You found our list of best office plants.
Office plants are attractive greeneries you can grow around your working space. These plants vary widely and include flowers, ferns, succulents, and vines. For example, African violets, sweetheart hoya, and nerve plants. The purpose of these plants is to purify the air, promote a good mood, and add elegance to the office.
Plants can make for a more pleasant working environment and improve home offices. Adding greenery is a common employee wellness initiative and a recent workplace trend.
This article covers:
- small office plants
- office desk plants
- colorful office plants
- easy office plants
- home office plants
- tall office plants
- low light office plants
Let’s get started!
List of the best office plants
From peppermint to lucky bamboo and everything in between, here are the best plants for the office.
1. Peppermint
Peppermint is one of the best plants for the office. This herb has a pleasant fragrance and repels pesky bugs like flies and spiders. In addition, the lush green leaves and occasional purple blossoms will help to brighten the office. Plus, peppermint leaves are edible and have a cool aftertaste, and you can use them to spice up your food and drinks at the office.
This herb needs plenty of space, moist soil, and sunshine to flourish. Ideally, grow the peppermint in a big pot near a window and water the plant twice a week to keep the plant healthy. During colder days, sprinkle some water as soon as the soil appears dry. However, avoid over-watering the dirt because this can cause leaf diseases and root rot.
Learn more about peppermint.
2. Chinese evergreen
The Chinese evergreen is one of the most adorable small office plants. This foliage will add a pop of color to your office with its leathery variegated leaves and small white flowers. Chinese evergreen is also a good air purifier that can absorb toxins like benzene, a common air pollutant from petroleum products, adhesives, and smoke.
This plant tolerates most growing conditions and is easy to grow even for a non-plant enthusiast. However, Chinese evergreen flourishes best in well-draining soil, medium to low sunlight, and moist air. You may want to keep the plant away from open windows, as cold breezes can dry out the leaves. In addition, you will need to wipe off leaves from dust accumulation using a soft cloth to maintain their gloss.
Learn more about Chinese evergreen.
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3. Blue columnar cactus
The blue columnar cactus is among the best cacti species for indoor or outdoor decor. These cactus species have shallow roots and grow slowly, and a small to medium pot is sufficient. However, because of their prickly thorns, you may want to place these potted plants away from narrow corridors and entrances. Instead, less trafficked areas such as office corners or at the end of the aisle are better locations for this plant.
As desert plants, blue columnar cacti are hardy and require little attention. These succulents thrive in sandy soil, and sufficient sunlight and only need occasional watering. Once in a while, add eggshells to the soil to enrich it with calcium minerals.
Learn more about blue columnar cactus.
4. Sweetheart hoya
The sweetheart hoya is among the best office desk plants and can grow in small containers. These plants have beautiful, fleshy, heart-shaped leaves that make them a great alternative to succulents. However, while you can effortlessly propagate these sprouts from leaf or stem cuttings, it may take a couple of years to see their waxy, fragrant flowers.
Sweetheart hoya flourishes in plenty of sunshine, well-draining soil, and little water. As a rule of thumb, water the planting pot once a fortnight or when the soil dries out. When kept in the above conditions, the sweetheart hoya can last two to three decades.
Learn more about sweetheart hoya.
5. Primrose:
If you desire temporary office plants, then try growing primrose. These plants naturally bloom in springtime, and you can dispose of them when the flowers fall off. Or, you can nursery-condition your primrose plant to make it flower out-of-season.
To keep these flowers healthy, plant them in partially acidic, moist soil and keep them in bright indirect sunlight. Since primrose can grow closer together, it is essential to separate the stems to avoid root-bound and help the plants survive several seasons.
Learn more about primrose.
6. Poinsettia
Poinsettia is among the most beautiful office plants. These plants have unique leaves that change into bright colors depending on exposure to sunlight. Common species appear to have creamy white, blue, pink, or red flower-like leaves. Usually, real poinsettia flowers bloom in winter.
