If you are someone who spends a lot of time at your office desk, you might have noticed that the office environment sometimes can get a bit dreary and monotonous. Fortunately, there’s a simple solution to this problem: office plants! Adding some greenery to your workspace can do wonders for your mood, productivity, and overall well-being.
As a busy hybrid office worker myself, I have found the best plant to bring some life into my rarely visited workspace is the Sansevieria Snake Plant. Personally, I don’t have a lot of time for high-maintenance office plants in the office, and this plant is like a breath of fresh air. It’s tough, good-looking with its spiky leaves, and easy to care for.
Here are the top picks to peruse over-
- Best Overall– Sansevieria
- Most Vibrant– Pothos
- The Sleekest Look– ZZ Plant
- The Most Calming– The Peace Lily
- The Budget Friendly – The Spider Plant
Plant Product Reviews
The Best Overall: The Mighty Sansevieria
Highlights:
If you’re in the market for a new plant for your office desk, the snake plant is a top dog when it comes to ease of care and air purifying abilities.
This plant can hold its own even in low light conditions and with infrequent watering. So, if you have a windowless office that is only accessed a few times per week, this office plant is one of the best plants for an office desk. It’s the kind of plant that can take a punch and keep growing, which is perfect for busy office workers who don’t have much time to fuss over their indoor plants anyway.
The Snake plant, also known as the mother- in- laws tongue, has air- qualities. This means it
It’s like having a personal air filter right on your desk!
And let’s remember its good looks- its tall spikey green leaves are sure to add some oomph to your workspace. It’s the kind of plant that screams I mean business!
The only downside I can see with this plant is if you have any furry friends visit your office space. Yes, that’s right, the Snake plant is toxic to pets. Meaning you have to pass the buck and choose a different plant or place it out of reach where they aren’t tempted to take a bite.
Key Features:
- Light- Tolerates a wide range of lighting- from low light to bright indirect light. However, it does best in bright indirect sunlight.
- Temperature- Tolerates 55-86F. Prefers 70-90F.
- Humidity-Tolerates low humidity levels (20%). Which in turn makes it great for offices with air conditioning or central heating.
- Watering- Drought tolerant plant that can dry out between watering. Avoid over-watering to prevent the risk of root rot.
- Soil- pH 6.0-7.5 average levels of all-purpose potting mix.
- Fertilizer-10-10-10 NPK, Twice a year- Optional.
- Size- 1-12 feet tall, 6-36 inches wide. You can control the height with the pot size it’s kept in.
Who Is It for?
The snake plant is perfect for those with little time or patience for high-maintenance plants. If you want to add a little pizzazz to your office without worrying about watering schedules and sufficient light, the snake plant is right up your alley.
Most Vibrant Choice: Pothos
Highlights:
Suppose you’re on the lookout for vine-like office plants that are a piece of cake to care for Pothos are definitely worth considering. The Pothos plant is pretty laid back when it comes to its environmental conditions. It can thrive in low to bright indirect light conditions, including fluorescent light, commonly found in offices.
When it comes to temperatures, the Pothos is incredibly versatile. It has a high tolerance to fluctuating temperatures and humidity levels. So running the air conditioner or heating in your office won’t cause it any harm.
In addition to these environmental conditions, the Pothos plant was on the list of air-purifying plants when they were studied by NASA- which stated they were great for reducing stress and increasing productivity. – If only they could do the office work for you too!
Suppose you have extra time on your hands in the office- Pothos is easy to propagate. Which means you can create new plants to give away to your coworkers or friends.
What makes the pothos plant so attractive is its heart-shaped leaves that come in various shades, including green, yellow, and variegated. The variegated is my favorite as the bright green and yellow patterns add a pop of color to my workspace. Pothos vines can grow several feet long, so they look great in a hanging basket or trailed up a trellis or a wall.
I have my Pothos trailing down the front of my desk- it makes me feel like I’ve brought a little bit of the outside in.
Key Features:
- Light- Tolerates low light to bright indirect light. However, avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Temperature- It prefers 60-80F (15-26) but can tolerate.
- Humidity -50-70%
- Watering- Prefers to dry out between watering and can tolerate periods of drought. Water the plant when the soil feels dry to the touch, and make sure you allow any excess water to drain out. Overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Soil- pH 6.0-7.0. Well-draining all-purpose potting mix.
- Fertilizer- Doesn’t need fertilizing but can benefit from 10-10-10 NPK every 4-6 weeks.
- Size- Can grow 1 foot per month- mature size up to 30 Feet long! Pruning may be necessary to keep it under control.
Who Is It for?
Pothos plants are an excellent choice for office staff with little time to care for plants. It makes a great addition to a workspace with poor natural light.
You can display its trailing foliage on a shelf or desk where it can show off its charm. One thing to note about Pothos plants is they can grow quite long very quickly, so you may need to use a bit of time in your lunch break to give them a trim.
The Sleekest Choice: ZZ Plant
Highlights:
You can easily incorporate ZZ Plants, also known as Zamioculas Zamsifolia, into any office space. Whether you’re going for a sleek and modern look or something more traditional, their dark green glossy leaves won’t disappoint.
