Research shows that having plants around the home and office significantly improves people’s moods and reduces the likelihood of stress-related depression. You don’t need a green thumb to keep a plant alive, because many indoor plants are low-maintenance. We’ve rounded up the best indoor plants for your office, whether you need one that’s easy to water, non-toxic to pets, or bright enough to boost your mood during lulls in the work day. Also: Best indoor garden
Purifies airIncreases humidity Comes pre-potted
Botanically known as Epipremnum aureum, a pothos plant is a great, low-maintenance indoor plant option. It grows best in medium-high light spots but can also adapt to low light if your office space isn’t very sunny. You can benefit from having a pothos plant because it functions as an air purifier that increases humidity levels in your home. Having one on hand during dry winter months can make your workspace more comfortable. Be sure to watch out for yellowing leaves, an indication the plant’s environmental conditions are not ideal. Pothos plants prefer moist (not wet or saturated) soil, so add water when you notice it’s dry.
Drought-tolerantThrives in many light conditionsReleases oxygen
Another great air-purifying plant for your desk is a snake plant, also known as Sansevieria trifasciata, or Mother-in-Law’s Tongue. The snake plant requires little maintenance since it is drought-tolerant. Plus, it thrives in a wide range of light conditions, so it can grow whether your office is dark or sunny. Just be sure to keep this indoor plant in the temperature range of 55-80 degrees Fahrenheit so it can properly grow. Since the snake plant is a desert plant, only water it when the soil is 100% dry. And, a bonus: snake plants perform a different type of photosynthesis at night to release more oxygen. So if you keep it in your bedroom, you’ll benefit while you sleep.
Easy to water with ice cubesSymbolizes good luckAdapts to different light conditions
The money tree (or Pachira aquatica) is known as a plant that brings good luck in many cultures. In Feng Shui practices, money trees are thought to bring money and good fortune. What better plant to have on your work desk? Money trees are extremely easy to water, making them the perfect indoor plant for those lacking a green thumb. Once a week, just put two ice cubes (or three tablespoons of water) on the soil, and the plant should thrive. Money trees prefer bright, indirect light, but they can adapt to low and fluorescent light. So, even a windowless office can be a decent environment for a money tree.
Gel soothes skin irritationsDrought-tolerant Easy to maintain
Maybe you want your office plant to be more than simply decor. In that case, the aloe vera plant (Aloe barbadensis miller) has medicinal properties in its aloe gel that can be used to soothe minor cuts, scrapes, and sunburns. You can apply the fresh aloe gel to your skin or add it to a smoothie to reap the medicinal benefits. However, stay away from the aloe vera latex, the yellow substance inside the leave, because it poses risks when ingested. Aloe vera is technically a succulent, so it is drought-tolerant and requires bright light – about six hours of sunlight. For this reason, it’s best to place your aloe vera plant in a south or west-facing window. Also, keep your aloe vera in a pot that drains well, because it cannot tolerate standing water and will die if there is no outlet for water drainage.
Easy maintenance Dormant during winterAbundance of styles and colors
Succulents are stylish indoor plants that are relatively easy to take care of. Succulents only need indirect sunlight (so be sure to place your plant by a window), a good watering once a week, and a pot with solid drainage. Your succulent will need even less attention in the winter, when they become dormant. This means you can water your succulent once a month in the winter, but keep an eye on the leaves to see when they might need water. While terrariums are a popular and stylish way to house succulents, it’s harder to keep them alive in a terrarium compared to a traditional pot. Since there are no drainage holes, it’s best to water terrarium succulents with a spray bottle or let an ice cube melt on top. Also, pay attention to the maintenance requirements for each plant. While plants on this list are all relatively low-maintenance, you still have to look for indications about their health. If you run into any problems with your plant, try watering less, changing the plant’s location, or adding fertilizer. For a complete list of toxic plants to pets, you can check out this handy list from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
