Every remote employee wants an enjoyable work environment, especially when it can benefit our physical and mental well-being. Now that most of us have incorporated a standing desk treadmill or other exercise equipment into our remote office, all we have to do is add some houseplants to boost the ambiance. Even for those of us who are super busy attending Zoom meetings, answering emails, or filing reports, the houseplants below are low-maintenance and do not require you to have a big green thumb, making them an ideal addition to your office. Keep reading to learn what kind of houseplants will thrive in your remote office!
1. Fern
Did you know that there is an estimated 15,000 species of different ferns? These plants are hundreds of millions of years old, making them the most prehistoric plant you can add to your home office. These plants are also fairly easy to care for. Depending on the type of fern you purchase, its care instructions may differ, but for the most part, you can expect pretty simple care from plant to plant. You can hang them in a hanging pot or place them up on a shelf, where their leaves can spill over. Make sure you read up on the level of humidity and sunlight your fern prefers for optimal placement.
2. Pothos
One pothos plant can stretch across the entire perimeter of a room, making them an interesting decoration for your home office. However, what makes them an ideal plant for an office space is their very forgiving nature. They can survive most conditions, regardless of soil quality or moisture level. They tolerate a variety of climates, though they do prefer low-light environments. You can also take a cutting from the mother plant and propagate it in water, where it can live for months as long as it has access to ample water.
3. English Ivy
English Ivy is a common plant used for outdoor landscaping, as it can cover a lot of ground. It is often seen wrapped around trees and climbing up the sides of houses, making your home look like an English cottage. As a houseplant, English Ivy is nowhere near as expansive but can be slightly more difficult to care for. They are picky and only like medium-bright light and really do not like being overwatered. When overwatered, their leaves will dry out, making it seem like they desire more moisture. Do not be fooled! This usually means they need to be dried out. Nonetheless, with the right conditions, this plant will cascade beautifully over your remote workspace.
4. Aglaonema
This plant can brighten up a remote desk with its green and pink leaves! In addition to its beauty, it is also very easy to care for. Aglaonemas are very adaptable to a variety of different environments and conditions. Because it naturally grows on the forest floor in Asia, it does prefer indirect sunlight. These plants also like to dry out between waterings, so stick your finger into its soil to check its moisture levels. The first inch of soil should be entirely dry. Make sure you rotate your plant frequently and dust off its leaves to make sure it can photosynthesize properly.
5. Bamboo
Bamboo can make any workspace look Zen and edgy. It is usually given as a gift to promote good luck and fortune, making it a cute lucky charm for your office. Additionally, this is a very beginner-friendly plant. They tolerate low to medium light but thrive with high sunlight exposure. However, they are slightly bougie when it comes to watering, and prefer only filtered or distilled water, as the chemicals in tap water can be toxic to them. Like the Aglaonema, they like to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry.
6. Ficus Benjamina
Also known as the weeping fig, the ficus benjamina is a funky-looking plant that can add some pizazz to your office. This plant can grow up to 3 to 6 feet tall indoors, but up to 60 feet tall in the wild! These plants liked to be watered in warmer seasons, but prefer to dry out during fall and winter. During the warm months, they like their soil to remain moist as they bask in their indirect sunlight.
7. ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, short for Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a fun-looking plant! It also thrives on neglect and can survive through drought-like conditions and any levels of light. As a bonus, it is especially good for purifying the air of toxins. Being one of the most popular houseplants, it is seen all over plant lovers’ Instagrams and deserves a special spot in your office!
8. Spider Plant
Spider plants make for a good addition to your home or office, as they can tolerate a variety of nonideal conditions. They are a great beginner-friendly plant, as they are very forgiving to even the extreme ends of mistreatment. All you need for a healthy spider plant is well-draining soil, indirect sunlight, and the opportunity to dry out between waterings.
9. Peace lily
Peace lilies make excellent houseplants, as they make any room look interesting. The white petal is frequently mistaken for a flower but is actually a leaf that protects the flowering portion of the plant. Like most of the houseplants on this list, they love medium to bright light. They do not, however, like being watered on schedule and prefer to be watered as needed.
10. Dracaena
Dracaenas are a fun addition to any space, as they look like mini trees. They are fairly simple to care for and only ask for consistently moist, well-draining soil. They also really thrive with regular fertilization during warmer months, especially when tucked between a sheer curtain near the window. Buy one for your office today!
Conclusion – Best Houseplants for Your Remote Office
As you can see, there are a variety of houseplants you can incorporate into your remote office! Many of these houseplants are very beginner-friendly and do not require much of a green thumb. Placing a plant near your desk can purify the air, produce more oxygen, and give the room a more enjoyable ambiance!
