Let’s talk plants!
The benefits to adding some growth and greenery into a working or living space are real and have been well studied. There are observable increases in air quality, workplace satisfaction, fatigue prevention (ahem… ever heard of Zoom fatigue?), and even productivity.
Studies have shown just looking at a green plant can have a positive effect on a human being. Adding some plants to your workspace, be it a small pot on your desk or a large stylish planter, can add style, increase the humidity, and purify the air.
Plants improve both the physical quality of your work environment as well as your mental state.
There is such variety of indoor plants out there that you finding one that suits your style and can thrive on your desk or conference room, is much easier than you might think. The key to having success is to choose the right plant for your space. Here is my list of the top 10 low maintenance, good at purifying the air while looking stunning plants for your work or living space.
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Sansevieria, or snake plant, is my top choice for someone new to the office plant game. Beautiful structural appeal with vertical sword like leaves, and are easy to grow. Able to thrive in a variety of lighting conditions they are also drought resistant for the forgetful waterer. Try to avoid getting the leaves wet when you water, make sure not to overwater and it will thrive.
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ZZ plant (Zamioculus zamifolia) is another great plant for the beginner with striking structural foliage. Low maintenance; they can handle a variety of light conditions and are tolerate of infrequent watering, so pretty much they will put up with neglect and keep growing.
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Pothos are vigorous vine with heart shaped leaves that is very low maintenance and can handle both low and high light conditions. Some are variegated with green and white or yellow, others are a bright shiny green, there is even one (satin pothos) with a velvety silver leaf, and my favourite the neon pothos with golden/chartreuse colour. Don’t be afraid to cut back any vines that get too long, it will make your plant bushier and fuller looking.
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Tillandsia, or air plants as they are commonly called, don’t need much light and require no soil. In nature they grow high up in the canopy of trees. This means they can handle shade and are not too fussy. To water, just let them soak for an hour or two in a bowl every week or so. You can get really creative with them, sick them in a shell or piece of driftwood, a favourite cup, or even just wire one to your desk lamp. For the happiest air plants, take a break from the computer and mist them regularly.
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Spider plants are another perfect super easy plant to grow. Perhaps a reason for this popularity is they are extremely adaptable to most growing conditions and easy to grow. Best in bright indirect light, water them well but let them dry out between watering (never let them sit in water). They come in both green and variegated.
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Peace Lily, or spathiphyllum, is a classic with it’s pure white “stick and paddle” flowers and lush shiny dark green leaves. It also happens to be one of the best plants for purifying the air (according to NASA who did a study) and is again incredibly easy to grow (are you sensing a trend yet?). They will thrive in little to no light, just make sure to keep the soil moist but never soggy.
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Aglaonema, or Chinese evergreen, are a group of plants known for their ease of care and stunning colour combinations on the leaves that can range from dark green, silver, pinks and even reds. Drought resistant and tolerant of different light conditions (but the colour is best with bright light), this is a stylish plant that can fit into a variety of sites.
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Rex begonia have leaves that will stop you in your tracks and make you take a second look. With combinations of jewel-like colours in amethyst and garnet with the steely greys of pewter and silver. But also, textural interests from ruffles and pleats. Check out the swirly leaves of the cultivar ‘Escargot’ which is as quirky as it’s charming. These are great plants for low light but a bit of brightness will keep those colours vibrant. Keep the soil moist but never saturated. Mist them regularly to increase the humidity’
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Money plant (Pilea peperomioides). This is a fun little house plant that is perfect for a desk or small corner, and another plant that can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions. The leaves are round and joined to the stalk near the middle (almost like a lily pad) so that the leaf looks like a coin, giving rise to the name money plant. Water it regularly but let it dry out a little between watering.
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Ferns are so well adapted to living in low lights conditions and there are so many different kinds available. Some are dainty and frilly such as the maidenhair fern, others cute and structural like the button ferns, and then others are just so interesting like the staghorn fern which can be mounted on a board and hung on the wall. Most will thrive in low light conditions but require regular consistent moisture.
No matter what your home or workspace looks like, do yourself a favour and green it up. You’ll be healthier both physically and mentally and it may even increase your productivity. Just think of it as self-care for the workplace.
