Office plants tend to be seen as a nice-to-have, something added at the end once the “real” work of setting up a workspace is done. In reality, they can change how a space feels and how we work in it. Plants have been shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and make indoor environments more pleasant to spend long hours in. At a time when many of us work from spare rooms, shared offices, or desks that blur into our living spaces, those small environmental details matter.
Greening your workspace does not require a full redesign or specialist knowledge. This article looks at why office plants are worth taking seriously and how to introduce them in a way that actually works, whether you are at home or in a traditional office.
What Does It Mean to Green an Office?
Greening an office means deliberately introducing plants and natural elements into the workspace, for decoration but also to improve well-being. The idea comes from biophilic design, which is based on the understanding that humans function better when they are in regular contact with nature, even in small, everyday ways.
In practice, this can be as simple as adding well-chosen plants to desks, shelves, or communal areas. Plants look good, but they also make a space feel calmer, more welcoming, and more alive. Over time, this has real effects on how people feel and work, making them more comfortable in both their bodies and minds, a vital counterpoint to environments dominated by screens, artificial lighting, and hard surfaces.
Why Bring Plants Into the Workplace?
Better Well-Being, Better Work
Plants have measurable effects on worker wellness and performance:
- A landmark study showed employees in “green” offices were up to 15% more productive than those in plant-free environments.
- Offices incorporating natural elements reported increases in cognitive performance and job satisfaction, including better focus and creativity.
- Plants also contribute to lower stress and anxiety levels, helping employees feel more engaged and relaxed during the workday.
These benefits align with biophilic design research, which shows that natural elements can enhance emotional well-being and reduce perceived stress.
Cleaner Air and Fewer Sick Days
Most plants have air-purifying properties. They can absorb CO2 (50%), dust, mold, and bacteria (20%), as well as regulate humidity in the room. In this way, they help purify the air and reduce respiratory diseases, as described in Bill Wolverton's 1989 work for NASA. As such, it is recommended to have one plant for every 9 to 10 square meters or for every 3 employees.
According to the American Chemical Society conference held in Philadelphia in 2016, plants can also eliminate certain pollutants, such as VOCs (volatile organic compounds), particularly formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene, as well as electromagnetic fields, prolonged exposure to which can cause chronic fatigue, headaches, respiratory irritation, and chronic health problems.
Cleaner air and better humidity regulation may lead to fewer headaches, reduced respiratory irritation, and potentially fewer sick days, contributing to a happier, healthier workforce.
Reducing Background Noise at Work
Plants also play a role in controlling sound. Their leaves and structures can absorb background noise, particularly high frequencies, which is especially helpful in open-plan offices where noise can reduce people’s focus and increase their stress levels, sometimes without them even noticing the distraction.
Creating a Workspace People Actually Want to Be In
Office plants improve the overall way employees and potential employees perceive a company. They send a subtle signal to anyone who comes through the workspace that the organization cares about employee well-being and environmental values. It makes people actually want to be there, which resonates with job candidates, clients, and current employees.
In fact, studies have shown that interior design, including greenery, plays a role in attracting and retaining talent and can influence job seekers’ decisions about where to work.
How to Smartly Green Your Workspace
Adding plants to an office sounds straightforward, but there are a few guidelines to follow if you want it to look and feel great.
Define a Greening Strategy
A well-thought-out greening strategy helps ensure your plants suit both your office layout and your budget. Start by working through the following steps:
- Clarify your needs and objectives: Are you looking for decoration, better environmental conditions, a way of structuring your space, a boost in productivity, or to create relaxation or quiet zones? Defining your priorities will help you plan a greening strategy that works for you.
- Assess the space and constraints: Take stock of existing conditions such as natural light, humidity levels, foot traffic, and available floor space. These factors will shape what’s realistic and sustainable.
- Map out areas for plants: Think about key areas that could benefit from greenery: individual desks, reception areas, open-plan offices, meeting rooms, or break and relaxation spaces. Make sure there is enough floor space or table space in these areas.
