Office plants: 10 easy-care species for the office

A bit of green creates more atmosphere and a more pleasant climate. We show ten easy-care plants that are perfect for the office.

Numerous studies have already looked at how plants have a positive effect on people. The fact that they promote concentration and have a relaxing effect is undisputed. In combination, this leads to higher productivity and a better working atmosphere. For some people, the presence of plants even subconsciously reduces stress. Of course, the air-purifying effect of plants and their positive effect on the microclimate should not go unnoticed either. We have put together for you here which plants should definitely be in your office.

Even NASA has studied certain indoor plants for their effect in improving the indoor climate in space stations. One more reason why both employers and employees should insist on the presence of indoor plants in the office.

1. peace lily (Spathiphyllum)

the peace lily - also called single leaf - is an easy-care and very beautiful houseplant. What makes her so special are her beautiful, large white flowers, which she regularly displays. On closer inspection of the flowers, the experienced observer will recognize that they are an arum plant (Araceae) acts. The flowers exude a pleasant scent and thus improve the atmosphere in the office twice over. Plants of this genus originally come from northern South America, where there are around fifty different species. As a houseplant is special Spathiphyllum wallisii famous.

2. UFO leaf (Pilea peperomioides)

That seems a bit strange ufo leaf, which probably gave it its name. Its second well-known name, Glückstaler, also alludes to the strikingly round shape of its leaves. The plant, which originated in China, lives in its natural habitat in the shady mountain forest and therefore does not like direct sunlight in the office either. Nevertheless, too much shadow becomes too dark for her. Placed on the desk, the UFO sheet becomes an interesting eye-catcher. Older specimens often become bare at some point, but new offshoots are easily planted.

3. cacti

Of course, the cactus is easy to care for and elegant, if not quite as cuddly. Which type you choose is of course a matter of taste. The advantage of cacti is that they survive longer periods of drought, for example when nobody is in the office over the holidays. They even look forward to a period of rest from time to time. Classic cacti belong to the genus Echinocactus. If you prefer an eye-catcher, you should Toumeya papyracantha with the long spikes or Coryphanta cornifera grasp with the white, flat-lying spines.

4. rubber tree (Ficus elastica)

This tropical tree is known from many an office and is certainly nothing new. Nevertheless – or perhaps because of this – it has a right to exist. It is a good privacy screen, looks very decorative even in the corners of a room and is very robust. It comes in different varieties that have either solid or variegated leaves with cream or reddish hues. The Asian tree belongs to the strangler figs and grows into a stately tree in the tropics and subtropics.

5. ornamental asparagus (Asparagus densiflorus)

The lush green ornamental asparagus has probably been forgotten, but the filigree pinnate leaves of the houseplant can definitely be staged. Ornamental asparagus can be kept well not only in pots but also in hanging baskets. The two varieties 'Sprengen' and 'Meyeri' are particularly well-known and popular. In general, the South African asparagus relative prefers a bright location without direct sunlight and regular watering.

6. penny tree (Crassula ovata 'gollum')

Another South African plant that has made it into European homes is the penny tree. The most well-known is probably the conventional form with penny-shaped leaves, but also the two Strains 'Gollum' and 'Hobbit' deserve attention - and not only because of their bizarre nature names. The two varieties are difficult to tell apart, as both have oblong and rounded leaves that are more like stems. All penny trees have the advantage of being able to cope with adverse conditions, making them optimal houseplants. Although they prefer a bright location, they can also survive in darker places. Since the plants are very robust, they also tolerate a little watering.

tip: Plants for dark rooms we have put together in our overview.

7. Edged Dragon Tree (Dracaena marginata)

In open-plan offices, higher copies of the dragon tree be a good privacy screen, which also has a sound-absorbing effect due to the many leaves. If they are shortened at regular intervals, they branch out into dense branches. When shortening, however, make sure you have clean and sharp scissors. The cut should definitely be done in spring, when the plant gets enough light. A few days beforehand, you should water the plant sufficiently and fertilize it, for example with ours Plantura organic universal fertilizerto stimulate a growth spurt. Do not cut off all the stems at the same time, but proceed stem by stem so that the plant has sufficiently large shoots before it is the turn of the next stem. If that didn't work, cut the dragon tree again a few centimeters below the old cutting edge.

8. ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

the ivy is one of the classic indoor plants and is also ideal as an office plant. Due to its rapid growth, it conquers every office in no time and likes to shimmy along trellises. Moss sticks are often used for this, but why not simply set a green highlight in the office and attach a trellis to the wall or let the ivy grow up on the shelf? Efeutute bring a lot of fresh green and also offshoots are planted quickly and easily. If they do get too big, they also tolerate the shortening of their tendrils. However, ivy don't like longer dry periods, otherwise they will lose their leaves. So make sure that someone is there to water from time to time, even when you're not there.

9. lucky chestnut (Pachira aquatica)

Native to Central American wetlands, the money chestnut is an extremely ornamental tree. While it grows up to 18 meters tall in its homeland, it grows rather slowly as a houseplant. If it gets too big, it can simply be shortened. Otherwise, the plant is very easy to care for. A special feature is its thickened trunk, which is usually elegantly braided in the specimens sold. Money chestnuts love sunlight, so they are not for dark offices, but rather in bright, sun-drenched rooms.

10. spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The spider plant has a particularly good reputation when it comes to air purification. In addition, it is easy to care for and also feels at home in dark offices. However, if you notice bleached leaves, this indicates a lack of water, light or nutrients. In the latter case, we recommend good fertilization, for example with our Plantura Organic universal fertilizer. If that is not at hand, you can use a little coffee grounds as an emergency aid, of which there is certainly an abundance in most offices. Once the deficiency has been remedied, most of the faded leaves usually turn green again quite quickly.

If you are in particular for air-purifying houseplants If you are interested, you will find our top 10 here.