Recent studies have focused their attention on the question of whether plants can increase productivity. Are conditions in an office improved, and are workers more productive? It’s a question worth examining, and while we’re biased here at Epic Gardening, the result of a few studies might surprise you!
Three field experiments were used in a study conducted in the Netherlands to test whether office landscaping has a positive impact on productivity. The subjective and objective outcomes of the study were assessed. Researchers at two other universities found that, in conjunction with this research, just one plant per sq. m. could improve morale.
The American Society for Horticultural Science studied four groups on a spectrum of office dwellers. Some people worked in offices without windows or plants and others in offices that had plenty of windows and plants. ASHS revealed that those who had more plants and windows rated their job happiness higher than those without plants or windows.
This study, funded by universities, horticultural institutes and other institutions, found that plants have a positive impact on VOCs. In just 24 hours, potted plants in the workplace had a significant impact on VOCs.
A study published in the Journal of Corporate Real Estate found that plants can remove VOCs from offices. They demonstrated that well-being is directly related to productivity, as “occupants of planted offices feel more comfortable, more productive, healthier and more creative and feel less pressure than occupants of non‐planted offices.”
These studies show that office plants reduce carbon dioxide as they photosynthesise. According to this research, cleaner air has a direct relationship with wellbeing. Green offices have higher workplace satisfaction.
Plants that increase productivity
What plants will make your day easier in the office? We’ve compiled a list of 20 indoor plants you can incorporate into your office environment. These plants are all known to be natural air purifiers and will give you an energy boost during the week.
Aglaonema
There are many different aglaonema colors and varieties. Aglaonema plants in offices will have many applications. In the studies mentioned above, Aglaonema helped increase productivity in the office, reduce stress levels and improve overall performance.
If greenery isn’t your thing, you can pick a red or multicolored-non-green variety and receive the same benefits to your mood. Expect your computer screen to become less distracting and increase in attention span.
Dracaena
The Madagascar Dragon Tree brings tropical plants indoors. The plants require very little care, as they like to be rooted and need only water about once a month. In horticultural science, it is widely believed that Dracaena plants help maintain employee productivity by absorbing noises in a room and reducing distraction. They also improve workplace health.
Dracaena marginata, and more specifically, the Dracaena ‘Janet Craig’ cultivar, are perfect ways to bring the natural world into the office, limit the amount of VOCs, and cut down noise levels.
Pothos
The pothos plant, also known as Epipremnum Aureum in botanical terms, is one of most popular houseplants. Pothos comes in 15 species and a variety of types. You can choose the one that best suits your aesthetic. The traditional golden pothos is a light-hearted plant with its variegated leaves and ability to clean the air.
This is one of those plants that thrives in low light conditions, and it’s one of those natural air filters that boosts the quality of the air in the office. We have already discussed how better air quality is directly related to wellbeing.
Philodendron
The heartleaf plant is probably the most popular philodendron. These plants require some natural light, but they thrive in indirect lighting. Therefore, it’s perfect for a room with lower light. Not only will the philodendron help with memory retention, keeping employees psychologically engaged, but you’ll also have cleaner air and, in turn, fewer sick days.
Try ‘Congo’ for even more lush greenery and palm-like leaves if that’s a better fit for your office. You can also grow several types in different pots throughout the office. The loveliness of philodendrons will also improve your team’s overall self-esteem!
Snake Plant
With the botanical name of Sansevieria trifasciata and a common name of Mother-in-law’s tongue, snake plants are perhaps the most studied plants by air quality and horticultural researchers. Snake plants add a lot of green color and variety to an environment. They are also known to improve air quality and boost mood.
They’re a stark addition to the office, and bringing plants like these will reduce the amounts of carbon dioxide in the air and in turn, increase workplace satisfaction.
Schefflera
Umbrella Tree care is so simple; why wouldn’t someone incorporate its lovely foliage in their office? An ‘Amate’ Umbrella Tree is sure to bring a dash of variegated foliage and positive effect to the workplace, increasing productivity as it cleans the air.
According to research, umbrella plants can filter out toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. This research reinforces the speculation that plant lovers have had for some time: plants boost health and mood in whatever room they’re in!
Peace Lily
The peace lily is also easy to care for, much like an umbrella tree. Try the varieties Spathiphyllum ‘Petite’ , or Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’, for rich greenery that makes the environment that much more enjoyable. Rather than a desk plant, the peace lily is perfect in larger pots and parts of the office that don’t receive a ton of natural light.
Also, the flowers of peace lilies are beautiful. The employees’ health will be improved by seeing them grow. They will experience less stress and have a more productive work environment.
ZZ Plant
Zamioculcas Zamiifolia is the botanical name. This is one of those premiere plants studied in research that says plants boost the air quality in the room they’re placed in. Add small ZZ plants on your desk to improve the air quality in your office.
ZZ plants are easy to care for and require very little effort to keep their lush greenery beautiful. Your productivity won’t be interrupted by pruning and watering.
