronds that grow out of a central rosette, this plant will add a vibrant pop of green to any space. Added bonus: it’s considered non-toxic, making it safe to keep around your furry four-legged co-workers.
Words By The Sill
Empowering all people to be plant people—a collection of articles from The Sill’s team of plant experts across a variety of plant care topics to inspire confidence in the next generation of plant parents. Welcome to Plant Parenthood™.