ZZ plants are extremely low-maintenance office plants because of their low water requirements and very little need for attention. So even if you’re not exactly blessed with a green thumb, you can still enjoy the benefits of having some greenery in your office.
When it comes to their function as a plant, they are not only aesthetically pleasing; they are suitable for your health too. With so many harmful toxins in our air space these days, the ZZ plant is one that can help reduce them. This is especially important when air circulation is limited; we all know how stuffy offices can get.
If you want to jazz up your office area and add some life to your environment, consider a ZZ plant! They are incredibly forgiving and will surely be a hit with everyone in your workspace.
Key Features:
- Light- Tolerate low light conditions; however, they will grow more slowly in low light and may become leggy. Aim to provide them with bright indirect light for optimal growth.
- Temperature- Prefer warmer temperatures and can be damaged by temperatures below 45F (7C). Keep them away from drafts and cold windows.
- Humidity- Preferred humidity levels are 40-60%.
- Watering- They are drought tolerant and can go for long periods without water. Overwatering is a common issue, so letting the soil dry out completely between waterings is essential. A good rule of thumb is to water once every 2-3 weeks.
- Soil- pH 6.0 -7.0. All-purpose potting mix, including sand or perlite, would be a good choice.
- Fertilizer- 10-10-10 NPK balanced, water-soluble fertilizer (optional).
- Size- 2-3 feet (60-90) tall and wide but are slow growing and will take several years to reach this size.
Who Is It for?
The ZZ plant is an excellent option for anyone searching for easy office plants to care for. It’s perfect for hybrid workers, frequent travelers, and new plant parents who want a forgiving and resilient plant. Because of their tolerance to low light conditions, those who suffer from limited lighting in their office could keep the ZZ plant alive.
Anyone concerned about indoor air quality or suffering from allergies or respiratory issues should also consider this plant. Due to the air-purifying properties that will assist in creating a cleaner work environment, this makes a ZZ plant a perfect office companion.
The Most Calming Choice: The Majestic Peace Lilly
Highlights:
If your after office plants that will add a touch of elegance to your office desk, then the peace lilies are great candidates. These office plants are beautifully functional and are characterized by their dark green glossy leaves and beautiful white flowers resembling calla lilies.
One of the stand-out characteristics of the peace lily is that they are known for their long-lasting flowers, which can bloom for several weeks at a time. This means that they can provide a burst of color and beauty to your workspace for an extended period. Which in turn makes them excellent value for money.
When it comes to taking care of the peace lily, it’s effortless. It thrives in low to medium light and only really needs a drink once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. If you have time to give your plant a little extra TLC, you can mist it with water or wipe down its leaves with a damp cloth to keep them looking shiny and dust free.
My peace lily has stood proudly in its pot for the past three years in my home office. I don’t have a lot of natural light in there, and the temperatures are inconsistent, but it’s happy. When I’m working, it is a reminder to keep calm and get through the work for the day!
Key Features:
- Light- They prefer bright indirect light but also tolerate low light conditions. Avoid direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves.
- Temperature- They prefer temperatures of 65-80F (18-27C). Avoid placing them near cold drafts or heat sources like radiators, as this can cause damage to the leaves.
- Humidity- Prefer a humid environment (40-60%) but can still thrive in average indoor humidity levels.
- Watering- Water your peace lily once a week or when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Allowing the soil to dry out between waterings will avoid root rot.
- Soil- pH 5.5-7.0- a well-draining soil rich in organic matter is best, or a quality potting mix or a mixture of peat moss and perlite.
- Fertilizer- Optional 10-10-10 NPK Balanced water-soluble fertilizer once a month during spring and summer.
- Size- 3 Feet tall and 3 Feet wide. It can be kept small with regular pruning. Aim to re-pot once every 2-3 years or when it becomes root bound.
Who Is It for?
The peace lily makes an excellent choice for someone looking for flowering office plants that will add a touch of peace and tranquility to their office space. Busy people who don’t have much time to devote to plant care should consider the peace lily.
Plant enthusiasts and people new to indoor gardening will benefit from the laid-back attitude of a peace lily.
The Most Budget Friendly: The Charming Spider Plant
Highlights:
The spider plant is the green goddess of houseplants! This beauty is a must-have for anyone looking to liven up their office space.
The spider plant is a champ when it comes to tolerating neglect (unlike some of us!). It’s drought resistant, so forgetting to water it every once in a while won’t be the end of the world. These office plants are called spider plants for a reason. It has long, thin leaves resembling a spider’s legs (but don’t worry, it won’t bite!). It’s a prolific grower that sends out spiderettes (baby plants) that dangle like disco balls.
The spider plant thrives in various lighting conditions, from bright indirect light to low light, making it a versatile plant in the office.
But wait, there’s more! The spider plant is not just a pretty face. It’s an air purifier cleaning the air in your office of nasty pollutants. It’s like having your very own superhero guarding your air quality!
