How Office Plants Can Boost Productivity and Wellbeing (And Which Ones to Choose)

Working from home as a small business owner often means your office is a spare room, a corner of the living room, or even the kitchen table. Whatever your setup looks like, it’s your workspace, so it’s important to make it place where you feel calm and motivated.

One of the easiest (and most enjoyable) ways to do this is by adding a few carefully chosen plants to your space. Or...be like me... and throw a whole jungle in there!

As a virtual assistant, I’ve spent a lot of time at my desk over the last few years and I’ve gradually filled my workspace with greenery.  If you’ve ever been on a Teams call with me, you may have spotted Sideshow Bob (my Boston Fern) just behind me.  As a nature lover, I can honestly say, this has made a huge difference to how I feel during the day.

This month, I thought I’d share some of the benefits I’ve noticed.

The Benefits of Plants in Your Office

1. They boost your mood

Plants bring life and colour into your space, and studies show they can help reduce stress and anxiety. Even a small pot plant on your desk can lift your spirits when things get busy or overwhelming.

2. They improve air quality

Some indoor plants help purify the air by removing toxins and increasing oxygen levels - helpful if you're in a room that doesn't get much fresh air.

3. They increase productivity

There’s research to suggest that having plants in your workspace can improve concentration, memory, and productivity. A plant-filled desk might be just the motivation boost you need on a sluggish Monday!

4. They help create boundaries

When your home is your office, it can be hard to switch off. Adding greenery helps define your workspace, making it feel like a separate, purposeful area.

Which Plants Are Best for a Home Office?

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

Tough, stylish, and very low maintenance. It can survive low light and irregular watering, making it perfect for beginners.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Known for its air-purifying properties, the Peace Lily is a beautiful addition to any room. It prefers a bit of shade and only needs watering when the soil feels dry - if it's leaves start drooping, give it a drink.

Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)

Great for shelves or hanging pots, Pothos grows quickly and can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Just don’t overwater it.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)A classic for a reason, easy to care for, quick to grow, and great for improving air quality.

How to Look After Your Plants

• Don’t overwater – This is the most common mistake (guilty as charged). Most indoor plants prefer their soil to dry out between waterings. I bought a moisture meter to help with this as I lost leaf after leaf from my Philodendron due to too much water in the winter months.

• Give them light - But not too much. Indirect light is ideal for most home office plants.

• Wipe the leaves - Dust can build up, especially near computers and printers. A quick wipe helps them breathe better.

• Feed occasionally - A bit of plant food every week or two during the growing season. Your plants need a bit of dormancy in Winter (don't we all). If you feed them during the colder months they won't have chance to build enough energy to fully flourish the following year.

  
  

Are you a fellow plant lover? Why not share a photo of your home office plant set up over on Instagram and tag me (@paula_hudson_va), I'd love to see them.