"With almost 90% of our time spent indoors, a home that supports our well-being is just as important as self-care; they're intrinsically connected."
We spend most of our time at home and at work. It makes perfect sense that we want to make these spaces safe, comfortable, and relaxing. And if we're being honest here, so much of our time is spent at work. Having positive vibes at the office is crucial, and a new plant often does the trick.
Now that we're in the grips of the worst winter in a long time arriving at the office before the sun rises and leaving at dusk can cause a real sense of deprivation for those who love nature. Adding some houseplants to your workspace might be the missing nature link needed to improve productivity and satisfaction on the job. Office plants can increase the humidity around a desk, purify the air, and generally boost the mood.
Science has even shown that houseplants at work boost productivity. Since science says it's good for us, let's splurge and vamp up our workspace decor. Here are our picks for some great low-maintenance plants for you.
1. Snake plants
The snake plant has to be the ultimate choice for the best office plant that won’t require much attention while she’s busy working away. A popular choice, it's not too picky when it comes to lighting preferences and has ultra-chill watering needs.
With their vertical growth, this succulent is an ideal choice to introduce into your setup in the most understated of ways. Those sleek green leaves outlined in a bright yellow hue creates a contrast that will give your indoor jungle an ideal boost in plant-friendly vibes.
There are also quite a few varieties of snake plants on the market today featuring different colors and sizes, like the compact Sansevieria "hahnii." If you’re looking for a larger option to really wow the space, go for a large version Sansevieria "Futura Superba" to sit next to your desk. Thanks to its upright leaves, this office fav will help block any unsightly cords or distracting views. An added benefit? This vertical statement has great air purifying benefits to help out with long hours spent sitting behind the computer screen!
2. Peace lily
There's a reason you see peace lilies everywhere from bathrooms to offices to shopping malls - they're virtually indestructible. Peace lilies are tropical species and hybrid from the Spathiphyllum genus that are a favorite flowering houseplant. A striking plant when used in mass display, the peace lily blooms in spring with long-lasting flower stalks that hover gracefully over the foliage. The plant has glossy oval leaves with points that emerge from the soil. A well-grown peace lily may bloom twice a year, resulting in several months of flowers.
When grown in the garden in the tropical and subtropical climates where they are hardy, peace lilies are normally planted in the spring while it is still cool. As houseplants, they can be purchased and brought into the home at any time, though you will want to protect the plants from cold temperatures as you move them from the store to your home. They are moderate growers and will reach maturity in around three years. Peace lily plants are considered toxic to pets1 and humans.
3. Golden pothos
The golden pothos, or Epipremnum aureum, has the reputation of being one of the easiest houseplants to take care of. The golden pothos is an easygoing plant great for beginners. Known for its heart-shaped green leaves with yellow variegation, the golden pothos is particularly fitting for indoor settings because it is able to filter gaseous toxins like formaldehyde from the air. Plus, it is a climber and looks fabulous snaking its way up a wall.
In its native Southeast Asia, due to its aerial root system, it is known to overgrow forest floors and tree trunks. In fact, in some tropical places around the world, it's considered to be a pest because it's so hard to kill. In ideal conditions, it can trail up to several meters long and grow leaves the size of your face that even begin to show fenestrations.
4. Syngonium
The syngonium, aka the arrowhead vine, is a pretty trailing houseplant hat tends to grow quickly if kept in a bright and warm space; but it's also super chill and you can have them around their office and it will endure endless amounts of neglect. Native to a wide region of South America, it has become a popular houseplant, thanks to its easy-going nature and the availability of so many hybrids and colorful cultivars. Syngonium do best if left alone, making it a great pick for newbie plant parents or those who just forget to tend to their in-home garden frequently.
The arrowhead vine's leaf structure changes as it matures, going from a simple arrow shape to a deeply lobed or divided mature leaf. Its leaves can vary in hue depending on their age, ranging from the iconic dark green and white Syngonium "robusta" to the hot pink Syngonium "neon."
5. Heartleaf philodendron
We love beautiful trailing plants, and by far the toughest and easiest philodendrons has to be the heartleaf philodendron, aka the Philodendron hederaceum. Whether your workspace is flooded with natural light or is tucked in a cozy, dark corner, this carefree houseplant is guaranteed to spark joy with its glossy green leaves and trailing habit.
Although the philodendron is often used for hanging baskets, it works just as well growing up on a small trellis or fern pole. Native to Tropical America. It has the reputation of being one of the easiest houseplants. Known for its heart-shaped leaves and trailing vines, this philodendron is particularly fitting for indoor settings because it is able to filter gaseous toxins from the air. In good indoor conditions, it's a vigorous grower, trailing several meters long!
6. ZZ plant
Now for the end all be all of office plants, the plant you can't kill no matter how hard you try. Allow us to introduce the ZZ plant, Zamioculus zamifolia. So hardy we often joke it could survive in a closest, the ZZ, by design, is able to withstand intense conditions and heaps of neglect. The ZZ plant is native to Africa and will do just fine with fluorescent bulbs as its only light source, making it fine for an office plant.
The laddered leaves of the common ZZ plant are a pleasing addition to the office setting. They only need to be watered about once every few weeks or when you remember and can tolerate essentially any light thrown their way (including low light!) — this plant has become a favorite amongst those who can’t commit too much time to be a plant parent.
Comments