15 Office Plants That Purify the Air and Boost Productivity

In today’s fast-paced work environment, enhancing productivity and air quality is essential. Incorporating office plants can significantly contribute to a healthier workspace while also improving aesthetics. Here’s a look at 15 office plants that not only purify the air but also promote a productive atmosphere.

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The Snake Plant is a popular choice for office desk decor due to its unique upright leaves and minimal care requirements. Known for its ability to filter formaldehyde, benzene, and other toxins, this plant is perfect for office plants with low light conditions.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Excellent at removing toxins
• Light Requirements: Thrives in low to bright indirect light
• Watering Needs: Once every few weeks

2. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

The Spider Plant is renowned for its air-purifying abilities and is incredibly easy to care for. It can tolerate a variety of lighting conditions, making it one of the best office plants for small spaces.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Effective against carbon monoxide and xylene
• Light Requirements: Prefers indirect sunlight
• Watering Needs: Weekly

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

A favorite among office plants for good luck, the Peace Lily is not only beautiful but also efficient at filtering out harmful pollutants like ammonia and benzene. Its striking white flowers make it a stunning addition to office shelves with plants.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Removes mold spores and VOCs
• Light Requirements: Prefers low light but blooms better in medium light
• Watering Needs: Keep soil moist, water weekly

4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

Pothos is an excellent choice for those seeking hanging plants in office work spaces. Its trailing vines can add a lush look to any workspace while effectively filtering indoor air pollutants.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Reduces formaldehyde, benzene, and xylene
• Light Requirements: Adapts well to low light conditions
• Watering Needs: Every 1-2 weeks

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

The Rubber Plant is a robust indoor plant known for its thick, glossy leaves. It thrives in bright, indirect light and can significantly improve indoor air quality, making it one of the best big office plants.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Highly effective at removing toxins
• Light Requirements: Prefers bright light but tolerates low light
• Watering Needs: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings

6. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata)

The Boston Fern is a lush, full plant that thrives in humidity, making it an ideal choice for office plants with fluorescent light. It’s known for its ability to filter formaldehyde and other toxins.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Great at removing formaldehyde
• Light Requirements: Prefers indirect light with high humidity
• Watering Needs: Keep soil consistently moist

7. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

The ZZ Plant is another low-maintenance option, making it perfect for busy professionals. Its shiny leaves add an aesthetic touch to any office plants arrangement while improving air quality.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Removes toxins like xylene and toluene
• Light Requirements: Thrives in low to bright indirect light
• Watering Needs: Every 2-3 weeks

8. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)

The Bamboo Palm is an excellent air purifier that can filter out harmful toxins, and it adds a tropical vibe to your office. This plant is perfect for larger spaces and can be a standout feature in office plants corporate designs.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Effective against benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene
• Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Watering Needs: Keep soil moist, water weekly

9. Dracaena (Dracaena spp.)

Dracaena plants come in various sizes and shapes, making them versatile for office desk decor. They are particularly effective at removing toxins and can thrive in less light.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Filters out formaldehyde and benzene
• Light Requirements: Adaptable to low and bright light
• Watering Needs: Allow soil to dry between waterings

10. Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is not only known for its healing properties but also serves as a natural air purifier. Its unique aesthetic makes it a great addition to office plants ideas desk areas.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Absorbs formaldehyde and benzene
• Light Requirements: Prefers bright, indirect light
• Watering Needs: Water every 2-3 weeks

11. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The Cast Iron Plant is famed for its resilience, making it perfect for less-than-ideal office conditions. It thrives on neglect and is great for those new to plant care.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Effective at removing toxins
• Light Requirements: Tolerates low light
• Watering Needs: Water every few weeks

12. Philodendron

The Philodendron is a popular choice for its vibrant leaves and air-purifying properties. It’s ideal for a boho office plants aesthetic or as a statement piece on office bookshelves.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Excellent at filtering indoor air pollutants
• Light Requirements: Prefers indirect light
• Watering Needs: Water when the top inch of soil is dry

13. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

Chinese Evergreen is celebrated for its stunning variegated leaves and air-purifying abilities. It’s adaptable to various lighting conditions, making it one of the best easy care office plants.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Filters out toxins effectively
• Light Requirements: Thrives in low to bright light
• Watering Needs: Water every 1-2 weeks

14. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)

The Parlor Palm adds elegance to any workspace and is effective at removing indoor air pollutants. Its upright growth makes it suitable for tight spaces, fitting well in office plants corner arrangements.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Great at filtering formaldehyde
• Light Requirements: Prefers low to moderate light
• Watering Needs: Keep soil lightly moist

15. Lavender

While not typically an office plant, Lavender is known for its calming aroma and air-purifying properties. It can create a soothing atmosphere, making it perfect for enhancing office plants for a calming atmosphere.

Key Features:

• Air Purification: Known for its ability to filter toxins
• Light Requirements: Prefers bright sunlight
• Watering Needs: Water when the soil is dry

Plant Care and Arrangement Tips

When integrating office plants into your workspace, consider these office plants arrangement tips to maximize benefits:

Plant	Light Requirements	Watering Needs	Ideal Location
Snake Plant	Low to Bright Indirect	Every Few Weeks	Desk or Corner
Spider Plant	Indirect	Weekly	Shelves or Desk
Peace Lily	Low to Medium	Keep Soil Moist	Desktop or Meeting Rooms
Pothos	Low to Bright Indirect	Every 1-2 Weeks	Hanging or Shelves
Rubber Plant	Bright Indirect	Top Inch Dry	Large Spaces
Boston Fern	Indirect, High Humidity	Keep Moist	Humid Areas
ZZ Plant	Low to Bright Indirect	Every 2-3 Weeks	Desk or Entryways
Bamboo Palm	Bright Indirect	Weekly	Corporate Spaces
Dracaena	Low to Bright	Allow to Dry	Shelves or Corners
Aloe Vera	Bright Indirect	Every 2-3 Weeks	Desks
Cast Iron Plant	Low	Every Few Weeks	Neglected Areas
Philodendron	Indirect	When Top Inch Dry	Shelves or Desks
Chinese Evergreen	Low to Bright	Every 1-2 Weeks	Versatile Locations
Parlor Palm	Low to Moderate	Lightly Moist	Corners or Desks
Lavender	Bright	When Soil is Dry	Sunny Spots

Enhancing Office Aesthetics with Plants

Incorporating office plants decor not only improves air quality but also enhances the overall aesthetics of the workspace. Consider using various office plants ideas to create a serene and inspiring environment.

• Hanging Plants: Utilize ceiling space with ceiling hanging plants office or wall-mounted planters.
• Desk Arrangements: Group smaller plants on desks for a cohesive look that also boosts productivity.
• Shelves and Corners: Use office shelves with plants to create a vibrant atmosphere without cluttering desks.