Poinsettia is generally a thirsty plant. The ideal conditions for growing this plant include moist, well-draining soil and temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. If you want the flower to bloom in non-winter seasons, then place the potted plant away from the sun for a few days. The absence of sunlight makes the leaves lose chlorophyll and achieve bright colors.
Learn more about the poinsettia.
7. Orchid
Among the most colorful office plants is the orchid. Orchid flowers are elegant and come in different hues, including yellow, orange, and blue. These plants live long when well taken care of and can last over a decade. Plus, the orchid’s sweet fragrance is alluring and helpful in boosting good moods at work.
Orchids thrive in humid conditions and sufficient sunlight. Therefore, it is best to water the plants once a week and avoid placing pots in a draught-prone location such as open windows.
Learn more about orchids.
8. Philodendron birkin
Philodendron Birkin is among the most rare office plants. Although this tropical plant has beautiful foliage, it is also toxic when humans and animals ingest it. You should, therefore, keep philodendron Birkin out of reach of children and pets. For increased safety, you may prefer to grow the plants on office premises instead of the home office.
This plant flourishes in temperatures above 65 degrees Fahrenheit and bright indirect light. In addition, ensure that the soil is moist, has good drainage, and is well aerated. This plant will need watering once the top inch of the soil feels dry.
Learn more about philodendron Birkin.
9. Parlor palm
Parlor palm is among the best tall office plants that breathe life into your space. In addition, this plant Is an excellent air purifier and humidifier. Parlor palm grows slowly and usually reaches four feet high when kept indoors. However, this species has a mature height of up to eight feet.
The ideal conditions for parlor palms to flourish include moderate light, little water, and fertile, well-draining soil. This plant can survive in low natural sunlight or artificial light. Once in a while, it is best to take this palm outside for some sunshine.
Learn more about parlor palms.
10. Air Plant
The air plant is one of the most unique office plants. This tropical species stands out for its ability to grow in the air and is among the best hanging plants.
Air plants survive by absorbing water from the environment. Frequent misting or dunking the plants in water keeps the plant hydrated. In addition, you can add water-soluble acid fertilizer to the misting water twice a month to provide The plant with nutrients and keep it healthy. This plant will also need a few hours of direct sun, good ventilation, and warm temperatures.
Learn more about air plants.
11. Lucky bamboo
Lucky bamboo is one of the best low-light office plants. This plant is among the common feng shui plants associated with spreading good luck and positive energy. You might want to test whether this plant will bring more clients and good fortune to the business by planting it in your office.
This species is not real bamboo despite the resemblance. Some great tips on growing lucky bamboo include keeping the plants in bright light, warm temperatures, and moist containers. In fact, you can grow this plant in soil or water. If you decide to plant lucky bamboo in water, then use chemical-free water like distilled water and untreated underground water. In addition, you can make these plants bear more branches by cutting off the shoot tips.
Learn more about lucky bamboo.
12. Nerve Plant
The colored vein patterns on the deep green leaves make the nerve plant one of the most beautiful ornamental office plants. The varieties have green leaves with red, white, or pink pigments. Also, this plant is an excellent air cleanser.
Nerve plants require delicate care. This plant thrives in low-to-moderate light, moist soil, humid air, and even temperatures of around 70°F. It would be best to avoid direct sun and draughts as they can wilt the plant and cause leaves to fall. However, frequent misting will help to keep the plant hydrated and in good condition. In addition, you can re-pot the nerve plants every spring to ensure they grow in fertile soil.
Learn more about nerve plants.
13. Aloe vera
If you are looking for easy office plants, then consider growing aloe vera. Apart from adding beauty to your office, this succulent has medicinal benefits. For example, aloe vera gel In food and drinks can ease digestive issues. Also, topical application of the general can improve skin condition.
Aloe vera has a great water retention capacity and therefore requires little water survival. For instance, watering the plant once or twice a month is sufficient. However, Aloe vera also needs good drainage soil, bright light, and warm temperatures.
