Plants for professional offices and open spaces

Studies show that having plants in the office improves concentration, reduces stress, and increases productivity. However, it is important to choose species that are compatible with the realities of a workspace: artificial light, air conditioning, irregular watering, and sometimes weeks without care during holidays.

Why have plants in the office?

Beyond decoration, plants at work have a measurable impact. They help filter volatile compounds emitted by furniture, screens, and carpets. They increase ambient humidity in spaces often dried out by air conditioning. And their simple visual presence reduces eye strain caused by screens. Our article on the hidden benefits of plants on mood and concentration details these effects. For the topic of air purification, see our article on plants and air quality: myths and realities.

The best plants for an open-plan office

An open-plan office requires plants that are resistant to artificial light, air conditioning drafts, and missed watering. The Zamioculcas (ZZ plant) is the all-around champion: it survives almost anything, even weeks without water and natural light. The Sansevieria is just as resilient, with the added benefit of producing oxygen at night. The Aglaonema adds color even in low light. And the Dracaena offers vertical volume without taking up much floor space. Find these species in our collections: Sansevieria, Aglaonema, and Dracaena.

Compact plants for the workstation

Desk space is limited. Small potted plants of 12-14 cm are ideal: a Pilea peperomioides with its round leaves, a compact and sculptural Peperomia, a miniature Syngonium Pixie, or a small Pothos whose vines will elegantly drape over the edge of the desk. Discover our collections: small indoor plants and small spaces.

Large plants for meeting rooms and reception areas

Common areas — reception, meeting room, hallway — deserve plants with strong visual impact. A Strelitzia Nicolai, a branched Ficus lyrata, or a large Dracaena immediately bring a professional and welcoming presence. Our guide on XXL plants: which to choose and how to work them into your home helps you select the right size. Also browse our large XXL plants.

Keeping up with care at the office

The main challenge in the office is regular maintenance. All the plants in this selection tolerate infrequent and irregular watering. The trick: choose a fixed day each week to check on your plants (Monday morning or Friday, for example). In summer, weekly watering is enough for most; in winter, every 10-15 days. During holidays, water thoroughly before leaving — the recommended species here will last 2 to 3 weeks without any problem. See our complete watering guide and our selection of 10 easy-care plants for city dwellers.

Air-purifying plants for a healthier office

Workspaces accumulate volatile compounds: formaldehyde from particleboard furniture, benzene from inks and toners, trichloroethylene from cleaning products. Dracaena, Sansevieria, Spathiphyllum, and Ficus Elastica are among the most studied plants for their ability to filter these pollutants. Find all our purifying species in the air-purifying plants collection and read our article on plants that purify the air.