Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions
With remote working increasing in popularity maybe it's time to improve your home office with the addition of some houseplants.
The Snake Plant, often referred to as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue", is a unique-looking houseplant characterized by its long, vertical leaves. These leaves are typically green with yellow borders, creating a striking contrast. They're also somewhat thick and succulent, growing straight up from the soil. The plant can grow anywhere from 8 inches to several feet tall, depending on the variety.
Snake Plants are native to West Africa, from Nigeria to the Congo. They have adapted to survive in harsh, dry environments, which is why they are so resilient and drought-resistant. An interesting fact about them is that they are part of the NASA's list of air-purifying plants, known to remove toxins like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. This quality makes them an excellent choice for home offices, helping to improve air quality and create a healthier working environment.
In terms of care, Snake Plants are one of the easiest houseplants to maintain. They prefer indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions and even some direct sunlight. They only need to be watered once the soil has completely dried out, typically once every 2-6 weeks depending on the conditions. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it's important to ensure proper drainage.
The ZZ Plant is a perennial tropical plant recognized for its dark green, glossy leaves. These leaves grow on stems that can reach up to a couple of feet in height, giving the plant a lush, full appearance. Its foliage is quite dense, making it a good choice for those looking to add a bit of greenery to their space.
Native to Eastern Africa, ZZ Plants are accustomed to long periods of drought, where they've developed the ability to store water in their roots and leaves. An interesting fact about this plant is its ability to propagate from a single leaf cut, making it easy to multiply and share with friends or colleagues. Their resilience, combined with their low-light tolerance, makes them an excellent choice for office environments.
When it comes to care, ZZ Plants are remarkably low-maintenance. They do well in a range of light conditions, from bright indirect light to lower light spaces, and only need to be watered when the top few inches of soil are dry. Overwatering can cause their roots to rot, so it's better to err on the side of underwatering.
Pothos, also known as Devil's Ivy, is a versatile vine plant with heart-shaped leaves that are green and often variegated with yellow or white. The vines can trail or climb, depending on how they're situated, and they can reach impressive lengths if allowed to grow unrestricted.
Pothos is native to the Solomon Islands in the South Pacific, and is often found in tropical forests. Despite its nickname, Devil's Ivy, it's incredibly hard to kill and it's capable of surviving in a range of indoor conditions. This hardiness, combined with its air-purifying properties, makes it a great addition to a home office.
In terms of care, Pothos is a beginner-friendly plant. It prefers bright, indirect light, but can tolerate lower light conditions. Pothos prefers its soil to dry out between watering, so it's best to water when the top inch of the soil feels dry to the touch.
English Ivy is a classic vine plant known for its trailing vines covered with small, lobed, evergreen leaves. The leaves are usually dark green with lighter veins, but there are variegated varieties available as well.
Originating from Europe and Western Asia, English Ivy is known for its ability to climb and spread, often used in outdoor landscaping as a ground cover. This climbing ability makes it an interesting addition to a home office, where it can be trained to grow on a trellis or allowed to trail down a bookshelf. In addition, English Ivy is known for its air-purifying properties, known to absorb formaldehyde, a common indoor pollutant.
English Ivy prefers bright, indirect light, although it can tolerate lower light conditions. It prefers a consistently moist environment, so regular watering is necessary. However, it's also susceptible to root rot, so well-draining soil and careful watering are important.
Peace Lilies are attractive houseplants that feature lush, green leaves and elegant, white spathe flowers that rise above the foliage. The flowers are not true flowers but are a modified leaf, or bract, that surrounds a central spadix.
Peace Lilies are native to tropical regions of the Americas and Southeastern Asia. They're often found growing on the forest floor, which is why they can tolerate lower light conditions. They're excellent air purifiers and can help to increase humidity, making them ideal for office environments, especially for those with dry air.
In terms of care, Peace Lilies prefer bright, indirect light, although they can tolerate lower light conditions. They should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, but you'll know when they need a drink as they'll start to droop. Once watered, they'll perk up again. They also appreciate high humidity, so regular misting or placing the pot on a tray of pebbles filled with water can help provide the moisture they crave.
Rubber Plants are dramatic houseplants with large, glossy leaves that can range in color from a rich burgundy to a dark, almost black green. They're called Rubber Plants because of the thick, rubbery texture of their leaves, and they can grow quite large, reaching up to 10 feet indoors.
Native to Southeast Asia, Rubber Plants can grow into large trees in their natural habitat. They've been popular houseplants since the Victorian era and can bring a touch of the tropics to any indoor space. Their large leaves can help to fill a space and create a calming, green backdrop for your home office.
Rubber Plants prefer bright, indirect light, and while they can tolerate lower light conditions, their growth may slow. They should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry, and like many houseplants, they are susceptible to root rot if overwatered. They can also benefit from regular misting to mimic the humidity of their native environment.
Find the perfect houseplant for you by answering a few questions