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Decide on plant density: You want enough plants to make a visible and psychological impact, without overcrowding the space or disrupting movement and concentration.
- Estimate your resources: Factor in your total budget and the time or staff needed for ongoing care and maintenance.
Note: While greening an office can seem like a significant investment at first, the return is often quick and tangible, and you’ll see noticeable improvements to employee well-being, productivity, and the attractiveness of your workplace.
Integrate Plants Naturally and Harmoniously
Greening an office isn’t about filling every corner with plants. The aim is to introduce greenery in a way that feels natural and balanced, improving the space rather than overwhelming it.
Use a mix of heights, textures, and volumes to give structure and energy to the workspace. Plant-based furniture and modular solutions work particularly well, as they can adapt over time as your needs and preferences change.
Some possible setups include:
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Green walls in the reception area to make a strong first impression and reflect company values
- Desk plants to improve concentration and air quality
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Large planters in open-plan offices to define zones and absorb noise
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Hanging plants in relaxation areas for a light, zen aesthetic
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Terraces or rooftop gardens for outdoor breaks that offer a real reset
For the best result, always pair plants with plenty of natural light, a cohesive color palette, and high-quality materials. Together, these elements create a workspace that feels genuinely inviting.
Choose Plants Adapted to Office Conditions
Before selecting any plants, take a moment to understand the conditions they’ll be living in. In particular, consider:
- The temperature and humidity of the space
- Lighting conditions, including access to natural light
- The orientation of the areas you want to green
- How much floor space is available
- The time and resources you can realistically dedicate to maintenance
Not all plants are suited to office environments. Choose species that match your space, light levels, and maintenance capacity so that your greenery stays healthy and attractive over time, rather than becoming an added burden.
Recommended Plants for Offices
Some plants are resilient, low-light tolerant, and low-maintenance, making them ideal for offices.
Top 5 Office Plants
|
Plant |
Maintenance |
Light |
Air Purification |
Visual Impact |
Suitable Areas |
|
Sansevieria / Snake Plant |
Very Low |
Low to Medium |
Yes (CO, benzene, formaldehyde) |
Statement foliage, vertical growth |
Hallways, open-plan areas, low-light desks |
|
Ficus Benjamina |
Low |
Medium |
Yes (formaldehyde, benzene) |
Large foliage, good for acoustics |
Individual desks, open-plan spaces, and reception areas |
|
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) |
Medium |
Medium |
Yes (benzene, CO) |
Trailing foliage |
Shelves, hanging planters, low-light desks |
|
Monstera Deliciosa |
Medium |
Medium |
Partial |
Large, sculptural leaves |
Offices, hallways, reception areas |
|
Aloe Vera |
Very Easy |
Medium |
Yes (CO, formaldehyde) |
Succulent, compact |
Individual desks, small spaces, zen corners |
Easy-Care Plants for Low-Light Areas
Ficus Benjamina
Easy to care for, the Ficus Benjamina requires minimal water and no special soil. Popular, affordable, and purifies the air.
Pothos
Thriving in low light, the Pothos can survive with only artificial lighting. Its trailing yellow-tinted leaves are ideal for shelves and hanging planters.
Dieffenbachia
The Dieffenbachia needs occasional misting in dry conditions.
Place near a window, but avoid direct sunlight.
Large variegated leaves add decoration to the office.
Handle with gloves as leaves are toxic.
Monstera Deliciosa
The Monstera Deliciosa prefers indirect light. Feed it with fertilizer and mist it with warm water occasionally for the best growth. The large, interestingly shaped leaves make a visual statement.
Sansevieria (Snake Plant)
Ultra-resilient; the Sansevieria tolerates low light and irregular watering. It is the perfect choice for corridors or unattended areas.
Aloe Vera
The Aloe Vera is a compact succulent that requires little maintenance, multiplies easily, and can survive missed waterings. Plus, it purifies the air and produces oxygen.
High-Impact Plants for Open Spaces or Reception Areas
Bamboo
The vertical growth of the Bamboo helps separate spaces while letting light through. It is an ideal natural divider.