Baby Rubber Plant
Peperomia obtusifolia or any Peperomia species are cute and fun plants that require very little sunlight to grow. Researchers have found that formaldehyde is lower in offices where there are a couple of baby rubber plants. Their greenery takes the form of leathery round leaves and small, green flower.
Bring a little bit of nature to the working environment with a baby rubber plant, and you’ll have added benefits of fewer sick days and happier, more productive employees.
Purple Passion Plant
Gynura aurantiaca, also known as purple velvet plant in the office, is a great alternative to green. Green leaves with a lovely purple fuzz can be used to add a natural touch in any setting. The plants thrive in indoor environments with high humidity. They absorb carbon dioxide and bring in fresh air.
Purple passion plants will be perfect for your office if you are looking to highlight the uniqueness of nature.
Praying Plant
The prayer plant has a variety of leaves that come in what appears to be hundreds of different designs and colors. It is the perfect way to add interest to an otherwise plain office. If you place them away from the window, then you can see the daily etiolated leaf, which gives it its common name, Praying Hands.
It is also a great plant for improving the air quality. They are also very easy to propagate.
Peacock Plant
Calathea orbifolia, also known as the prayer plant, is a common name. It differs, however, from the previous prayer plant in that it has a completely different vein pattern. The leaves are shinier and a bit more conventional-looking. The green leaves of many cultivars can liven up a space, and encourage a productive team.
It has been reported that this peacock plants can improve the air quality in offices and the breathing of the occupants. This plant will give your building a tropical touch and improve the air quality.
Nerve Plant
Fittonia Albivenis has a smaller stature than some of the plants in this list. This is due to its clearly defined leaf veins. University researchers have discovered that it can be used to clean the air in offices of trichloroethylene (TCE), benzene and toluene.
The nerve plant brings nature’s more interesting foliage to provide to a room, with some cultivars sporting green leaves while others look almost red due to their pervasive leaf veins. The veins of green leaves appear white or pink.
Aluminum Plant
Aluminum plants are perfect for large planters inside offices, where they can provide lush green patches to offset the plainer areas. They’re perfect for small pots on each team member’s desk too! Due to their leaf pattern, these plants are sometimes called watermelon plant.
According to research, the green leaves from the aluminum plant can improve the air quality in the area and make it a more productive place to work. Bring them in to promote a cleaner, smarter workplace.
Rubber Tree Plant
Rubber tree plants bring the tropical to your office with their leathery leaves, multiple branches and thick stems. Rubber trees have been popular in offices for decades. They can eliminate bacteria and mold from any space.
Rubber trees are available in a variety of cultivars, including those with velvety-textured undersides and leaves in shades ranging from green to red. These leaves are particularly suited for absorbing formaldehyde.
Monstera
These plants are great for improving air quality in offices. The market has exploded with these green-leaved plant due to the interesting appearance of the swiss-cheese cutouts on mature leaves.
Recent studies have shown that house plants are effective at removing toxins. Monstera is included as one of these plants. For desk corners, younger plants work best. Larger ones are better for an office corner.
Silver Vine
The botanical name for this plant – also known as silver pothos – is Scindapsus pictus. This tiny green plant has the most fascinating silver markings of all plants on this list. It’s potentially one of the most effective at eliminating VOCs from the air, as it removes benzene, toluene, formaldehyde, carbon monoxide, and xylene.
Ponytail Palm
You like curly, wild palm fronds? Beaucarnea Recurvata is a ponytail palm with a striking appearance that can be used to remove harmful compounds. This palm is a great centerpiece for a lobby. It also works well as a corner plant in low-light areas. The curly, green leaves will accent any space!
Spider Plant
Chlorophytum Comosum is easy to grow! Spider plants look great in a hanging basket along windows or at the corner office. Some studies have shown that spider plants can remove 95% of airborne toxins. The spider plants have a subtler look, and they are easy to propagate.
Need a softer, woodland feel to boost office workers’ quality of life? Rabbits foot ferns are a good choice because of their wide fronds, soft aerial roots and fuzzy texture. These ferns can be used in small pots on desktops, planters or in courtyards. This fern will bring a forest feel to your office!
Common Questions
Q: What are the best indoor plants?
There are sooooo many! You can use the list above as a guide to help you decide which one is right for you.
How many houseplants are needed to improve the air quality?
A: Even one positive action will have an impact. And a few more will triple the effect.
Q: Which indoor plants are good to mental health?
A: Use a spider or rubber tree plant. Or even a Monstera to improve your air quality.
Desk plants: do they increase productivity?
A: While studies don’t definitively say yes, they improve factors related to productivity.
Q: Which plants increase productivity?
A: Yes, all of them! You can use a nerve plant, a ponytail palm or even a pothos.
Q: Why do plants boost productivity?
Researchers at universities have done studies that show the improvement of productivity factors by adding plants to an office. Improving the air quality in an office space can increase employee motivation and morale.
Q: Do plants help you focus?
A: Yes! According to the studies mentioned at the beginning, they have a positive impact on factors related better motivation and focus.