Home offices, however, are not all created equal, nor the plants we place in them; different species offer their own individual benefits to suit the needs of your individual workspace.
So which houseplants are right for your home office?
We’ve teamed up with botanical stylist RoCo and YouTuber Man for Himself to show you which plants can be used to create a home office Eden and the benefits associated with them.
Tip 1: Assess your space
Before buying any plants, step back and analyse your space. Identify areas that can visually benefit most from more greenery, thinking about the plant silhouettes which will best suit each spot. Lollipop shaped plants, like the ponytail palm, will fit into narrower spaces (try placing it between a lamp and desk) whereas the sweeping stems of a parlour plant are better suited to a corner where they can hide draws or a filing cabinet. Wherever possible, remove all unnecessary items and clutter: be ruthless, if you don’t use it every day, take if off your desk.
Tip 2: Creating your office jungle
When you’ve prepared your space, start by adding green with a collection of potted plants – try different heights and leaf patterns to find the right balance for your space. Don’t be afraid to use plant stands or stacked books to give extra height and keep experimenting until you find an arrangement that feels harmonious in the space.
Tip 3: Making the most of your space
If you are working with a small space, try adding a shelf to use the vertical space in your room – and provide a home for an assortment of trailing plants. While there are many varieties to choose from, we’d recommend hoya linearis as we love its unusual leaves and air-purifying qualities. Hanging plants can add impact without taking up valuable desk and floor space.
Tip 4: Don’t neglect your planters
Great pot choices are key to finding the right balance between delicate, air-cleansing foliage and breaking up the harsher lines of your office furniture. Experiment with contrasting textures; rough and smooth, earthy and industrial. Terracotta pots work well for plants that like to dry out between each watering, such as cacti, succulents and palms. Make sure pots with draining holes are placed on a tray or saucer to protect your furniture.
Tip 5: Nurture your plants
Nurture your plants and they’ll nurture you; regular contact and careful observation will help you connect and get to know their needs, boosting your sense of wellbeing. During the spring and summer months, make sure to rotate plants every few weeks so that one side is not starved of light: this will ensure even growth and prevent the plant from growing off at an angle.
We did a total office re-make using plants, so you can see what a difference a few plants can make. Watch Robin from Man for Himself’s video below where he talks about this transformation and his own personal experience with his new houseplants, and how easily it changed the way he feels and works from home.We did a total office re-make using plants, so you can see what a difference a few plants can make. Watch Robin from Man for Himself’s video below where he talks about this transformation and his own personal experience with his new houseplants, and how easily it changed the way he feels and works from home.
Read more about the different benefits houseplants can have on your home office.
About RoCo
RoCo are an indoor botanical design and installation studio, helping people enhance their environments with high quality indoor greenery. For more information about their work, visit their website.
About Man for Himself
Man For Himself is run by Robin James – men’s style, lifestyle and grooming blogger and YouTube creator. For more of his work, be sure to visit his blog.
