We have said it before and we will say it again; indoor plants are simply amazing; not only do they look good, but they can also purify the air around you. They absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen through photosynthesis, but in addition they can remove toxic chemicals like benzene and formaldehyde from the air. Pretty amazing, right?
Studies have shown that plants can help us feel less tired, have fewer allergy symptoms and recover faster from colds, helping to create a space with less stress and more productivity. Sounds pretty perfect for a desktop environment, doesn’t it?
Here we show you 10 perfect plants to decorate your office, whether you work in a logistics center in Logroño or in a detective agency in Madrid. The benefits are identical.
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10 perfect plants for the office.
snake plant
The tough nature of Sansevieria, also known as snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, means that it could continue to grow until its owner retires. Not all snake plants are created equal in size. Read the plant label carefully to avoid choosing a cultivar that grows several feet tall. Look for a dwarf selection like ‘Futura Superba’ or ‘Whitney’ instead. Perfect for houseplant novices, snake plants require little special attention – take a sip from your water bottle when you step outside on Friday and enjoy this slow-growing desk plant.
african violet
The fuzzy-leaved plant popular in the 1970s still has a cult following, and for good reason: modern African violet hybrids thrive in the same conditions as humans, with average humidity and temperatures. Although sufficient light is necessary for the flowers, African violets are not picky about the source of that light, and a fluorescent lamp aimed at the plant is acceptable. A window facing north or east provides ideal lighting conditions; Avoid placing this plant in full sun. Miniature violets, less than 1 inch across, mean even the smallest of spaces can accommodate a flowering desk plant.
english ivy
The Fir Tree / Phoebe Cheong Soften the harsh lines of a desk with a climbing plant like English ivy. English ivy needs moderately light to medium water to thrive indoors. If the climbing nature of ivy gets too lush, wrap tendrils of ivy around a trellis or wire obelisk to create a living work of art. hedera propeller , new cultivars have added more diversity. ‘Silver Dollar’ and ‘Yellow Ripple’ feature a variety of gray or gold colors. Small spaces benefit from dwarf varieties like ‘Pixie Dixie’. For those looking for elegant foliage, try the ruffled leaves of ‘Curly Locks’ or ‘Manda’s Crested’.
ZZ Factory
Tretyak Zamioculus zamifolia, Commonly known as the ZZ plant, it’s a succulent with two characteristics that have skyrocketed its popularity as a houseplant: low light tolerance and the ability to grow with little water. The ZZ plant is native to Africa and will do well with fluorescent bulbs as its only light source. The storied leaves of the common ZZ plant are a welcome addition to the office environment, but the nearly black stems and foliage of the latest ‘Raven’ variety look great on a white desk.
Aloe
Aloe plants are easy to grow if you provide them with one key ingredient: lots of bright light. If a desk is located near a sunny window, place the plant there and forget about it, as these succulents only need to be watered every two weeks. the aloe barbadensis The standard is attractive enough for any modern office space, or you can explore the merits of the dwarf cultivar ‘Minibelle’ or the speckled ‘Tiger Tooth’ which seems to have nothing but sharp teeth. Top them with a sandy cactus mix to provide the excellent drainage these plants need.
Philodendron
Whether an office is flooded with natural light or tucked away in a cozy nook, the carefree philodendron will add cheer with its bright green leaves and drooping habit. Although the philodendron is often used for hanging baskets, it works just as well on a small trellis or pole. Philodendron requires regular humidity to maintain its lush appearance, so a self-watering pot will be a lifesaver for specimens without a constant keeper. For a nice container combination, grow the speckled silver ‘Brandi’ cultivar with a standard green variety such as ‘Green Heartleaf’.
tillandsia
To grow Tillandsias or plants that don’t require soil (called air plants), you need to get out of the pot. You can tie air plants to a piece of driftwood using fishing line. You can also fill a miniature terrarium with varieties of air plants or place air plants in a shell, teacup, or other unconventional container. tillandsia includes several hundred species of the bromeliad family, all with spiny green, silver or pink foliage. As epiphytes accustomed to growing among shady tree branches, air plants don’t need much light, but those found in sunnier offices are more likely to develop a flower spike. . Mist the entire plant weekly as the modified scales on the leaves will absorb the moisture the plant needs.
wood sorrel
Oxalis, also known as wood sorrel, are houseplants that add a splash of color to the office, whether or not the plant chooses to flower. The plants have a decidedly clover-like appearance, making them popular in garden centers around St. Patrick’s Day. Ironically, some types of oxalis are treated like lawn weeds, but the cultivated types are a bit more polished. I sought oxalis vulcanicole ‘Zinfandel’, with dark burgundy foliage and yellow flowers. These plants do well in low humidity but require bright light for best color.
Begonia Rex
Don’t overlook the many Rex begonia cultivars that look like jewelry for an office. It’s the foliage of these plants that’s important, with dozens of cultivars exhibiting spots, streaks and even swirling patterns in shades of silver, purple, red and green. A variety of leaf textures add interest with ruffles, folds and colored hairs that give varieties like ‘Stained Glass’, ‘Marmaduke’ and ‘Escargot’ distinctive character. Rex begonias do well in low light conditions, but they need enough humidity to thrive.
lucky bamboo
The common name lucky bamboo is not actually one of more than a hundred genera of true bamboo. Very well, dracaena sanderiana it is related to the corn plant, another easy-to-grow houseplant. Growers sometimes shape lucky bamboo stalks into fun shapes like spirals, weaves, or even hearts. Left to their own devices, the stems of the Lucky Bamboo will eventually outgrow their trained forms, but the plants grow slowly. Lucky bamboo grows well in low light environments and can grow without soil when the stems are submerged in water. However, make sure the water level does not drop below the stems or the plant cannot recover from this drying out.