What is it about indoor plants that is so alluring? Just being near them makes people feel so much better about life. But, when you’re plant-less workspaces and homes can feel empty and uncomfortable. Plants have a lot more to offer than their aesthetic nature.
This is precisely why you need to learn about which plants are ideal for your space friend.
“…Office plants contribute positively to employees’ well-being by reducing stress, enhancing mood, and increasing job satisfaction. Plants are also linked to improved productivity and workplace aesthetics. Employees report feeling more relaxed and motivated in environments with greenery, which can foster a more positive and engaging work atmosphere.”
– Thomsen, J. D., Sønderstrup-Andersen, H. K., & Müller, R. (2011)
The Big 5: Reasons for having indoor plants
1. Air Quality
Indoor plants help purify the air by absorbing toxins, releasing oxygen, and increasing humidity. Plants like spider plants, snake plants, and peace lilies are particularly effective at removing pollutants such as formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air.
2. Stress Reduction
The presence of indoor plants has been shown to reduce stress and improve mood. Incorporating greenery in your home and office can create a calming atmosphere, enhancing mental well-being and reducing anxiety.
3. Aesthetic Appeal and Cleanliness
Indoor plants add visual appeal, making spaces feel more welcoming and vibrant. They can also promote a sense of cleanliness and organization, as maintaining plants often encourages tidiness and regular care routines.
4. Productivity and Focus
Studies suggest that having plants in the workspace can boost productivity and concentration. The presence of greenery can help reduce mental fatigue and create a more stimulating and focused environment.
5. Noise Reduction
Certain plants can help absorb sound, reducing background noise in both home and office settings. Large, leafy plants like rubber plants or Boston ferns are particularly effective in dampening noise, contributing to a quieter and more peaceful environment.
Plant Selection
As we gravitate indoors towards functional office areas, co-working spaces, offices, and cafes indoor plants are becoming more than just a trendy aesthetic.
There are considerations when selecting indoor plants for our working or living environments, plants are alive and need to thrive to give their goodness to the environment surrounding them.
Key factors:
- Amount of maintenance needed
2. The air quality of office environment
3. The lighting (Natural light there is vs fluorescent bulbs etc.)
Here’s a list of the best indoor plants suitable for home and office settings, taking into account health and wellbeing, aesthetics, and Feng Shui principles:
Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)
- Description: Known for its air-purifying qualities, it removes toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. Its tall, upright leaves with variegated green and yellow patterns add a modern touch to any space. Symbolizes strength and resilience and is believed to bring protective energy.
- Care: Water when the soil is completely dry and water deeply until it drains. Dust the leaves regularly and watch for yellowing or mushy stems, which indicate overwatering and potential root rot.
- Sun: 8 to 10 hours of indirect sunlight or a few hours of early-morning direct sunlight. Too much direct sun can burn the plant and damage its leaves. Snake plants tolerate shade, but lack of light can stunt growth and dilute the plant’s color.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Description: It purifies the air by absorbing pollutants and increases humidity, which is beneficial for respiratory health. Its glossy leaves and striking white flowers create an elegant look, making it a standout plant in any room. Represents peace, harmony, and good fortune, often used to balance energy.
- Care: Water regularly, keeping the compost moist but not wet. Deadhead spent blooms and dust or wipe the leaves regularly to ensure they photosynthesise well. In dry rooms, you may need to mist around the leaves every so often to raise humidity.
- Sun: Bright spot out of direct sunlight.
Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
- Description: While not a true bamboo, it’s easy to care for and adds a touch of green that’s good for mental wellbeing. It can be trained into various shapes and is often displayed in water with decorative stones. Known for bringing good luck and prosperity, especially when arranged in groups of 3, 5, or 8 stalks.
- Care: Plant in well-draining potting mix or use pebbles as a planting medium with an inch of water in the bottom of the container. Water using only distilled or pure spring water or let tap water sit out for 24 hours before using. For pebble plantings, change water weekly.
- Sun: Place lucky bamboo near filtered or indirect sunlight.
