There are so many benefits to having indoor plants, many of which make them perfect workplace companions.
What plants do for us
Plants can boost our mood by helping us feel connected to nature, even when we are confined to dreary, indoorsy workspaces. Plants can enliven our workplace décor and stimulate creativity.
Gardening has shown to have a positive impact on mental health, even when on a small-scale like caring for a pot plant on your desk. Plants can create a sense of calmness and natural beauty.
Plants have many physical health benefits too, from their ability to purify the air to their reputation for reducing tiredness and helping our bodies fight illness.
Why plants in the workplace?
Many large corporations and institutions are beginning to incorporate rooftop gardens, plant walls and leafy courtyards into their office design. Even pop-up communal workspaces are offering indoor greenery and a focus on sustainable design. And there is no reason why we shouldn’t all benefit from this increasing trend.
Those in charge of the office purse-strings might question the benefits of office plants for their company. However, studies have shown that plants can increase employee satisfaction and even boost concentration levels and productivity. If organised in an office-wide way, indoor planting can also foster cooperation and help to bond work teams as co-workers look after their plants together.
So, you’re ready to let the green in
Choosing the right plant for your office space may seem intimidating, especially if you are an inexperienced gardener.
However, here is a list of plants to suit all abilities, all requirements, and all budgets.
These almost-unkillable leafy friends will forgive your forgetful watering and don’t mind limited light conditions, making them perfect office companions. Even serial plant-killers will be able to manage this easy-going collection!
#1 Snake Plant
- Can go a long time without water
- Range of sizes
- Likes indirect or low light
- Likes room temperature
- Top tip: Do not overwater! Wait until the soil has dried out before watering again
- Note: This plant is toxic to pets
#2 Parlour Palm
- Lush with long stems
- Can grow tall, but slow growing
- Likes indirect light
- Likes room temperature
- Top tip: Prefers occasional droughts rather than overwatering
#3 ZZ Plant
- Beautiful sculpture-like plant
- Used to long periods of drought
- Likes warm bright areas but with indirect light
- Excellent air purifier
- Likes room temperature
- Top tip: Only water when the top layer of soil is completely dry
- Note: This plant is toxic to pets
#4 Aloe Vera
- Likes bright light - will appreciate a window seat
- Won’t mind a few missed waterings
- The gel found in its leaves can help soothe insect bites, burns and sunburn
- Top tip: Only water when the soil is completely dry
- Note: This plant is toxic to pets
#5 Aspidistra
- So tough that it’s nickname is the “cast iron plant”!
- Grows tall with large leaves
- Can go a long time without water
- Likes room temperature
- Thrives in dim areas like corridors and corners
- Top tip: This plant almost thrives on neglect! Don’t water until the soil is dry
#6 Devil’s Ivy
- Beautiful leaves with a marbled pattern
- Will thrive in low light
- Will forgive a lack of watering
- A fast grower
- Can work as a hanging plant too
- Top tip: Enjoys weekly misting
- Note: This plant is toxic to pets
#7 Sedum Burro’s Tail
- Cute little succulent
- Likes bright light, but must be indirect light (i.e. not on a windowsill that gets any direct sunlight)
- Won’t mind a few missed waterings
- Water less in winter
- Stems are delicate so avoid handling
- Doesn’t mind room temperature
- Top tip: This plant hates frost and low temperatures - reposition away from drafts and windows in the winter
#8 Bunny Ear Cactus
- Likes bright light, but prefers indirect light in winter
- Water when the soil has dried out (less often in winter)
- Slow grower
- Likes room temperature
- Top tip: Wear gloves when handling due to its little spikes, and keep away from children/pets
Finally, before you go skipping down to the garden centre (the skipping being metaphorical if you prefer to order your plants online), there are a few questions which you should ponder to help you make your decision.
Some final considerations:
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Who will be in charge of watering?
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If your workplace closes for extended periods of time (like a school), who will take the plant home to look after it?
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Is your office more suited to light-loving plants or plants that can thrive in dark corners?
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How much space do you have? How large do you want your plant to grow?
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Can you maintain room temperature in your office space? (If not, you will need to select a plant which isn’t too fussy about fluctuating temperatures.)
