Plants are proven to be good for your health—and not just because they look pretty. Studies have shown time and time again that bringing a bit of the outdoors in with indoor plants can improve concentration and productivity, reduce stress levels, and boost your mood. Despite these benefits, the responsibility of caring for plants can seem like too much; especially between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., when you are already scrambling to get through the day, and barely remember to eat lunch (sound familiar?).
The good news is, office plants are much easier to care for than you realize and they bring life into your space, creating a more peaceful, tranquil and engaging environment for you and your colleagues.
But before you run out to the nearest nursery to select new plants for your sanctuary, here are five types of plants that are low maintenance, resilient, and will thrive on your desk. No matter which plants you choose, make sure you select plants and containers that represent you and your style — plants that create an inspiring, yet calming space for you to be productive.
1. Succulents
Shopping for succulents can be an enjoyable process. They come in a variety of different sizes, shapes and colors. Even the pots or containers they come in are unique, so there’s a succulent for everyone. When choosing your office succulents, make sure to select the varieties that will do well in various lighting conditions.
Caring for your succulent
Overall, succulents are low maintenance and as long as you don’t over water them, they will add color and life to your desk for a long time. The secret is to let the soil dry completely between waterings.
2. Air plants
Air plants are great office plants because they are soil-less and that means no mess. They are highly versatile and come in different shapes and sizes. The best part is that you can also have some creative fun putting together a display for your air plant. Consider getting a group of friends together for a “build your own air plant terrarium” session.
Caring for your air plant
Once a week, fully submerge your air plant in a cup of water and leave it in there for a couple of hours. Take it out and gently shake off any excess water before putting it back into its display. Bright filtered light or indirect lighting is ideal.
3. Spider plants
A spider plant is one of the easiest indoor plants to care for. These plants are known to thrive in even the most difficult interior settings and they don’t mind a little neglect. The plant has vibrant green and white stripes and looks great in a hanging pot or on your desk.
Caring for your spider plant
Water your spider plant well in spring through fall, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. In the winter months, water sparingly. Although spider plants prefer well-drained soil and bright, indirect light to flourish, they will tolerate less than perfect conditions.
4. Aloe plants
Not only does the aloe plant help purify the air, but it also has healing properties. Next time you get a paper cut, just reach for a spike of your aloe vera plant, cut it open, and apply its soothing aloe gel on your cut.
Caring for your aloe vera plant
Aloe Vera plants like to be kept in a wide container with well-draining potting mix to prevent rot. The soil should stay on the dry side and keep your plant happy with exposure to indirect sunlight.
5. Lucky bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is known for bringing it’s caretaker luck and wealth and is a key element to creating Feng Shui in Chinese culture. If you don’t have a great green thumb, this plant will be your new best friend. Lucky Bamboo is a plant that does very well indoors and needs very little attention. You can often buy bamboo stalks individually and can choose from all sorts of crazy forms and shapes, arrangements, and patterns.
Caring for your lucky bamboo
Arrange your lucky bamboo stalks in a container with pebbles and water, covering at least 1-3 inches of the bamboo. Place your arrangement in indirect sunlight. Very little watering and maintenance is required.