Learn more about aloe vera.
14. Asparagus fern
Asparagus fern is a delicate but glamorous office plant. With branches that arch outward, this greenery can grow in lace-like foliage. Asparagus ferns reach three feet and are invasive on the ground. This plant gets white florets which turn to red berries and usually attract birds.
Asparagus fern is an easy-care plant that thrives in moist environments and organic soil. If you want the plants to achieve dense foliage, then put the asparagus fern in full light and trim overly long stems.
Learn more about asparagus fern.
15. Begonia
Begonias are some of the most beautiful flowering plants for the office. These plants are low-maintenance, and a wide variety flourishes as houseplants. With its colorful flowers and lush foliage, begonia looks exotic in pots or hanging baskets.
Begonias can survive in well-lit or shady areas as long as the temperatures are warm. Besides, they will need fertile organic soil with good drainage. Frequent misting is necessary to keep the soil moist.
Learn more about begonia.
16. African violet
African violet is among the most loved home office plants. This plant’s ability to thrive in artificial light makes it an indoor favorite for many. The varieties come in blue, white, and purple flowers. Some studies show that gazing at African violet flowers increases relaxation and reduces work-related stress.
For best results, plant your African violets in loose, well-draining soil, and keep the soil moist but not wet. This plant also does well in indirect sunlight and warm temperatures of about 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Learn more about African violets.
17. Rubber tree plant
Rubber tree leaves stand out due to their large, thick, and leathery properties. The color of the leaves varies and is helpful in identifying the rubber tree species. These plants grow well in pots and can grow into large trees when planted outdoors. If you want your office rubber tree to grow tall, then you should place the pot in a non-congested corner.
Rubber tree plants essentially need enough sunshine and a little moisture. Preferably, use big pots to allow the roots to grow and spread and fill them with well-draining soil like peat and sand. You will only need to water this plant once or twice a month.
Learn more about the rubber tree plant.
18. Bird of paradise
If you want tall office plants to brighten up your working space, then bird of paradise is a viable option. This plant has attractive flowers that resemble tropical birds in full plumage. Plus, you will have blooms all year round.
Birds of paradise grow best in well-draining soil and warm, humid conditions. Fertilizing the soil with compost will help the plants get sufficient nutrients. In addition, exposing this plant to the sun’s warmth facilitates flowering.
Learn more about bird of paradise.
19. ZZ plant
One of the most attractive plants for the office is the ZZ plant. These indoor plants have shiny, spotless, green leaves and can grow up to two feet tall. However, the plant is toxic when ingested, and you may want to keep it far from pets and children.
ZZ plants are low-maintenance and proliferate when planted in a potting mix. These plants have round rhizomes for roots to help retain water and therefore, require watering once per week. The ZZ plant flourishes with indirect sunlight.
Learn more about ZZ plants.
20. Bromeliads
Bromeliads are among the leading office plants. These plants make beautiful centerpieces with their striped, spotted, and banded flowers. Bromeliad’s stunning blooms come in different colors, including red, purple, and yellow, and can last up to three months. In addition, this plant is a great air purifier.
Bromeliads are drought-resistant plants and can survive with little water. Even though this greenery flourishes in bright indirect light, it can still thrive in low light. As an epiphyte plant, bromeliads require no soil. However, if you still wish to plant it in soil, then ensure it has good drainage.
Conclusion
Office plants are among the best ornaments for beautifying working spaces. These plants come in various species, forms, and colors. Each plant possesses unique beauty features and has additional health benefits. Different species have varying needs that determine the kind of care to give. When choosing plants, you must first establish whether the office condition will be favorable to a particular species. Common plants’ needs include the amount of sunlight, temperature range, type of soil, and humidity level. Additionally, the plants’ size can help you determine the kind of growing container and the location to place your plant.
Next, check out these lists of books on office management and the best office pets.
Grace He