Offices can be a challenging environment for most people to survive in, I know that I find them quite depressing. So imagine being a houseplant that originates from a different continent, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 26 degrees celsius, being placed in an average office! If the air conditioning doesn’t freeze it to death, the dark and gloomy corner next to the photocopier just might. Luckily, most houseplants available to us now are either hybrids or have adapted to withstand a level of negative environmental factors. This is why ‘right plant, right place’ is so very important! I often get asked ‘what are the best types of houseplant to have in my office’….so, here is my top ten list of plants that will survive the best in any office space that can give them adequate light and at least some warmth…providing they have been positioned by an expert that is!

Syngonium (Syngonium podophyllum): Syngoniums, also popularly known as arrowhead plants, are excellent choices for office environments due to their numerous qualities that contribute to a healthier and more productive workspace. These resilient plants thrive in low-light conditions, making them adaptable to various office settings where natural light may be limited. Additionally, Syngoniums are known for their air-purifying abilities, helping to reduce indoor pollutants and enhance overall air quality. Their easy-care nature and low maintenance requirements make them ideal for busy office professionals who may not have the time for extensive plant care. The vibrant green foliage of a Syngonium adds a touch of nature to the office, creating a visually appealing and calming atmosphere that can boost morale and creativity among employees. As a bonus, these plants are often compact and can be placed on desks, shelves, or in hanging planters, making them versatile and space-efficient choices for offices of all sizes.

Dracaena (Dracaena fragrans): Dracaena fragrans, commonly known as the corn plant or cornstalk Dracaena, makes an excellent choice for offices due to its unique attributes that blend practicality with visual appeal. With its upright growth habit and arching, sword-shaped leaves, the Dracaena fragrans adds a touch of sophistication and greenery to office spaces, enhancing the overall aesthetic. One of its notable advantages is its adaptability to low light conditions, making it suitable for offices with limited access to natural sunlight. Beyond its decorative appeal, this plant is recognized for its air-purifying qualities, helping to reduce indoor air pollutants such as benzene and formaldehyde. The Dracaena fragrans is relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering and tolerating occasional periods of neglect, making it an ideal choice for busy office environments. Its vertical growth also allows it to fit well into corners or tight spaces, maximizing its versatility in various office layouts. In essence, the Dracaena fragrans is a visually pleasing, air-purifying, and low-maintenance plant, making it a practical and attractive addition to office decor.

Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa): Monstera deliciosa, commonly known as the Swiss cheese plant, is an excellent choice for office environments, offering a perfect blend of aesthetics and practical benefits. Known for its striking and unique foliage featuring iconic splits and holes, the Monstera adds a touch of tropical elegance to office decor, creating a visually appealing and modern atmosphere. This plant is adaptable to a variety of light conditions, making it suitable for offices with varying levels of natural light. Beyond its decorative appeal, the Monstera is renowned for its air-purifying capabilities, effectively filtering out pollutants and improving overall indoor air quality. Its relatively low-maintenance nature, requiring moderate watering and indirect sunlight, makes it a practical choice for busy offices where time for plant care may be limited. The Monstera's large, lush leaves contribute to a sense of tranquility and well-being in the workplace, fostering a positive environment that can enhance creativity and productivity among office occupants. Overall, the Monstera deliciosa stands out as an aesthetically pleasing and beneficial addition to any office space.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Spider plants are wonderful choices for offices, providing a myriad of advantages that enhance the overall work environment. One of their standout features is their adaptability to various light conditions, thriving both in bright, indirect light and lower light settings, making them versatile for different office spaces. Spider plants are known for their air-purifying capabilities, effectively removing common indoor pollutants such as formaldehyde and benzene, thereby contributing to improved air quality. Their arching, variegated leaves add a touch of greenery to the office, creating a visually appealing and calming atmosphere. A notable characteristic of spider plants is their ability to produce offshoots or "spiderettes," making them a great choice for propagation and sharing with colleagues. Furthermore, these plants are low-maintenance, requiring minimal care and attention, which is particularly advantageous for busy office environments. With their aesthetic appeal, air-purifying qualities, and ease of care, spider plants make for ideal companions in offices, promoting a more pleasant and productive workspace.

Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium antiquum): The Bird's Nest Fern is a fantastic choice for offices, offering a unique and elegant touch to the workspace while providing several practical benefits. Known for its gracefully arching, bright green fronds that resemble a bird's nest, this fern adds a refreshing and tropical aesthetic to office decor. Its distinctive appearance makes it an eye-catching and stylish addition to any workspace, contributing to a calming and visually pleasing environment. Bird's Nest Ferns are well-suited for indoor environments, thriving in indirect light and maintaining their vibrant foliage even in spaces with limited sunlight. Additionally, these ferns are proficient air purifiers, helping to improve indoor air quality by filtering out pollutants. Their relatively low-maintenance requirements, including consistent moisture and occasional misting, make them suitable for office settings where time for plant care may be limited. With its decorative appeal, air-purifying properties, and ease of maintenance, the Bird's Nest Fern proves to be a delightful and beneficial choice for enhancing the overall ambiance of office spaces.

Philodendron Imperial Green (Philodendron erubescens): The Philodendron Imperial Green is a superb choice for office environments, seamlessly blending aesthetics with practicality to enhance the overall workspace. Known for its large, glossy green leaves, the Imperial Green adds a touch of lush elegance to office decor, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere. Its heart-shaped leaves on trailing vines can be beautifully displayed in hanging baskets or allowed to cascade gracefully from elevated surfaces, adding a dynamic visual element to the office setting.

