Have you ever felt sluggish or uninspired at work, especially in a windowless office? Research shows that the reason could be your dull office environment.
The good news is, there’s a simple and natural solution: adding plants! 🌱
Plants aren’t just decorative; they’re powerful allies in creating a healthier and more productive workspace. They can improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
Let’s explore 20 of the best office plants for enhancing your workspace. Each office plant listed here has unique characteristics that suit different office environments.
Whether you are looking for low-maintenance office plants that purify the air, lower light, add a splash of color, or simply bring a bit of nature indoors, this article will guide you through the best plants for office spaces.
20 Best Plants for Your Office Space
Summarize this article for me pleaseBenefits of Having Plants in Your Workspace
We know plants are good for us. But exactly how good are they? A recent study published in the American Society for Horticultural Science found that office plants can significantly reduce employees’ stress levels.
The study reported up to a 37% reduction in anxiety, a 44% reduction in hostility, and a 58% reduction in depression in offices with plants. Now, those are some serious numbers!
That aside, here are some key reasons why it’s good to have plants in your office:
- Improved air quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. It refreshes the air in your office, making it healthier to breathe. Some plants even remove harmful toxins from the air. It reduces pollution and improves overall air quality
- Stress reduction: Studies have shown that being around plants can reduce stress and relax people
- Enhanced mood and well-being: Greenery can boost mood and create a more positive atmosphere. This can lead to higher job satisfaction and a better overall work environment
Green is good!
Why do we feel calmer around plants? It’s our brain. We may be working in offices or in front of a computer, but our brain reflexes are better suited for hunting in the savannah rather than sending an email.
Our executive function can easily shut down in high-pressure environments, putting us in a fight-or-flight mode. Elements like greenery or bird song are primitive cues that signal to our brain that “we’re safe.”
The concept of Biophilic design honors this need and creates spaces that encourage better connection between people and nature. Here are some key principles of this concept:
- Direct nature: This involves incorporating living elements like plants, water features, and natural light into a space
- Indirect nature: This includes using natural materials like wood, stone, and natural fibers, as well as incorporating natural patterns, textures, and colors
- Space and place conditions: This refers to designing spaces that evoke feelings of safety and refuge, all of which can be found in nature
Greenery in the Workspace and Its Benefits
Studies have shown that employees working in spaces with indoor plants are more comfortable, relaxed, and satisfied with their work environment.
The greenery creates a more positive and inviting atmosphere, promoting well-being and reducing stress for everyone in the office. This is beneficial for employees who struggle with anxiety or work in high-pressure environments.
Inclusivity of plants in workspace design
Incorporating plants into workspace design is not just about adding some greenery; it’s about creating a more inclusive and pleasant environment. Here’s how plants contribute to an inclusive workspace design:
- Different types of plants add a variety of colors, shapes, and textures to the office, making the space more visually interesting and stimulating
- Allowing employees to have personal plants at their desks helps them feel more connected to their workspace. It gives them a sense of ownership and personalization, which boosts morale and job satisfaction
- Including plants in office design shows that the company cares about the health and well-being of its employees. This improves employee loyalty and engagement
- The biophilic design principle focuses on bringing natural elements into the workplace. It enhances the connection between employees and nature, improving mental health and well-being
Overall, a green workspace can promote a healthier, happier, and more productive work environment.
Summarize this article for me please20 Best Office Plants
By incorporating plants and natural light into your office design, you can create a space that looks good and promotes well-being and collaboration.
