Best Indoor Plants for Stress Relief in the Workplace

Feeling overwhelmed at work? We’ve all been there! But did you know that adding a touch of greenery to your workspace can help you feel more relaxed and productive? 

Indoor plants for relaxation are not only visually pleasing but also have been scientifically proven to be some of the best plants for stress relief.

According to a recent study by the American Society for Horticultural Science, just the sight of an indoor plant can reduce stress levels for office workers. So, why not clear some space on your desk and make room for some green friends that can help you feel more centred and focused throughout the day?

Luckily, the team at The Plant Man has some fantastic recommendations for the best plants for stress relief that are perfect for office desks and cubicles. Not only do these plants add a touch of nature to your workspace, but they also come with a plethora of benefits that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

So, without further ado, here are some of The Plant Man’s top picks for the best indoor plants for relaxation that will help you manage stress and find peace in your workspace.

Indoor plants you can incorporate in your workplace for stress relief

Looking for the best indoor plants for stress relief to incorporate into your workplace? Check out these top picks that are sure to bring a sense of calm to your daily routine.

Dracaena fragrans – Happy Plant

Dracaena Fragrans, also known as the Happy Plant, is a popular choice for indoor plants in the workplace. These plants have long, elegant leaves that are green with yellow stripes, adding a tropical touch to any office space. Not only are they visually appealing, but they also have numerous benefits that make them one of the best indoor plants for stress relief. Dracaena Fragrans is known for its air-purifying properties, removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene from the air, which are commonly found in office spaces. This not only creates a healthier workspace but also helps to increase productivity and concentration levels. Additionally, Dracaena Fragrans thrives in low light conditions, making it an ideal choice for busy offices with low light settings.

Chlorophytum Comosum – Spider Plant

Looking for a relatively low-maintenance indoor plant that can add some life to your office space? Then meet the Spider Plant or Chlorophytum comosum. These plants are known for their rapid reproduction, creating “baby” plantlets at a high rate that develop into slender shoots and tiny white flowers, which transform into airborne plantlets.

But that’s not all – Spider plants are also highly beneficial for your office, acting as natural air purifiers by removing harmful chemicals and pollutants from the air. Plus, there are four varieties to choose from, each with its own unique appearance and characteristics. From the compact and dark green Variegatum to the bright and striped Vittatum, or the slightly curled up Bonnie, and the common green Comosum, there’s a Spider plant to suit any office decor. These plants thrive in bright areas but don’t need direct sunlight, making them perfect for brightening up your office desk and reducing stress levels.

Ficus Elastica – Rubber Plant

Rubber plants are a stunning addition to any indoor garden, boasting ornamental foliage that can grow up to 2.4m tall in a large pot, although most are kept at a more manageable 1-1.5m. With unique varieties like Ficus elastica decora, with its shiny, leather-like leaves that can grow up to 30cm long, and Ficus elastica robusta, which features even larger leaves, or the striking blackish red leaves of the Ficus elastica black prince or burgundy, there’s a rubber plant for every taste. To keep your rubber plant healthy, be sure to place it in a well-lit spot and keep it in a comfortable temperature environment.
And to maintain the plant’s beautiful glossy appearance, don’t forget to take the time to clean its leaves with a soft sponge or cloth. Regularly cleaning leaves of indoor plants can keep them free from dust and grime, ensuring that they continue to thrive and bring a touch of natural beauty to your workspace.

Epipremnum Aureum – Devils Ivy

Epipremnum aureum, also known as devil’s ivy, is a popular indoor plant native to Australia and found in many parts of the world. Its striking appearance and easy care make it a great addition to any office decor. While it can grow up to 6 ft. in length, it is easily pruned to a smaller size if necessary. However, it’s important to note that this plant is poisonous to cats and dogs, so it’s best to keep it in a pet-free office environment.

The plant’s mature leaves are almost the same size as the new leaves, measuring about 100 cm long and 45 cm across, and feature stunning blotchy yellow colours. To keep this plant thriving, be sure to keep it at a room temperature between 15-29 degrees Celsius and reduce watering during the autumn and winter months when the plant requires less water. By adding devil’s ivy to your office decor, you’ll not only create a beautiful and welcoming space, but you’ll also benefit from the plant’s air-purifying properties and ability to boost your mood and productivity.

Philodendron – Rojo Congo

Looking for tropical stress relief plants to add to your indoor garden? Rojo Congo might be the perfect choice for you. This vibrant plant can grow up to more than a metre tall, adding a touch of exotic flair to any space. Its baby leaves are a striking red and brown, making it an eye-catching addition to your collection. As it matures, the leaves turn into a beautiful burgundy green colour.

Rojo Congo thrives in humid conditions, making it perfect for indoor growth. Taking care of this plant is simple, just spray it with water or wipe it with a damp cloth every so often. Not only is Rojo Congo a stunning addition to your office decor, it is also a great stress relief plant that purifies the air and eliminates toxins.

Sansevieria – Snake Plant

Snake plants are not only a great addition to your office space, but they also offer numerous benefits, especially when it comes to stress relief in the workplace. As a low-maintenance plant, snake plants are perfect for busy individuals who want to add a touch of greenery to their workspace without the hassle of constantly taking care of it. Besides being an attractive indoor plant, snake plants are known for their air-purifying properties, removing toxins from the air and producing oxygen, making it easier for you to breathe while working.

Snake plants are also believed to have a calming effect, making them ideal for reducing stress levels and creating a peaceful working environment. Whether you place them on a windowsill or on your desk, snake plants are sure to provide a calming and stress-free atmosphere to help you stay focused and productive.

Spathiphyllum – Peace Lily

Commonly found in offices, peace lilies are not only beautiful but also happen to have air purifying properties. They are known to remove common toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air, which makes them a popular choice for indoor plants in homes and offices alike. The peace lily is easy to care for and doesn’t require much attention. They can thrive in low to medium light conditions, but it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to let the soil dry out between waterings.

Seifrizii – Bamboo Palm

The Bamboo Palm, or Chamaedorea seifrizii, is a fantastic choice for an indoor plant that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any office space. Its lush, green foliage adds life to any room, and its air-purifying abilities make it an excellent choice for a healthy workspace. This plant thrives in low to medium light conditions, making it perfect for spaces that don’t receive direct sunlight. It’s also a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring only occasional watering and light fertilising.

Aside from its aesthetic value, the Bamboo Palm offers several other benefits for your workplace. It is known to remove harmful pollutants from the air, such as benzene and formaldehyde, which are commonly found in office environments. This plant has also been proven to increase productivity and reduce stress levels, making it one of the best indoor plants for stress relief in the game.

Which plant suits your office the most? Call The Plant Man today to talk to an expert who can help you choose the best plants to suit your workplace’s unique environment and aesthetic.

Download our free guide today.

Find out just how easy it can be to keep your office plants happy and healthy.

You may also be interested in...​

Let’s talk about how we can improve your work environment