Having an office plant is essential for a healthy work environment. The whole idea of work can get a little boring over time. This is why we need office plants to help bring the fun outdoors into our workspace.
Filling your office with plants does have its advantages. They help purify the air which can lead to increased productivity. They also help boost creativity and provide eye-catchy features to your office.
Picking the best plants for the office can be a bit challenging. Do you go with a standard window plant? Or small desk plants.
10 of the best office plants you can care for
African Violet
The African violet plant is a small desk plant that is suitable for an office. They are herbaceous flowering perennials. And they are native to the Southeastern tropical regions of Kenya. African violets were quite popular in the past, due to their stunning purple blooms.
They can be grown as cool desk plants under any lighting conditions. But bright light is essential for developing their flowers. You can also keep them next to a north-facing window.
- Botanical name: Saintpaulia
- Lighting needs: Bright, but filtered sunlight
- Soil type: Well-draining, All-purpose potting soil.
Sky Plant
Air plants in general make good indoor desk plants or table plants for the office. The Sky plant is an air plant species that comes from the Tillandsia genus. It is native to Mexico and other parts of Central America. They feature bright-colored leaves of silver or green hues.
As air plants, the sky plant does not require soil. But you should ensure your office has enough humidity for the plant.
- Botanical name: Tillandsia ionantha
- Lighting needs: Indirect or filtered sun.
- Soil type: No soil is needed
Snake Plant
Snake plants are too large to be desk plants, but they do make live office plants for office corners. The snake plant is a sturdy, durable plant that can survive almost every growth condition. This exotic plant is known for its sword-like foliage with gorgeous patterns.
The snake plant can be grown in areas with bright but partial sun. They also don’t require much watering and can survive weeks of neglect.
- Botanical name: Dracaena trifasciata
- Lighting needs: Bright, indirect light
- Soil type: Well-draining sandy, acidic or alkaline
Spider Plant
Growing the spider plant in the office can be a thrill. These fast growers are excellent air purifiers that could help increase overall productivity. They are low-maintenance and can be grown in both pots or hanging baskets.
This spider-like plant does well in a warm humid environment. It would need to be pruned often to control its growth.
- Botanical name: Chlorophytum comosum
- Lighting needs: Moderate or bright filtered sunlight
- Soil type: Well-draining, rich, potting soil
Jade Plant
The jade plants are cute office plants or great desktop plants. It is also called the “money plant” which kinda makes it ideal for a workspace. Its mini size and succulent teardrop leaves are a few of its attractive features.
Jade plants need bright but direct sunlight to thrive. They can still grow in offices with low lighting. As succulents, keep watering at minimal levels.
- Botanical name: Crassula ovata
- Lighting needs: Bright but filtered light
- Soil type: Well-draining, Succulent soil
Sweetheart Vine
Sweetheart vines are uncommon plants for the office. It is a trailing plant that is best grown in hanging baskets. Their stems can get long, so occasional pruning would be needed. They feature stunning heart-shaped leaves which can give your office a fresh look.
For a healthy Sweetheart Vine, you would need to provide moderate to bright lighting. You should also keep watering to a minimal level.
- Botanical name: Philodendron Cordatum
- Lighting needs: Partial shade or low light
- Soil type: Rich, well-draining soil mix
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plants are tropical perennials that make great home office plants. This is because they do well in areas of low light (like the office). They also have a high tolerance for drought and can survive some level of neglect.
It is a member of the Araceae family and is native to tropical regions of West Africa. You can place them by the office corner or next to a window.
- Botanical name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
- Lighting needs: Partial or full shade
- Soil type: Well-draining, potting soil mix
Weeping Fig
Weeping Fig or Ficus Benjamina is a small tree that is suitable for a corner office. They also make great lobby plants. When compared to the other plants on the list, the weeping fig is a lot more stressful. But, it does reward its growers with its eye-catching features.
Place your Weeping fig in a corner with lots of access to bright, filtered sunlight. It also loves water, but do not overwater them. Instead, aim for moist soil.
- Botanical name: Ficus Benjamina
- Lighting needs: Partial sun to full sun
- Soil type: Well-draining, rich, potting soil mix
Golden Pothos
Golden pothos is common office plants. It is known to survive very dark spaces as well as very bright spaces. It features lime-green heart-shaped leaves that are carried by thick stems. Grow the Golden pothos next to a window for proper growth.
The Golden pothos is a low-maintenance plant. They do well in part shade but do ensure you water them once a week to keep them fresh.
- Botanical name: Epipremnum aureum
- Lighting: Bright, but the filtered sun
- Soil type: Rich, well-draining soilless medium
Nerve Plant
Nerve plants make easy office plants to take care of. They feature unique leaves with deep colored veins that vary from white to pink. They love humid regions, but you can place them next to a window for the same effect. Ensure it is a north-facing window.
As office plants, they can help improve the visual aesthetics of your workspace. Keep them watered when the soil gets a little dry.
- Nerve plant: Fittonia albivenis
- Lighting needs: Bright but filtered sunlight
- Soil type: Well-draining, potting soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, they are quite small in size and do well in small pots.
The Golden pothos is toxic when ingested. It can lead to eye irritations so grow them with care.
Stores like Home Depot or Amazon have a huge collection of office plants.
A plant that requires little attention and helps purify the air, is a great office plant.
The best indoor plant is the snake plant. It has an incredible level of tolerance for almost all conditions.