Here’s a list of some of the best office plants to consider, categorized by their key benefit:
Air purifying plants
1.Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
- Purpose: Air purification, low maintenance
- Description: This upright succulent is a good office plant known for its spiky green leaves and requires minimal watering and light
- Maintenance: Water every 2-3 weeks, tolerates low light
- Size: Varies depending on variety, from small desk plants to large floor plants
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Purpose: Air purification, low maintenance
- Description: This glossy green foliage plant thrives in neglect and tolerates various light conditions
- Maintenance: Water only when the soil feels dry and tolerates low light
- Size: Grows to medium size, ideal for desks or shelves
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum wallisii)
- Purpose: Air purification, humidity booster
- Description: This elegant plant features white, trumpet-shaped flowers and glossy green leaves. It also helps increase humidity levels
- Maintenance: Water when the soil feels dry and mist occasionally; prefers medium indirect light
- Size: Grows to medium size, suitable for desks or tables
4. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Purpose: Humidity booster, air purification
- Description: This lush fern thrives in humid environments and adds a touch of the tropics to your office
- Maintenance: Needs moderate watering and prefers medium, indirect light with high humidity. Misting regularly is recommended
- Size: Grows to medium or large size, ideal for desks or floor stands
5. Air Plant (Tillandsia spp.)
- Purpose: Unique and low-maintenance air purifying
- Description: These fascinating plants require minimal soil and absorb moisture from the air. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes
- Maintenance: Soak the plant in water for a few hours every 1-2 weeks; prefer bright, indirect light
- Size: Varies depending on the variety, from small to medium
6. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
- Purpose: Air purification, trailing vine
- Description: This classic trailing vine adds a touch of greenery and is known for its air-purifying properties
- Maintenance: Needs regular watering and prefers medium, indirect light. Train the vine to climb a moss pole or cascade from a shelf
- Size: Grows to medium or large size, depending on training
Low-maintenance plants
7. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Purpose: Easy care, trailing vine
- Description: This versatile vine comes in various leaf variegations and can be trained to climb or cascade
- Maintenance: Water when the top inch of soil dries out and tolerates low to medium light
- Size: Varies depending on variety, trailing or climbing vines
8. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
- Purpose: Easy care, produces siderites
- Description: This adaptable plant has long, arching leaves and sends baby siderites that can be propagated
- Maintenance: Water when the top inch of soil dries out; prefers medium indirect light
- Size: Grows to medium size, ideal for hanging baskets or shelves
9. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
- Purpose: Extremely tolerant, thrives on neglect
- Description: This dark green foliage plant can withstand low light, infrequent watering, and neglect
- Maintenance: Water sparingly and tolerate low light
- Size: Grows to medium size, perfect for desks or corners
10. Chinese Money Plant (Pilea peperomioides)
- Purpose: Easy care, unique foliage
- Description: This trendy plant features round, coin-shaped leaves and is known for its ease of care
- Maintenance: Water when the top inch of soil dries out; prefers bright, indirect light
- Size: Grows to a small or medium size, ideal for desks or shelves.
Stress-reducing plants
11. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
- Purpose: Relaxation, calming scent
- Description: This fragrant herb has beautiful purple flowers and is known for its calming properties
- Maintenance: Needs moderate watering and bright, indirect sunlight. Prune regularly to encourage flowering
- Size: Grows to a small or medium size, ideal for balconies or garden corners
12. Bromeliad (Bromeliaceae family)
- Purpose: Air purification, vibrant colors
- Description: These air plants come in stunning colors and require minimal soil
- Maintenance: Water by soaking the plant base for a few minutes; prefers bright, indirect light
- Size: Varies depending on the variety, from small to medium
Plants for improved focus
13. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis)
- Purpose: Memory boost, invigorating scent
- Description: This fragrant herb not only improves air quality but is also known to enhance memory and focus
- Maintenance: Needs moderate watering and well-draining soil, prefers bright, indirect sunlight
- Size: Grows to a small or medium size, ideal for balconies or garden corners
14. Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
- Purpose: Improved focus, adds a fresh scent
- Description: This culinary herb has a delightful aroma and may help to improve concentration
- Maintenance: Needs regular watering and plenty of bright, direct sunlight
- Size: Grows to a small or medium size, best for window sills
Flowering plants
15. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)
- Purpose: Beautiful blooms, add color
