Top 5 Plants for the Home Office

Any office can benefit from the addition of house plants.  Plants not only please the eye, but they quite literally bring life and energy to dull corners.  Surrounding yourself with greenery  can lift your mood, inspire ideas, create a sense of calm, and even help purify stale office air by removing pollutants and dust particles.   There are many affordable and readily available plants that actually thrive in the low lighting of a typical workspace.  Here are my favorite five:

 

ZANZIBAR GEM (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

 

Also known as a ZZ Plant.  This particular one happens to be a Raven variety, which is rarer than its green sister.  However, the care is basically the same and it is SO EASY!  There is a reason this plant is so popular and great for beginners…it is perhaps the most resilient and hardy plant out there.  Even a forgetful black thumb can keep this one alive.  Its glossy rubber-like leaves almost look artificial, and it can thrive in almost any lighting condition (except direct sunshine)  which is why it made our list!

 

The ZZ Plant  is perfect for those who don’t have the time or energy to baby a plant.  Let the compost dry out completely between waterings (like bone dry), and if you forget to water it every now and then, it is very forgiving.  In fact, if you’re ever in doubt, it’s better to underwater this plant rather than over water.  You don’t need to worry about humidity levels, or misting its leaves.  This plant, however, does like a good dusting every month or so to keep its leaves shiny and for maximum light absorption, but it isn’t critical to its health, so again, no worries!   

This bulletproof plant also has the greatest size potential on our list…it grows slow, but can reach heights up to 4 feet!  

NEON POTHOS (Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’)

 

I’m obsessed with this plant’s electric lime-green fronds!  This vibrant chartreuse plant will literally brighten up any office space.  Like the ZZ Plant, it is also perfect for beginners because it is very low-maintenance. 

It tolerates medium to low light, but if the light is too dim, the bright leaves will fade to a dull green.  As with all the plants on this list, avoid direct sunlight as this will scorch its leaves.  This plant is nearly impossible to kill as it will tolerate sporadic and infrequent watering, making it a fabulous choice for beginners.  The neon plant is also very keen on filtering the air as it boosts your mood.  You can decide whether to let it cascade down your shelf all on its own, or train it to climb upwards with the use of a moss pole planted next to it for support.  Remember to rotate the pot every few weeks or so to balance out the growth.  Do not over-water this guy because its roots will rot.  When in doubt, let it dry out!

ASPARAGUS FERN (Asparagus Setaceus)

 

This graceful looking plant is grown for its featherlike foliage.  The name is deceptive as it isn’t truly a fern and does not need a humid environment.  The Asparagus fern is totally adaptable to low light and even bright light, but keep it out of direct sun, as this causes the leaves to yellow and drop.  Water this plant regularly, and do not let the soil dry out completely, as this also will cause the leaves to yellow and drop.  This plant is probably not best for beginners, as it’s a delicate balance between over and under watering, but it is worth it for its beauty and unique other-worldly dainty fronds.    

RATTLESNAKE PLANT (Calathea Lancifolia)

 

This plant is dynamic as it slowly pulls its leaves upright in the evening and makes the sound of a rattle as it does so.  I have never personally heard the “rattle”, but that is the lore.  I love the exotic colors and patterns of this tropical plant.  It is native to the luscious jungles of Brazil and thrives in humidity.  The Rattlesnake loves to be in a shady spot with indirect sunlight, replicating the floors of Amazon.  Be sure to keep it from direct sunlight as this will discolor the leaves, leaving them dull, brown and crispy.  

This little princess does not like the cold or drafts, so keep that in mind when finding a home for her.  But when you find the perfect spot, the results are spectacular.  Do not allow the soil to dry out and mist its leaves frequently–yes it’s a little more work, but it's worth it for such a beautiful specimen.  Keep the soil at the same moisture level as the Asparagus fern. 

 

BIRDS’ NEST FERN (Asplenium nidus)

 

This quirky plant resembles a bird’s nest because the new growth start in the middle of the plant, the crown, and appears as tiny green eggs in a nest before they slowly unfurl new leaves.  As the apple-green fronds grow, they become wavy and quite elegant.  It thrives in low to medium light and loves the humidity.  Be careful not to allow your soil to dry out completely–keep it moist, but not soggy.  And whatever you do, don’t water the plant directly at its center heart, as this will cause root rot!  Those “eggs” don’t like to be wet, so take care to water the soil around the edges of the crown.  Regular misting will keep this little plant happy and healthy.  This little wonder is also a rainforest dweller and should be treated as such.  Like most ferns, the bird’s nest likes low lighting and hates direct sun, as this will crisp and discolor its leaves.

General Tips on Humidity:

If your office space is dry, yet you want one of the more tropical plants on our list, it’s still attainable.  You can increase the humidity by placing plants in a tray filled with pebbles and water, keep a humidifier in your office, or even mist occasionally.  Another simple way to keep plants happy is to group them with other plants that love humidity and they will share the moisture with each other.  

Finding the right plant for your space is a fun adventure and can bring lasting joy.  Beware, however, buying houseplants can be addictive…and there is always room for one more…