Sansevieria
Tall and with dramatic foliage, the Sansevieria adds brightness without taking up much floor space.
Indoor Palms (e.g., Kentia Palm)
Indoor palms add a majestic feel to open spaces. For example, the Kentia Palm can reach 10 feet (3 meters) in height.
Dracaena
The Dracaena grows up to 6 feet (2 meters). It creates privacy and thrives in bright and partially shaded areas.
Ficus Benjamina
With its large foliage, the Ficus Benjamina improves acoustics and creates a visual focal point.
Monstera
Tall and ornamental, the Monstera is perfect for high-traffic and reception areas.
Ivy
The Ivy can serve as a living wall or divider. It absorbs pollutants (formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene) and improves insulation.
Options for Small Spaces or Individual Desks
For small offices or desks, here are some smaller decorative plants you can consider:
- Ferns: e.g., Pellaea, up to 16 inches (40 cm), suitable for terrariums or hanging pots.
- Succulents: e.g., Echeverias, Lithops — low-maintenance, and come in many different forms.
- Indoor Bonsais: Small footprint, provide a zen touch with minimal care.
- Hanging plants: a clever way to save space while adding greenery.
Air-Purifying Plants for Office Health
If your goal is air quality, some plants are particularly effective:
Spathiphyllum (Peace Lily)
The Spathiphyllum absorbs ammonia, formaldehyde, benzene, trichloroethylene, xylene, and toluene. It thrives in low light and only needs water once a week.
Ficus Elastica (Rubber Plant)
The Ficus Elastica absorbs formaldehyde, toluene, xylene, and ammonia. Large and robust, it is perfect for open-plan offices.
Sansevieria
The Sansevieria removes CO, benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene. Also, it releases oxygen and regulates humidity.
Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
The Chlorophytum comosum is excellent at removing CO, VOCs, and formaldehyde. It has to be placed in bright areas, and it is perfect for shared workspaces with plenty of natural light.
Dracaena Marginata
The Dracaena Marginata removes formaldehyde, xylene, trichloroethylene, and benzene. Tall and sculptural, this plant is ideal for structuring open spaces.
Aloe Vera
It absorbs CO, formaldehyde, and reduces electromagnetic radiation from computers and printers. It emits oxygen.
Pothos
The Pothos absorbs benzene and CO. It is ideal for improving air quality in workstations.
Tips for Long-Term Plant Maintenance
Choose the Right Placement
Where you place plants matters just as much as which ones you choose. Their location directly affects how well they grow and how long they stay healthy.
Avoid positioning plants in drafty spots or busy, high-traffic areas where they’re more likely to be damaged or stressed. Instead, place each plant according to its specific needs, taking into account light levels, temperature, and humidity.
Daily Care
Healthy plants need regular, adapted care. Start by understanding each plant’s watering needs, both in terms of how much water it needs and how often. Always check the growing medium and adjust fertiliser use to support healthy growth.
Simple upkeep makes a big difference: clean dust from leaves so they can absorb light properly, and remove any dead or damaged foliage to keep plants looking fresh.
Tip: A soil hygrometer is an easy way to monitor moisture levels and avoid both overwatering and underwatering.
For pests, opt for gentle, natural solutions where possible. For example, scale insects can be treated with a simple mix of black soap, warm water, alcohol, and a few drops of citronella essential oil.
If maintenance isn’t an option, stabilised plants are a good alternative. Preserved using a glycerin-based solution, they retain their natural appearance for years without needing water or ongoing care.
Engage Employees
Plant care shouldn’t fall on one person alone. When maintenance is shared, it becomes a collective project that strengthens team spirit and the sense of belonging. It raises awareness around well-being at work.
Best practices:
- Appoint a plant coordinator
- Establish a watering/maintenance schedule
- Offer optional workshops to educate and encourage participation
Conclusion
Adding plants to your office is an investment in employee well-being, company image, and productivity.
A greener office creates a calmer, healthier, and more pleasant environment, one that supports focus, creativity, and performance while making the workplace feel genuinely welcoming.
