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Our favorite greenery to boost your creativity.
Plants have long been a fixture in the workplace. For decades, potted shrubs have graced desks, staff rooms, boardrooms, and cubicles, giving workers a refreshing splash of green against a more often than not brown, beige, or gray space. With more and more people now working from home than ever before, making your office clean and serene is important, for body and mind, as well as home interiors. Easily one of the best ways to elevate your mood, air quality, and Zoom backdrop (because we know that’s important!) is with some vibrant houseplants. Almost nothing soothes the soul and eases the mind quite like being surrounded by nature. If you live in the city, this is even more true. You may not have access to a garden or even a nearby park, but everyone can inject a bit of green tranquility into their living space. Whether you're looking for a little succulent to sit by your computer or a bird-of-paradise to create a striking backdrop to your Zoom calls, you'll find the perfect plant for your home office space. We spoke to Eri Panasci of Wyld plant shop in Cold Spring, New York, and she gave us her pro tips on choosing the best no-fuss plants for every type of office, from spacious to shared, sunny to shady, so you can add some green goodness to your work space.
Why we love it: “These easy-to-care for plants are the best for upping your air quality and bringing the Zen vibes.” says Panasci. Snake plants (aka “mother-in-law’s tongue” for their sharpness!) are great at filtering air, says Panasci, and they can even remove toxic pollutants. The vertical growing beauties also bring nice height to your office, so are ideal if you don’t have a lot of space. They are also especially suited for plant newbies because they don’t need a lot of attention or light, and can go actual go dry between waterings. All in all, an easy, breezy, low-key choice! How to care for it: You can water every two weeks or even longer, make sure to dry out between waterings to avoid rot. They like medium light but can handle low or high, so super versatile!
Why we love it: “Rattlesnake plants move with the light of the day,” says Panasci, “so they remind you to move, too.” Because rattlesnake plants look for light, you will actually notice their wavy leaves move toward the sun and back during the day (a phenomenon called nyctinasty) like a mini, plant-version of a sun salutation. The eye-catching plant’s “aliveness” is a reminder to move your body during work hours, and can even be a good signal to wrap up your day. Rattlesnake plants are also good for pet owners, according to Panasci, because they are non-toxic.
How to care for it: Rattlesnake plants should be watered every few days, but not overwatered. They like indirect light and prefer warmer temps.
Why we love it: If you don’t have a lot of space, groovy-looking air plants are ideal for bringing a bit of boho nature to your work area. These rootless plants—which get their nutrients from the air—can be laid across a desk or placed in sand or rocks for stunning showcasing. Panasci likes wiring her air plants to crystals for a mystical piece of desk art. How to care for it: Place your air plant in a bowl full of water and submerge for a few hours, then shake dry and hang upside down.
Why we love it: This Swiss-cheese-looking plant has gotten very popular as of late, and for good reason. Native to Central America, “they bring a tropical feel to your space,” says Panasci, which can bring a little fun to your workspace and boost your inspiration and creativity. Panasci likes hanging her monstera, which is good if you’re tight on space and also appreciates monsteras’ surprising sturdiness. “It’s not precious plant,” she says, so it's ideal for those new to the plant life. How to care for it: Monsteras prefer medium indirect light, and you can water every 1 to 2 weeks. Be sure to dry out between waterings.
Why we love it: If you want to go a little extra with your plant decor, staghorn ferns bring the “wow” factor. The antler-looking plants are epiphytic, meaning they grow on other plants or material so are ideal mounted on a wall. “I like the ideas of mounting staghorns on a piece of driftwood, which could look like living art,” says Panasci. To do, she recommends binding the fern to moss, then stuffing into driftwood, creating a natural, and artsy, centerpiece to your office. How to care for it: Staghorns like indirect light and should be watered every 1 or two weeks, allowing soil to become dry between waterings. Submerge in water for 20 minutes, then allow to drip-dry before rehanging.
Why we love it: If you are looking for something snazzy for your desk, succulents are the way to go! As their name suggest, succulents store water in their leaves and stems, so have a juicy look to them. Succulents are beloved by many because they have that dreamy Southwestern feel, and because they are super adaptable. Panasci likes reusing cool containers, like Moscow mule mugs, as planters to lend an extra stylish vibe to your office. How to care for it: Succulents like lots of light, but be sure to rotate them so all sides can bask in the sun. Water when the surface feels dry, and make sure they have good drainage.
Why we love it: These tropical leaf plants are “the perfect Zoom backdrops,” says Panasci. Considered “the queens” of the indoor plants (Reginae is part of its scientific name), birds-of-paradise have leathery flat leaves and grow robustly creating a gorgeous office scene.
How to care for: The regal plant likes all kinds of light but will bloom with direct sun. Water every one to two weeks when topsoil is dry.
Why we love it: If you want a larger plant with more diverse colors, rubber plants are for you. With pink and burgundy tones, and glossy leaves, rubber plants add sophistication to any space. “Rubber plants have real ease of care,” says Panasci, as opposed to the popular fiddle leaf fig, which can be finicky. Rubber plants, which hail from India, are also great air purifiers, and can eliminate toxins. One drawback is that rubber plants are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep that in mind. How to care for it: You can water rubber plants every one to two weeks in summer and even less in winter. They like indirect light, and be sure to gently wipe the leaves to remove dust.
Why we love it: If you’re looking for a gorgeous hanging plant, which frees up space, the semi-succulent, coiling Hindu rope plant is a smart choice. With curly, waxing leaves, and known for longevity, Hindu rope plants add grace and beauty to any area. These non-picky plants are great for novices as they’re pleasing to the eye and not hard to handle. How to care for it: The lovely plants like bright indirect sunlight, and because they are part of succulent family, don’t need too much water, only when top few inches are dry. Panasci tip: Small humidifiers are good in your office to support your plants and hydrate your skin!