How To Choose An Office Plant That Won't Die On The First Day

If your desk looks as dreary as the current weather, it might be time to invest in a potted plant.

A new study of European offices has found that productivity at work is boosted by 8% and wellbeing increased by 13% when office environments contain natural elements such as greenery and sunlight.

The Human Spaces Report studied 3,600 office workers in eight countries throughout Europe and examined how adding elements of nature into workplace design can increase the overall happiness, creativity and productivity of employees.

The report, conducted by organisational psychologist, Professor Sir Cary Cooper and Interface, found that:

:: 63% of European officer workers now work in a city which can limit their access to natural elements

:: More than half (55%) don’t have access to any greenery in their workplace

:: 7% of workers have no windows

Office plants offer an inexpensive way to gain access to a lovely bit of nature. But which one do you go for?

The issue with many plants is that they can't thrive indoors as natural light is scarce, meaning that buying an office plant isn't as easy as it looks.

We've picked out the best kind of greenery you want for your work environment.

6 Awesome Plants For Your Office

Pothos(01 of06)

Pros: They can tolerate low light conditions and can be grown in water or dry soil, according to Gardening Know How.Cons: They're poisonous if eaten. N.B. Pothos is the middle plant. (credit:dogwin via Getty Images)

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)(02 of06)

Pros: When it comes to indoor plants, peace lilies are some of the easiest to care for according to Gardening Know How. Cons: If you overwater it, it will die. (credit:Howard Rice via Getty Images)

Cactus(03 of06)

Pros: Even plant killers love these because they do not require much in the way of water or natural light.Cons: They're prickly little guys that like to stab you in the hand. (credit:Ian Nolan via Getty Images)

Monstera (Cheese Plant)(04 of06)

Pros: Can take low light levels and looks great in a contemporary plant pot says garden designer, Kate Gould. It will brighten meeting rooms and larger communal spaces - their bulk and size help to soften corners and make the workplace friendlier. Cons: It should be re-potted every few years to ensure adequate soil nutrition and space for the rapidly growing plant. (credit:mykeyruna via Getty Images)

Snake Plant(05 of06)

Pros: They can survive low light levels, drought and have few insect problems according to Gardening Know How. In fact, NASA research also suggests that snake plants are able to help keep the air inside your home clean by removing toxins such as formaldehyde and benzene.Cons: There are none, it's pretty much perfect. (credit:Westend61 via Getty Images)

Phalaenopsis Orchid(06 of06)

Pros: They’re one of the easiest orchids to grow says avid gardener, Aline Dobbie. It is best grown in diffused or low light situations, and in standard household temperatures. Cons: Can't grow properly in normal potting soil. Gardening Know How suggest using a coarse textured mixture, such as a commercial mix for epiphytic orchids.Garden Designer, Kate Gould notes that Phalaenopsis orchids are stunning but do require care and in their ‘down time’ can look dull. She suggests to set them on a rotation so that there will always be something in flower on your desk at all times. (credit:Linda Burgess via Getty Images)

SEE ALSO:
The Key To Health, Wellbeing And Productivity? A Well-Designed Office, Of Course
25 Amazing Office Interior Ideas You'll Definitely Want To Steal

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