If you are lucky enough to be able to work from home, then you want to make sure your office space is conducive to the task. You probably have made it quiet, away from others, and have all of the needed equipment close by. All of this will ensure that you are productive and get your work done.
However, in addition to being productive, you should also be happy in your workspace. This means adding items that make you smile. You probably have pictures of your family and/or pets and other personal items. In addition, you might also consider adding desk plants to your space.
Why Are Plants Good for a Home Office?
If you are wondering why you should add office pot plants to your space, there are many benefits to doing this. There have been several studies conducted that show the benefits of putting plants in your home office. Below are some of the benefits.
Remove Toxins from the Air
Plants are natural filters. They can remove toxins from the air, making it cleaner and better for you to breathe. You may think that you don’t have any toxins in your home because you do a great job cleaning and maintaining it, but you would be surprised.
No matter how hard you try, you can’t get rid of all of the dust in the air. Some plants are able to remove this from the environment. There are also chemicals and contaminants in your furniture, printer and inks, and your carpets. Even your pets come with their share of contaminants. Removing as many of these from the air can be beneficial.
A plant’s main purpose is to take the carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere, use what it needs to grow, and then get rid of waste, which comes in the form of oxygen. Thus, if you have plants for home office, you can increase the amount of oxygen in the room. This can help you breathe easier and improve your brain function.
Improve Health
When you add plants to your home office, not only are you improving the air quality, but this has a direct impact on your health. When the contaminants are removed from the air, this reduces the chances of you getting sick, developing a cough, getting a headache, or having dry eyes. Plants are natural humidifiers, so they can also put moisture in the air, leaving your skin feel soft and smooth.
Enhance Your Mood
When you add plants to your office, this can be a great way to reduce stress and boost your mood. For many, the beauty of plants is enough to make them smile and want to be in the same room. Finding some plants that you like to look at can make you excited and willing to go to work.
Increased Productivity
If you are happy and stress-free, then you are likely to be more productive at work—and plants can help with that endeavor. Since plants add so much to the work environment, you might consider adding some to your space and taking advantage of all the benefits they have to offer.
What Kinds of Plants Are Good for Your Office?
When it comes to plants for home office, there are many different options to choose from. The final decision will be based on personal preference, but if you are looking for some suggestions, check out those listed below.
Spider Plant
This plant come with leaves that are striped with white and green. They can thrive in small spaces, but they will need to be placed in a hanging pot or on a high shelf, as the leaves will dangle down. They don’t need a lot of sun or frequent watering. Thus, they can be a great low-maintenance plant to add to your office space.
Chinese Evergreen
If want a plant that has a bit of color, then you should look at the Chinese Evergreen. These leaves are green with a red accent. This plant is hearty and can thrive in low light. It also doesn’t require frequent watering. However, this plant does not like the cold, so you’ll need to keep your office above 55 degrees to keep this plant alive.
Philodendron
Never had a plant in your life and you are worried that you might kill it? Then consider getting a philodendron. These plants are incredibly hearty. They are lush and green and come in a vine or non-climbing variety. It may not take much to keep them alive, but they enjoy being in bright, indirect sunlight. Thus, if you have a sunny office, this plant will thrive in your space.
Peace Lily
If you’re looking to add some flair and your office is on the dimmer side, then you might want a Peace lily. This plant has white flowers that can add something extra to your office. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, but you will need to keep the soil moist. You’ll have to check it often to ensure that it doesn’t dry out. Otherwise, it will die.
Boston Fern
Ferns are incredibly common house plants, and they add something unique to any space. A Boston fern can make your office space look fantastic, but it will require a bit more care and maintenance. They don’t like dry air or excessive heat. They prefer humidity, so in addition to watering them often to keep the soil moist, you should also mist the leaves once a week.
What Are the Best Desk Plants?
Many of the plants listed above require more space or need to sit on shelves or hang from a hook. If you prefer to have a plant sitting on your desk, then you’ll want to consider some of those listed below.
Dracaena
When it comes to desk plants, this is one of the toughest options out there. They are incredibly hearty and can survive in various conditions. If you’re the type of person who forgets to water their plants on a regular basis, this one can stand up to it.
This plant may be able to stand up to drought conditions, but it also looks amazing. It has thin, colorful leaves that will look fantastic on your desk. They are also really good at removing contaminants from the air.
Snake Plant
These plants are easy to care for and maintain. In some cases, they can go up to a month without water, and they prefer low-light conditions. This plant has tall, pointy leaves that shoot straight into the air. They are often dark green with yellow or lighter highlights, so they can add color and style to your space.
Cacti
If you always forget to water your plants, then get a cactus. They can go for incredibly long periods of time without need water. There are many different types and colors to choose from, so you can find one that will match your style and décor. Make sure you have a bright office, as these office pot plants enjoy bright light.
ZZ Plant
This plant has a name that is hard to pronounce, but it is not hard to take care of. With fat stalks and green leaves, this plant can tolerate low light and infrequent waterings. It will add something extra to your desk and will help clean the air and boost your mood.
Devil’s Ivy
This plant is good for all types of different office environments. It has leaves that are broad and often heart-shaped, and it comes in a variety of colors, from light green to dark green. It can thrive in low light levels or in bright light.
What Plants Create the Most Oxygen?
If you are looking for plants that create the most oxygen, there are several you can choose from. Two that were listed above include the Chinese evergreen and the snake plant. Some of the others include those listed below.
Areca Palm
This plant can grow on the larger side, so it may be a better in a larger space in your office. It creates a lot of oxygen, but it’s also good about removing toluene, formaldehyde, and xylene from the atmosphere.
Gerbera Daisy
If you’re looking for a plant that can add some beauty to your desk and create a lot of oxygen, then you’ll want to add a Gerbera daisy. It can remove chemicals such as trichloroethylene and benzene from the air.
Money Plant
This plant is really good at creating oxygen and removing toxins from the air. Again, it can be on the larger side, so putting in a pot might be your best bet. This plant is best in homes that don’t have pets or small children, as the leaves are toxic if ingested.
Finding the Right Plant
When it comes to finding the right plant for your home office setup, you will have to decide how much space you have, your ability to care for the plants, and what you like. There are many options for any level of green thumb you might have. Adding plants to your home office comes with many benefits, including increasing your productivity.