- Description: This compact plant produces vibrant purple flowers and thrives in humid environments
- Maintenance: Water the soil directly; avoid getting water on the leaves. Prefers medium, indirect light, and high humidity
- Size: Grows to a small size, perfect for desks or shelves
16. Orchid (Orchidaceae family)
- Purpose: Elegant blooms, low maintenance
- Description: These elegant plants come in different colors and require minimal care
- Maintenance: Water when the roots turn silver; prefers medium, indirect light with high humidity
- Size: Varies depending on the variety, from small to medium
17. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Purpose: Decorative, symbolic
- Description: Jade plants are succulents with thick, glossy leaves, often associated with good luck
- Maintenance: Low. Needs bright light and minimal watering
- Size: Small to medium, up to 3 feet
18. Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)
- Purpose: Decorative
- Description: Crotons have vibrant, multicolored leaves that add a splash of color to any office
- Maintenance: High. Needs bright light and regular watering
- Size: Medium, 3-6 feet
19. Umbrella Plant (Schefflera)
- Purpose: Decorative, air purification
- Description: Umbrella plants have glossy, hand-shaped leaves and are easy to care for
- Maintenance: Moderate. Prefers indirect light and regular watering
- Size: Medium to large, up to 8 feet
20. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)
- Purpose: Air purification, decorative
- Description: Bird’s nest ferns have broad, wavy fronds that resemble a bird’s nest
- Maintenance: Moderate. Prefers indirect light and regular watering
- Size: Medium, 1-2 feet
Summarize this article for me pleaseOther Ways to Improve Your Office Space
Plants are a fantastic addition to any office, offering a range of benefits for your well-being and productivity. However, creating a truly optimized workspace requires multiple approaches.
Here are some additional ways to transform your office environment for the better:
Have a clear desk policy
A cluttered desk can be a major source of stress and distraction. Dedicate some time daily to clear away unnecessary items and organize your workspace.
This will free up physical space and help you mentally declutter, allowing you to focus on the task at hand. Do this at your office by outlining some broad guidelines:
- Address what to do with personal belongings at workstations
- Set a timeframe for how long non-essential items can be left at a desk
- Encourage a culture of tidiness to make clear desk practices easier to maintain
Go digital with ClickUp
Paperwork and sticky notes can lead to chaos over time. Use a digital project management tool like ClickUp to streamline your workflow and keep your desk clutter-free.
ClickUp offers a comprehensive suite of features designed to boost your organization and productivity:
- Notepad: Use ClickUp’s Notepad to jot down ideas, reminders, or notes. This eliminates the need for sticky notes and scattered papers on your desk
- Docs: Create, share, and collaborate on documents within ClickUp. ClickUp Docs allows you to keep all your important documents in one place, accessible from anywhere. It also helps in effective collaboration with your team in real time
- Calendar View: Manage your schedule with ClickUp’s Calendar View. This helps you keep track of deadlines, meetings, and appointments, ensuring you stay on top of your tasks
- Reminders: Set reminders for important tasks or deadlines. ClickUp’s Reminder ensures you never miss a crucial deadline or meeting, helping you stay organized and punctual
- Task Assignments: Delegate tasks to team members and track their progress. ClickUp’s Task is useful for project management, and office management ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities. You can even set priorities for the tasks and notify your team which one needs to be completed urgently
- Checklists: Use checklists to break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps. ClickUp Checklist helps you stay organized and ensures that nothing is overlooked
- Automating recurring tasks: Save time by automating tasks that repeat regularly. ClickUp’s Recurring Tasks allow you to set up recurring tasks so you need not create them each time
- ClickUp Brain: ClickUp Brain, an innovative feature powered by artificial intelligence, helps you write, edit, and summarize content directly within the platform. Whether you’re crafting emails, reports, or meeting summaries, ClickUp Brain can assist you in streamlining your writing process and saving valuable time
With ClickUp, you can consolidate your tasks, notes, documents, and communication into one central hub. This reduces physical clutter and promotes a more organized and focused work environment.
Summarize this article for me pleaseTransform Your Office into a Productive Workspace
Adding plants to your office space is a simple yet effective way to improve air quality, reduce stress, and boost productivity.
From air-purifying wonders to vibrant flowering beauties, these are the best office plants for every office environment. So why not bring a touch of nature indoors and create a more positive and productive workspace today?
Maintaining an organized and digital workspace with ClickUp can enhance your office experience. To streamline your workflow and keep your office space neat, sign up for ClickUp for free today!
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