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
- Description: Excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants and can thrive in low light with minimal care. Its trailing vines and heart-shaped leaves add a lush, cascading effect that’s visually appealing. Promotes a flow of positive energy and is said to prevent negative vibes from spreading.
- Care: Plant in standard houseplant potting mix. Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Feed with balanced houseplant fertilizer monthly during spring and summer.
- Sun: Provide plenty of indirect light, ideally in an east- or west-facing window.
Aloe Vera
- Description: Known for its healing properties, it’s great for improving indoor air quality and can be used for its medicinal benefits. Its fleshy, spiky leaves create a striking look, and it works well in minimalist settings. Represents healing, protection, and positive energy.
- Care: It grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil potting soil with added sand and perlite. Watering should be regular but only when the soil is completely dry, with reduced or no watering needed during its winter dormancy to prevent rot.
- Sun: Aloe Vera thrives in bright, indirect light and requires protection from intense sun, which can burn its leaves.
Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
- Description: Easy to care for and helps in maintaining a balanced indoor environment. Its thick, rounded leaves and tree-like appearance make it a beautiful addition to any space. Symbolizes prosperity, wealth, and growth, especially when placed near entrances or in the office.
- Care: Plant in loose, well-draining soil. A succulent potting mix is the best option. Water the plant frequently during the spring and summer to keep the soil moist—but never soggy. In the winter, reduce watering to about once per month.
- Sun: Place in a bright window that receives indirect light; a south-facing or west-facing window works well.
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)
- Description: Acts as a natural humidifier and air purifier, making it excellent for skin and respiratory health. Its lush, arching fronds add a classic, elegant look that softens spaces. Represents prosperity and helps in creating a calming atmosphere.
- Care: This plant prefers warm and humid conditions. Mist to raise the ambient humidity. Keep the plant away from extreme temperatures like air conditioners or heating vents. Water Boston fern frequently to prevent the soil from drying out and fertilize the plant regularly. Prune to keep the plant looking attractive.
- Sun: Boston fern grows best in bright, indirect light.
Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
- Description: Known for its ability to remove toxins from the air, it’s also relatively easy to maintain. The broad, glossy leaves add a touch of bold greenery and a statement-making presence. Represents abundance, wealth, and prosperity.
- Care: Keep soil consistently moist without becoming soggy and fertilize with a diluted houseplant fertilizer every two weeks. Prune in spring to control height, support tall stems if needed, and occasionally wipe the leaves to keep them clean and shiny.
- Sun: Rubber Plants can live in medium, indirect sunlight to dappled sun. Prolonged exposure to bright direct sunlight may burn and scorch their leaves.
ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
- Description: Low maintenance and excellent at air purification; it’s also drought tolerant. Its glossy, dark green leaves offer a sleek, contemporary look, perfect for modern interiors. Represents stability and growth, making it ideal for business and office spaces.
- Care: Raven ZZ plants prefer well-draining, airy soil mixes with added perlite, pumice, or sand to improve drainage. Requires infrequent watering, with soil needing to dry out completely between waterings to avoid root rot. Water more often during the growing season (spring and summer).
- Sun: ZZ plants thrive in bright, indirect light but can also survive in low-light conditions,
Orchids (Orchidaceae)
- Description: While not a heavy air purifier, orchids enhance mood and have a calming effect on the mind. Known for their stunning, intricate flowers, orchids add a luxurious, artistic flair. Symbolizes love, fertility, and beauty, and is often used to attract positive relationships.
- Care: Water when the top inch of medium feels dry, and ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Use a lightweight, airy growing mediums specific to orchids. In the wild they grow on tree bark and other plants, so they shouldn’t be planted in potting soil. Use a balanced orchid fertilizer monthly and maintain humidity around 40-60% for optimal growth.
- Sun: provide bright, indirect light and maintain temperatures between 65-80°F.
“Go forth and cultivate healthier, more harmonious home and working environments with your newfound plant wisdom.”
-Dom Fransen