Light up your workspace: The easiest plants for every office
Let's face it, the typical office lighting situation isn't exactly... inspiring. Harsh fluorescent lights, maybe a sad, dim corner if you're lucky. But don't despair! You can transform your workspace into a vibrant, productive oasis with the right plants. Not only do they add a much-needed pop of color and life, but they work wonders for us humans too.
Think improved air quality, reduced stress levels, a boost in productivity – even your Zoom background will get an upgrade!
But office life does bring its own set of challenges for our green friends: inconsistent lighting, maybe you forget to water them amidst deadlines, and that ever-present dry air from the AC. Fear not, fellow plant lovers! We've curated a collection of the toughest, most forgiving plants that can handle the office grind and still look fabulous.
The strong and classic: Office plants for every style
These are your tried-and-true, "can't-kill-them-if-you-tried" (almost!) office companions. They're perfect for beginners and seasoned plant parents alike:
Snake Plant
dracaena trifasciata
Snake plants are known for their striking, upright, sword-like leaves that can be deep green, variegated, or even edged with yellow. This one linked is the classic one! They are incredibly tolerant of low light and infrequent watering, making them perfect for that forgotten corner of your office or a shelf away from the window. Their vertical growth habit means they don't take up much space.
Ideal for a corner, on a filing cabinet, or any spot that needs a touch of vertical interest.
ZZ Plant
zamioculcas zamiifolia
This glossy-leaved beauty is another low-light superstar with its striking, almost plastic-looking, dark green leaves. The ZZ plant stores water in its thick rhizomes, so it can go weeks without a drink. It's also incredibly tolerant of dry air, a common issue in air-conditioned offices. ZZ's are slow growers, so don't put them in a spot where they might not be seen. Perfect for a desk, bookshelf, or any spot that gets minimal natural light.
Spider Plant
chlorophytum comosum 'vittatum'
A classic for a reason! Spider plants are known for their arching, variegated leaves and their ability to produce adorable "spiderettes" (baby plants) on long stems. They're excellent air purifiers, helping to remove toxins like formaldehyde from the air. While they prefer bright, indirect light, they can adapt to lower light conditions, making them quite versatile.
Great for a hanging basket near a window (but out of direct sun) or on a high shelf where their cascading foliage can be admired.
Golden Pothos
epipremnum aureum
This trailing vine is as versatile as it is beautiful. It can be trained to climb a moss pole or cascade beautifully from a shelf or hanging basket.
Pothos are known for their ability to tolerate low light, though they'll grow faster and have more vibrant variegation in brighter conditions. Ideal for a bookshelf, the top of a filing cabinet, or a hanging basket. You can also train it to climb along a wall or partition.
Aloe Vera
aloe vera
Not just for sunburns! Aloe vera is a succulent with thick, fleshy leaves that store water. These leaves contain a gel that's known for its soothing properties. They are very drought-tolerant and prefer bright, indirect light. If your office has a sunny windowsill, an aloe vera will be very happy there.
Perfect for a sunny windowsill. Keep in mind that they can get quite large, so make sure you have enough space.
Chinese Money Plant
pilea peperomioides
This trendy plant is known for its unique, round, coin-shaped leaves that grow on delicate stems. It's relatively compact, making it a great choice for smaller desks or spaces. They prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels. They are also a symbol of prosperity in some cultures. So having one might bring you good luck at work!
Ideal for a desk, a small table, or a shelf where its unique foliage can be appreciated up close.
Feeling a little more unique?
Want to stand out from the crowd? Try this cool customer:
sansevieria trifasciata 'moonshine'
All the resilience of a regular snake plant, but with a stunning silvery-green hue that gives it an almost ethereal look. 'Moonshine' is a guaranteed conversation starter and a subtle way to flex your plant knowledge.
Like its darker green relatives, it tolerates low light and infrequent watering, making it a low-maintenance addition to any office. This plant could be perfect if you want to add a touch of elegance to your workspace. Similar to other snake plants, it does well in corners, on shelves, or any spot that needs a touch of vertical interest.
General office plant care tips
- Location, location, location: Even low-light plants need some light. Place them near a window if possible, or under a desk lamp with a full-spectrum bulb. Rotate your plants occasionally to ensure even growth.
- The holiday watering dilemma: Ah, the age-old question of who will water the plants when you're sipping cocktails on a beach somewhere. Before you leave, give your plants a good soak. If you're gone for an extended period, try to enlist the help of a kind coworker. Maybe offer them a spider plant baby as a thank you!
- Don't be afraid to ask: Talk to your coworkers about creating a plant-friendly environment. Maybe you can even start an office plant club! There is nothing wrong with asking for some help to make sure the plants are watered when you are away. It could be a nice ice-breaker with a new member or with a department you don't usually interact with.
With a little bit of planning and the right plant choices, you can transform your office into a more enjoyable, productive, and aesthetically pleasing space. Happy growing!