This Philodendron species is well-suited for indoor spaces, thriving in moderate to bright, indirect light. Its adaptable nature makes it suitable for various office conditions, and it can tolerate occasional lapses in watering, making it a forgiving choice for busy work environments. Beyond its decorative appeal, the Imperial Green is known for its air-purifying capabilities, helping to filter out common indoor pollutants and contributing to improved air quality in the office.

The Philodendron Imperial Green's combination of aesthetic charm, adaptability, and air-purifying qualities makes it an excellent companion for office spaces, providing a refreshing and visually pleasing environment that can positively impact the well-being and productivity of office occupants.

Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): Chamaedorea elegans, commonly known as the Parlour Palm, is a perfect addition to office spaces, offering a delightful combination of elegance and practicality. With its gracefully arching, feathery fronds and compact size, this palm species adds a touch of tropical charm to office decor, creating a soothing and inviting ambiance. The Parlour Palm is particularly well-suited for indoor environments, thriving in low to moderate light conditions, making it adaptable to various office setups where direct sunlight may be limited.

One of the Parlour Palm's standout features is its ability to thrive in indoor environments with relatively low humidity, making it an excellent choice for office spaces with controlled climate conditions. This palm species is known for its air-purifying properties, effectively filtering out common indoor pollutants and contributing to a healthier office environment.

Chamaedorea elegans is also relatively low-maintenance, requiring moderate watering and being forgiving of occasional lapses in care. Its compact size allows for versatile placement, making it suitable for desks, shelves, or corners. With its aesthetic appeal, air-purifying qualities, and ease of care, the Parlour Palm is a wonderful choice for enhancing the overall atmosphere and well-being of office occupants.

Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): Rubber plants stand out as excellent choices for office spaces, offering a range of benefits that contribute to a conducive work environment. Renowned for their ability to tolerate lower light conditions, rubber plants thrive indoors, making them perfect for offices with limited natural light. These hardy plants are known for their air-purifying qualities, effectively removing common indoor pollutants, thereby promoting cleaner and fresher air in the workplace. Rubber plants are relatively low-maintenance, requiring minimal attention and making them suitable for busy office schedules. Their upright and robust growth adds a touch of elegance to office decor, creating a visually appealing and professional atmosphere. Beyond aesthetics, the presence of rubber plants has been linked to improved focus and productivity, making them valuable additions to any office setting. With their adaptability and aesthetic appeal, rubber plants prove to be not just decorative elements but also contributors to a healthier and more productive workspace.

Calathea ‘Network’ (Calathea musaica): The Calathea 'Network' is a captivating and unique choice for office spaces, seamlessly combining visual appeal with distinctive features that contribute to a serene and vibrant work environment. Characterized by its intricate patterns on the leaves resembling a network of veins, this Calathea variety adds an artistic and dynamic element to office decor. The striking foliage with a mix of green hues and intricate patterns creates a visually stimulating and attractive display.

The 'Network' Calathea is well-suited for indoor settings, thriving in moderate to bright, indirect light. Its preferences for higher humidity levels make it a suitable choice for offices with controlled climate conditions. Beyond its decorative charm, this Calathea variety is known for its air-purifying qualities, aiding in the removal of indoor pollutants and contributing to better air quality in the office.

While the 'Network' Calathea requires consistent moisture and benefits from regular misting, its unique appearance and relatively moderate care needs make it an excellent choice for individuals seeking a visually striking and manageable office plant. With its combination of aesthetic allure and air-purifying capabilities, the Calathea 'Network' adds a touch of sophistication and natural beauty to office spaces, promoting a positive and rejuvenating atmosphere.

Ctenanthe ‘Grey Star’ (Ctenanthe setosa): The Ctenanthe setosa, also known as the Grey Star or Never-Never Plant, is a distinctive and captivating choice for office environments, offering a harmonious blend of visual interest and practical benefits. Characterised by its striking foliage featuring unique patterns of silvery-green leaves with contrasting dark green stripes, the Ctenanthe setosa adds an elegant and contemporary touch to office decor. The intricate leaf patterns create a visually dynamic display, making it an eye-catching addition to workspaces.

This plant is well-suited for indoor conditions, thriving in moderate to bright, indirect light. Its moderate watering needs and preference for higher humidity levels make it suitable for office environments where controlled climate conditions can be maintained. Ctenanthe setosa is renowned for its air-purifying capabilities, helping to filter out indoor pollutants and contributing to a healthier and more enjoyable workplace.

While it requires consistent moisture to keep its soil evenly damp, the Ctenanthe setosa's unique appearance and relatively moderate care requirements make it a practical and visually appealing choice for office spaces. With its striking foliage and air-purifying qualities, this plant adds a touch of sophistication and natural beauty to the office, promoting a positive and refreshing atmosphere for the benefit of office occupants.

Overall, these plants are ideal for office spaces as they can tolerate the lower light levels when needed and therefore a require reduced watering schedule. They are generally easier to care for, than other species and most have air-purifying qualities which is so important for any workplace. This selection also helps reduce stress and increase productivity by providing a calming and soothing atmosphere in the workplace. If you want to read more about why you should have plants in your office space, read ‘Plants in the workplace…Why Bother?’.