Working from home may bring comfort and convenience, but it also means you’ll look at the same view day after day. Pretty soon, you’ll understand why your dog chews the furniture while you’re gone. Of course, having a monotonous environment can be debilitating to your creativity and productivity. Thankfully, there is an easy way to get around this problem—get some joyful greens in your home office.
How Plants Increase Productivity
You can have a Kermit the Frog dress-up day at work to look green, but that would take a lot of work. Plus, people in your home may think you’re going cuckoo. Well, you can may your environment more conducive to productivity by having some potted plants around. Did you know that you can boost workplace productivity by 15% with plants around? What’s more, you’ll have lower chances of getting sick with some fresh oxygen coming from your greenery. Aside from that, you’ll find that you have a better mood and self-esteem with decorative foliage and leaves around you.
So, in this post, we will show you how to increase productivity by getting the best plants for office spaces. Keep in mind that getting the right type of plant for your home office will give it higher chances of thriving. As such, we recommend that you only choose low-maintenance plants that tend to survive indoors. Here are some good office plants you can get:
Plants that You Can Hang
Do you have limited floor space in your home office? If so, then consider mounting plants to your ceiling or posts. Of course, you should be careful not to bump into the plant if you’re quite tall. In this case, you should install the plant in areas away from foot traffic. For instance, you can mount the plant in corners or above furniture with medium height like filing cabinets.
When it comes to hanging plants, Neon Photos is among the ones that can brighten the bleakest home office. You only need to water it once a week and it will survive even in rooms that get little natural light.
Plants for Your Desk
As we’ve mentioned, many studies show that adding greenery in an office space increases productivity and a host of other benefits. Good plants for the office have been known to improve an individual’s memory and basic skills. With a desk plant like a bonsai, you’ll find a beautiful distraction from stress. What’s fascinating about a bonsai tree is it starts to mature on its tenth year. However, you’ll find plenty of simple seed kits that offer an easier and faster caring process.
Plants that Require Little Maintenance
We understand that remote workers are so busy that they don’t even have time to take a bath, let alone brush their hair. Thankfully, there are plants that do not require a lot of maintenance. For example, you can get a Peace Lily. Aside from providing a splash of greenery in your home office, the plant also features large, white flowers that can be refreshing to the eyes. What’s more, this plant can thrive in low to medium light levels, and you only need to water it once a month.
Another great thing about the Peace Lily is it thrives in dry, cool environments. That said, you should avoid cranking your air conditioning because that will kill the plant. Moreover, since the Peace Lily loves a cool environment, remember to keep it in a shaded area, away from direct sunlight. By the way, if you have pets in the house, you shouldn’t have this plant around because they may get sick if they ingest it.
You can also get a Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ) plant. It is like a cat that can mostly be independent and does not need your attention too much. Even if you go away for a holiday, it will still survive without anyone watering it. So, if you’re a hardworking and busy remote worker, we recommend that you get a ZZ plant for your home office.
Plants for Low-Light Rooms
If your home office does not get a lot of natural light, you should choose plants that can thrive in that environment. Keep in mind that only the toughest of plants can survive under low-light conditions. Most of the time, plants that naturally grow in canopied and dense forests can endure extreme environments. In this case, we recommend that you get a Snake Plant. It will survive even in low lights and minimum watering. You only need to care for this plant at least once a month.
A Snake Plant can brighten a dimly-lit home office. Aside from that, it can also absorb various harmful chemicals from the atmosphere, including benzene, formaldehyde, toluene, and trichloroethylene. Keep in mind that the plant’s leaves can grow in length over time. So, it’s important that you use a sturdy and large pot. Of course, you should place it in an area with plenty of vertical space.
Plants that Look Stunning with Care
Now, if you’re the type who appreciates the hard work that goes into caring for plants, then we recommend getting an Aglaonema plant for your home office. Boasting of variegated leaves, this plant will look stunning as long as you tend to it regularly. Now, if very little light seeps through your office, make sure you rotate the plant and give it as much natural light as it can get. Also, give the plant a health boost by leaving the lights on for at least 12 hours.
Plants for Cleaner Air
Do you live in the city? Well, you can keep the air fresh in your home office by getting an English Ivy plant. NASA scientists have found that it can effectively filter chemicals from the atmosphere, absorbing formaldehyde that comes from paint, varnishes, cosmetics, and floor finishes. Another great thing about the English Ivy plant is it is easy to maintain. You can put it in a pot or hang it in a basket and it will still thrive. All you need to do is ensure that it will get adequate warmth and sunlight.
Another great office plant that promotes clean air is the Red-Edged Dracaena. It grows slowly, but it can clean benzene off the environment. Keep in mind that it can grow up to around 8 feet tall. So, make sure you have enough vertical space in your home office. That said, the majestic beauty of this plant will make a striking impression in the room.
Plants for the Traveler
If you regularly work out of town, then Aloe is the best office plant for you. Since this plant survives in the desert, it can thrive even without regular watering. Keep in mind that this plant particularly likes sunny rooms. Aside from giving your office a pop of color, it can also give health benefits. For instance, you can use it to relieve irritated and dry skin. Aside from that, it can absorb the harmful chemicals that your cleaning products leave in the air.
Plants that Look Pretty
If you’re considering unique office plants, why not get something that blooms with beautiful flowers. Aside from Peace Lilies, you can add color to your bleak home office by getting African Violets or bromeliads. So, instead of feeling glum during the winter, you can look at these pretty blossoms and get your much-needed mood booster.
Now, if you want a flowering plant that is easier to care for, you should consider caring for a Lady Slipper Orchid plant. It can thrive in soil, so, it doesn’t need the same special care that other types of orchids require. Once the flowers start blossoming, you’ll have a wonderful feast for the eyes!
Plants that Give Your Office a Unique Look
Pistia Stratiotes, also known as Water Lettuce, is the best plant for office spaces that require a creative touch. What’s amazing about it is it can grow without soil. You can leave it floating in a vase, an open jar, or dish. This plant is the perfect choice if you want to create a minimalist Zen ambience in your home office.
You can also get succulents and cacti for your home office if you want small potted plants that are less-distracting. They will thrive well indoors as long as you let them get adequate sunlight. If your room has a south-facing window, consider desert plants like the Milk Cactus or the Peruvian Apple Cactus.
When it comes to improving your productivity, plants can only do so much. If you want more than a subtle inspiration or a good pick-me-up, you should use a tool that can help you eliminate distractions in your work. One of the apps that can help you achieve this is Traqq. This time tracker can monitor your activity levels and give you an overview of the programs that you frequently use. In this way, you will determine the things that draw you away from doing important work.
Now, before you head to the market and purchase the best office plants for productivity, make sure you go through this article and get some last-minute tips!