So why should you buy this plant? Well, this funky fresh plant is the perfect starter plant for any new plant parent. It’s easy to care for, forgiving, and will give you a sense of accomplishment as you watch it grow and produce its spiderettes. Plus, it’s super affordable, so you won’t have to break the bank to bring some green into the office.
Key Features:
- Light- Prefers bright indirect light. It can tolerate some direct sun but not too much, as it can scorch the leaves. Too little light will cause the plant to become leggy and produce fewer spiderettes.
- Temperature- As a tropical plant, it prefers temperatures between 60-80F (15-27C). It can handle some fluctuations in temperature but avoid placing it in a drafty area or near a heating or cooling vent.
- Humidity- Tolerates average indoor humidity levels (40%) but appreciates a slightly more humid environment. You can increase humidity by placing a humidifier nearby or misting the plant occasionally.
- Watering- A drought-resistant plant that can tolerate occasional underwatering. It doesn’t like to sit in water or soggy soil, so allow the excess to drain out before placing it back on the tray. Allow the top inch of the soil to drain out before watering again.
- Soil- pH 6.0-7.0. Well-draining potting mix rich with organic matter. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well.
- Fertilizer- 10-10-10 NPK. Optional once-per-month feed during the spring and summer months.
- Size-2-3 feet (60-90cm) in length but can be easily pruned back if it becomes too large or leggy.
Who Is It for?
The spider plant is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to add some funk to their office space without jumping through hoops.
If you are always on the go and don’t have time or energy for high-maintenance high maintenance plants, the spider plant can be your new bestie. It’s low key and great for budgets as it can produce new plants you can share with your friends (or sell for a profit if you are feeling entrepreneurial!). So whether you’re a penny pincher, a busy bee, or a free spirit, the spider plant is for you.
Buying Guide
5 Handy Tips Before Buying Your Office Plants
Step 1. Lighting Conditions
Before you go plant shopping, look at your office’s lighting conditions. Does your workspace receive much natural light, or is it dimly lit? Different plants have different lighting needs, so it’s essential to choose a plant that thrives in the lighting conditions of your office.
Step 2. Care Needs
Let’s face it; you are busy. You only have a little time to fuss over plants. That’s why choosing a plant that is low maintenance and doesn’t require a lot of care is essential. Look for plants that can tolerate infrequent watering and thrive in various conditions.
Step 3. Air Quality of Office
Office environments can be stuffy and full of toxins. That is why choosing a plant that can help purify the air is important. Look for plants that have been shown to remove toxins from the air, such as peace lilies or pothos.
Step 4. Size Matters
You don’t want your office plant to take up too much space or be too small to go unnoticed. Consider the size of your desk or cubicle and choose a plant that will fit comfortably in your area without being overwhelming.
Step 5. Style and Aesthetics
Last but not least, consider the style and aesthetics of your office. Do you want something trendy and stylish like the ZZ plant or elegant and sophisticated like the peace lily? Choose a plant that reflects your personal style and compliments the decor of your office.
Happy Plant shopping- I bet your bottom dollar you buy more than 1!!
FAQ
What is the best plant to keep in an office?
Sansevieria, Peace lily, Spider plant, ZZ plant, and Pothos are all suitable to keep in the office. Your choice depends on various aspects such as care, aesthetics, size, and budget.
What is the easiest office plant to take care of?
Snake plant, Sansevieria, or mother in laws tongue, whichever name you go by, is the easiest office plant to take care of. It is the least demanding regarding soil, light, water, temperature, and humidity.
What kind of plants do well in office lighting?
Peace lily Snake plant and ZZ plant are all plants that grow well in office lighting.
Can you keep plants in an office?
Absolutely you can keep plants in an office. You can benefit from having plants in the office if they receive the correct amount of water, light, humidity, and temperature.
Do plants improve air quality in the office?
Yes, they do. NASA has studied the plants that improve air quality, including the Peace lily, Snake plant, and Spider plant.
Why are plants great for the office?
Plants are fantastic in the office as they have been proven to increase productivity and reduce stress levels. They also look great, encouraging people to spend more time in their workplace.
What flowers are good for the office desk?
You can display flowering plants such as Peace lily, Spider plant, and ZZ on your office desk to make a statement.
Greening Your Office the Easy Way
These are just a handful of the best plants to spruce up an office space. I have ranked them from the best needing the slightest attention to the last being the most demanding- which, let’s face it, isn’t a problematic plant either.
Personally, I’ve had great success with spider plants. Not only are they easy to care for, but they are a great conversation starter. I can’t tell you how often my colleagues have stopped by my desk to ask about my spider plant and share stories about their own plants. You also cannot go wrong with a sansevieria!
So don’t be afraid to get a little green in your office! You can create a more inviting and productive workspace with the right plant. Just remember to think about the lighting, care needs, air quality, size, and style when selecting your plant, and you are sure to find a perfect fit.
Looking to Jazz Up Your Office with Some Greenery but Don’t Know Where to Start?
Let us know your thoughts and feedback by commenting below or getting in contact with us here. We love to hear from you!
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