What if you added a little green touch to your remote working space? Decorating your desk with houseplants is a simple way to bring a bit of nature into your professional daily life, or into your long study days. Discover our selection of the perfect plants to green up your home office below.
Plants can very quickly brighten up any space. But did you know they also have the ability to boost your concentration or reduce your stress? A recent study showed that the presence of houseplants in a professional environment could increase employee performance and wellbeing, as well as reduce sick days. We're not saying plants perform miracles, but these questions are being studied more and more, and many fascinating subjects like crystal botany are currently being researched, and seem to corroborate what some have long suspected.
In the meantime, what is certain is that more and more of us are working from home, and the blurring of professional and personal life is forcing us to rethink how we design our interiors. One positive side is that it becomes possible to create spaces in our own image, imbued with our sensibilities, in complete freedom. So if you tend to recharge through long walks in the forest, or if hiking is one of your favourite hobbies, there's a good chance that a nature-inspired atmosphere in your office will have beneficial effects for you. Here are 5 ideal and easy-to-care-for plants to get you started:
1. The snake plant (Sansevieria)
The snake plant is very well known as it ranks among the most air-purifying plants studied by NASA. It has been shown to have the power to eliminate toxins such as formaldehyde, xylene and toluene. In its natural habitat, it has evolved to survive drought. An undeniable advantage when you have little time to devote to your plants… You only need to water it once every few weeks. Its narrow, upright leaves, resembling reptile skin, give it a distinctive look and make it a must-have plant for a workspace.
2. The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas)
This plant, very popular in interior decoration, has the advantage of being easy to care for and having an upright habit that makes it simple to place on a desk. Its long, thick stems and waxy leaves give it a lot of elegance. Its buried rhizomes, resembling a potato, allow it to store water, making the "ZZ" a robust and very drought-tolerant plant. Watering every 2 weeks when the soil is dry will be sufficient. It will feel at ease in indirect light, but can also tolerate low light. Perfect for filling a spot where you're not quite sure which plant to put.
3. The pothos
The pothos is a very popular plant often found in medical practices, shops, or restaurants. Its easy-going nature makes it a versatile plant that adapts to many different interiors. Indirect light or semi-shaded spaces suit it very well. Its water needs are also moderate (1 watering every 10-15 days). There are many varieties available, in a range of colours. It can even be grown in hanging baskets for a very decorative trailing effect.
4. The philodendron
The most well-known philodendron is the monstera. A robust plant, it will thrive best in bright light, but will still tolerate being in the shade sometimes. Infrequent but gradual watering will suit it perfectly, particularly to avoid the phenomenon of guttation which could be problematic near a computer, for example. A simple way to remedy this is to opt for the installation of a oyas to plant.
5. The bird's nest fern
The ideal plant for the biggest travellers among you. Its long, wavy leaves in deep green, arranged around a central rosette, create a little tropical vibe that will help you hold on until your well-deserved holiday. Another advantage is that it is considered a "pet friendly" plant, allowing your cat to purr by its side while you finish the report that was due yesterday…
