Working in an office, especially one that doesn’t have a lot of windows, can lead to a real sense of deprivation for those who love the outdoors.

Adding some houseplants might be just the ticket to improve productivity and satisfaction on the job, as they can increase humidity around a desk, purify the air, and add to your workspace decor.

Here are eight plants that are suitable for your office.

1. Snake plant

The tough nature of “Sansevieria”, also known as the snake plant or mother-in-law’s tongue, means it might continue to grow until its owner retires.

Not all snake plants are created equal, so read the label carefully to avoid choosing a cultivar that grows several metres high. Instead, look for a dwarf selection like “Futura Superba” or “Whitney”.

Perfect for houseplant newbies, snake plants require little special attention – give it a drink from your water bottle on your way out the door on Friday, and enjoy this slow-growing desk plant.

2. African violet

The fuzzy-leafed plant was popular in the 1970s and still has a cult following, for good reason: modern African violet hybrids thrive in the same conditions as humans do, with average humidity and temperatures.

Although sufficient light is necessary for blooms, African violets aren’t picky about the source of that light, and a fluorescent lamp aimed at the plant is acceptable.

A window that faces north or east provides ideal conditions; avoid placing this plant in direct sunlight.

3. English ivy

Soften the hard lines of a desk with a trailing plant like the English ivy. Ivy requires medium light and average water to thrive indoors.

Although you can’t go wrong with any variety of the classic “Hedera helix”, newer cultivars have added more diversity. “Silver Dollar” and “Yellow Ripple” feature grey or gold variegation, while small spaces benefit from dwarf varieties like “Pixie Dixie”.

For those who crave fancy foliage, try the ruffled leaves of “Curly Locks” or “Manda’s Crested”.

4. ZZ plant

“Zamioculcas zamiifolia”, commonly known as the ZZ plant, is a succulent with two characteristics that have rocketed its popularity: tolerance to low light, and the ability to grow with little water.

The ZZ plant is native to Africa and will do just fine with fluorescent light as its only source.

The laddered leaves of the common ZZ plant are a pleasing addition to the office setting, but the nearly black stems and foliage of the latest “Raven” cultivar look stunning against a white desktop.

5. Aloe

Aloe plants are easy to grow if they are supplied with one essential ingredient: lots of bright light.

If a desk is located near a sunny window, place the plant there and forget about it, because these succulents only need watering every couple of weeks.

The standard “Aloe barbadensis” is attractive enough for any modern office space, or you can explore the merits of the dwarf “Minibelle” or the speckled “Tiger Tooth” cultivar that looks like it has sharp teeth.

6. Philodendron

Whether an office is flooded with natural light or is tucked in a cosy corner, the carefree philodendron will add cheer with its glossy green leaves and trailing instinct.

It requires regular moisture to keep its lush look, so a self-watering pot will be a lifesaver for specimens without a consistent caregiver.

For a handsome container combination, grow the silvery mottled “Brandi” cultivar along with a standard green variety like “Green Heartleaf”.

7. Tillandsia

To grow tillandsia or any plants that don’t require soil – also known as air plants – it’s necessary to think outside the pot.

Affix air plants to a piece of driftwood with some fishing line; fill a miniature terrarium with varieties; or arrange air plants in a shell, teacup, or another unconventional container.

Air plants don’t need much light, while those on sunnier desks are more likely to grow a flower spike. Mist the entire plant weekly so the modified scales on the leaves absorb the moisture it requires.

8. Lucky bamboo

The common-name lucky bamboo isn’t actually one of the more than 100 genera of true bamboo. Rather, “Dracaena sanderiana” is related to the corn plant, another easy-to-grow houseplant.

Growers often shape lucky bamboo stems into spirals, weaves, or even hearts. Left to their own devices, the stems will eventually outgrow their trained shapes, but the plants grow slowly.

Lucky bamboo grows well in low-light environments and can thrive without soil when the stems are submerged in water.

This article first appeared in jobstore.com.

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