The 10 Best Office Plants to Foster Wellbeing, Productivity, and a Greener Workplace

In today’s work culture, there’s a growing understanding that offices should nurture both productivity and personal wellbeing. As employees return from remote or hybrid setups, they often seek spaces that feel welcoming, comfortable, and human-centred. Incorporating greenery—be it low-light plants for shaded corners, vibrant foliage for brighter spots, or even a striking office living wall—makes a powerful, positive difference.

Studies highlight the benefits of adding nature to indoor environments. The University of Exeter found that offices enriched with greenery improved wellbeing and productivity, and a NASA Clean Air Study showed that certain plants help purify indoor air. Similarly, Terrapin Bright Green research indicates that biophilic elements, including office plants, can reduce stress and improve cognitive function. Simply put, thoughtfully selected and placed plants don’t just look good—they help people feel and perform better.

At Plant Plan, we help businesses of all sizes embrace these benefits. From selecting the right species to ongoing care, our expertise in commercial plants and office planting ensures your greenery remains a source of health, happiness, and inspiration.

Below are ten carefully chosen workplace plants that thrive in typical office environments. Each plant includes a brief overview, plus pros and cons to help you select the best fit for your space.

Known for its striking, upright leaves, the Snake Plant is incredibly resilient and tolerates lower light and infrequent watering. It’s an excellent choice for quieter corners or reception areas, subtly helping improve air quality while requiring minimal upkeep.

A classic for indoor spaces, the Peace Lily produces white blooms that bring elegance and calm. It’s comfortable in moderate to low-light offices and helps create a peaceful atmosphere that supports concentration and serenity.

The ZZ Plant’s glossy, dark-green leaves thrive even under fluorescent lighting, making it ideal for offices without direct sunlight. Its easy-going nature suits busy teams, bringing greenery’s calming effects without adding maintenance stress.

For a touch of sophistication, the Kentia Palm adds graceful fronds that create a relaxed, upscale feel in meeting rooms or executive lounges. Its gentle presence can help reduce tension, setting a positive tone for collaborative efforts.

Pothos is an adaptable, vining plant that can climb shelves, trail from hanging baskets, or decorate partition tops. Its heart-shaped leaves soften hard interiors, encouraging a friendlier vibe that supports creativity and warmth.

With slender, sometimes variegated leaves, Dracaenas add structure and vertical interest to office interiors. Their presence can subtly boost focus and comfort, making them a favourite in workstations and communal areas.

A Rubber Plant’s large, glossy leaves instantly draw the eye, creating a statement piece that says: “This is a place where people matter.” Suitable for well-lit areas, it symbolises both vitality and a progressive workplace ethos.

Spider Plants produce arching leaves and charming offshoots (“spiderettes”) that can be potted into new plants—great for team-building activities or personalising individual desks. They flourish in moderate to low-light conditions, enhancing indoor air quality and overall comfort.

Aglaonema varieties offer beautifully patterned leaves that brighten shaded spots. They bring subtle colour and interest, helping offices feel more welcoming, which can positively influence mood and satisfaction.

For those keen to embrace a greener ethic, the Bamboo Palm thrives in indirect light and is known as a pet-friendly option. This gentle presence supports a relaxing environment, particularly in quiet break areas or human-friendly offices.

For a truly transformative statement, consider integrating an office living wall—a vertical garden that captures attention and enhances acoustics. Living walls help bring nature closer, even in limited spaces, symbolising a commitment to employee wellbeing and environmental responsibility. By selecting plants suited to your office’s lighting and climate, you create a lush, uplifting backdrop that reinforces a people-first approach.

Learn more about biophilic design principles and discover how a living wall can enrich your workspace’s sensory experience, making it a place where everyone feels happier and more engaged.