Office spaces are often enclosed and filled with all types of contaminants, ranging from dust and allergens to harmful bacteria and viruses. Besides, synthetic materials used in office décor and equipment also release harmful organic compounds into the environment, affecting the air’s quality. When combined, these various pollutants can lead to an overall uncomfortable and unhealthy environment. Thus, incorporating air-purifying plants into your office décor can be a deal-breaker concerning health, productivity, and wellness.
Air-purifying plants are known for their ability to remove toxins from the air, improving indoor air quality. According to NASA’s Clean Air Study, such plants can filter out volatile organic compounds and other contaminants, thereby boosting productivity and reducing health issues like respiratory problems, headaches, and eye irritation in the office. Below are the must-have office air-purifying plants for a healthier work environment.
1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum Comosum)
Rated as one of the top air-purifying plants, the Spider Plant is a hardy and easy-to-care-for type that thrives in partial sun or shade. Besides filtering out xylene, formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide, it has arching leaves that can add a dash of greenery to any office.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria Trifasciata)
Also known as Mother-in-Law’s Tongue, Snake Plant is durable and low maintenance. It thrives in low light and irregular watering, making it a perfect office plant. Its ability to filter formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, trichloroethylene, and nitrogen dioxide from the air — all of which can be found in copier toner — is why it’s a top contender.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
The Peace Lily can dramatically improve indoor air quality. It neutralizes harmful indoor gases and works to break them down. It’s excellent for offices because it thrives under fluorescent lights and only needs watering once a week.
4. Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea Seifrizii)
Bamboo Palm can grow to impressive heights, adding a tropical touch to office spaces. This plant filters out formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. It loves indirect light and can add humidity to a dry office environment.
5. Weeping Fig (Ficus Benjamina)
The Weeping Fig is a popular indoor plant that prefers direct light and regular watering. It’s known for removing formaldehyde, xylene, and toluene from the air. However, it’s not ideal for people with a latex allergy, as it’s part of the Rubber family.
6. English Ivy (Hedera Helix)
English Ivy, a vigorous climber, is best known for removing formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant resulting from modern furnishings, certain detergents, and cosmetics. Its trailing vines can beautifully drape from a hanging basket or climb a small trellis.
7. Aloe Vera (Aloe Barbadensis Miller)
Apart from its healing properties, Aloe Vera is also an effective air purifier. It’s easy to grow and filters out formaldehyde and benzene. This sun-loving plant can happily sit on a windowsill and act as a natural health-boosting ornament.
8. Parlour Palm (Chamaedorea Elegans)
The low maintenance Parlour Palm absorbs indoor air pollutants, specifically xylene and toluene. It thrives in a light spot, with shade from direct sunlight, and enjoys a bit more water in the growing months.
9. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
An excellent plant for beginners, the Chinese evergreen thrives in low light and can survive sporadic watering and varying temperatures. It filters out toxins such as benzene, formaldehyde, and other chemicals.
10. Gerbera Daisies (Gerbera Jamesonii)
Apart from being super colorful and fun, Gerbera Daisies also filter out benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene. They are happy in well-lit areas, so placing them on a windowsill is ideal.
Each of these plants offers a unique touch of green to your office and brings its air-purifying properties. From filtering volatile organic compounds to adding a calming aesthetic, having these plants will help create a welcoming, fresh, and healthy office space. However, remember that while plants can purify indoor air to some extent, they shouldn’t be relied upon solely for this purpose. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using eco-friendly furniture and cleaning products will also contribute significantly to maintaining a healthier indoor environment.
Moreover, care instructions should be followed for each plant, paying attention to their watering needs, sunlight exposure, and other requirements. In doing so, not only will these plants grow and thrive, but they will purify your office air, creating a visually-pleasing and better-functioning workspace.
