By Robert Chen|Published on September 1, 2022|Updated on January 23, 2025
Office plants do way more than just add a splash of vibrant green to your workspace—they’re actually hard at work cleaning the air while you focus on your emails. If you’re looking to upgrade your desk setup, here are some of the most popular and reliable varieties to consider.
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++Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
The Spider Plant is a total superstar when it comes to air purification. Its leaves are great at filtering out pollutants, leaving you with fresher air to breathe. Thanks to its thick, fleshy roots, it stores water like a pro, so it won’t hold a grudge if you forget to water it for a few days. This makes it one of the most low-maintenance office plants out there. Plus, those little “spiderettes” that hang down are super cute! If you want to spread the green love to other rooms, it’s incredibly easy to propagate these babies.
++Dragon Tree (Dracaena)
With its palm-like leaves, the Dracaena adds a subtle tropical vibe to any office. It’s a great choice for spaces that don’t get a ton of direct sun. In fact, the Dragon Tree actually prefers shadier spots, as harsh, direct sunlight can actually scorch its leaves. You don’t need to water it very often, and like the Spider Plant, it’s excellent at scrubbing the air clean.
++Kentia Palm (Howea forsteriana)
If you’re looking for something with a bit of height, the Kentia Palm is your best friend. Its long, elegant fronds look beautiful tucked into a corner or standing tall as a room divider. These palms are fantastic at removing toxins from the air. They thrive in bright to medium indirect light and usually just need a good drink once a week. Overall, it’s a very chill, easy-to-care-for office companion.
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The Ponytail Palm (often called Elephant’s Foot) definitely makes a statement. Its thick, bulbous trunk really does look like an elephant’s leg, topped with a “ponytail” of thin, curly green leaves. This plant is a sun-seeker! It loves a bright spot, though you might want to pull the blinds slightly during the scorching midday heat of summer. The best part? That thick trunk stores water, so you don’t have to water it very often at all.
++Heartleaf Philodendron (Philodendron scandens)
The Philodendron is a versatile climber. You can train it to grow up a trellis or let it trail beautifully off a bookshelf or hanging basket. It loves a bright room and appreciates regular watering. When it’s happy, it rewards you with gorgeous, heart-shaped leaves that sometimes have a subtle pattern. It’s a timeless office classic for a reason—it just works!
++Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
The Weeping Fig originally hails from tropical forests, so it loves a bright spot (just keep it out of direct, burning sun). It prefers soil with a pH between 6.5 and 7. Once it’s settled in, it’s actually quite hardy. It even handles the dry air from office heaters during the winter months surprisingly well, making it a staple for workspaces everywhere.
++Golden Pothos / Devil’s Ivy (Epipremnum pinnatum)
Pothos is another heavy hitter in the air-purifying department. Its variegated leaves help filter the air and instantly brighten the mood. Since it’s a vine, it looks great draped over a cabinet, or you can give it a moss pole to climb. Just a heads-up: these guys love humidity. If your office air is feeling a bit dry, give the leaves a quick misting every now and then to keep them happy.
%%ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
If you think you have a “black thumb,” the ZZ Plant is for you. Many plant lovers consider this the toughest office plant in the world. It’s incredibly resilient—even if it gets neglected during a busy summer or if you’re a total beginner, it’s hard to kill. It only needs a little water every once in a while. In fact, the only way to really upset a ZZ plant is by overwatering it, which can turn the leaves yellow. Less is definitely more here!
