12 office plants to liven up your desk and workspace

Including a few office plants close to your desk or work area will create a beautiful leafy environment that not only looks great but makes you feel happier too. And with many of us now working from home for at least some of the time, you can customize your own little oasis with the flowers and foliage you love. 

Research has shown that being in a natural environment relieves stress, while plants of all shapes and sizes can help to restore concentration levels. The intricate patterns of leaves and flowers do this by holding our attention, while making no demands on us, which allows our brains to rest and recuperate. 

So, to be happy and productive at work, the clear message is to install some of the best indoor plants in your workspace. The research does not recommend specific houseplants for office spaces but those with colorful and textured leaves or flowers may work best to recover from periods of stress and increase your ability to concentrate. 

A study conducted by researchers at the University of Exeter found that enriching an office with desk plants can increase productivity by 15%, challenging the idea that minimalist workspaces are best. They also found that allowing staff to choose their own range of houseplants to decorate their workspace increased their sense of wellbeing by 47% and creativity by 45%.

Scented home office plants may also help you to relax and enjoy your work, but whichever you choose, make sure that they suit your office conditions. The options here will help you to select the perfect desk plants for your indoor garden. 

By Zia Allaway