5 Top Air-Purifying Plants for Home Offices

Let’s tackle a breathy issue: air quality in your home office. It’s not just about throwing open a window or wrestling with an air purifier. The solution? Plants.

Those leafy chaps are more than just desk ornaments. They’re your allies in the fight against indoor pollutants.

Let’s dig into how indoor plants can spruce up your home office air quality.

The science behind air-purifying plants

Plants aren’t just for show; they’re undercover agents against indoor toxins.

Take it from NASA: their study revealed plants are ace at nicking toxins like benzene and formaldehyde from your airspace. They gobble up these nasties and give back oxygen — talk about a fair exchange!

Top air-purifying plants for home offices

An ergonomic home office with a height-adjustable desk, dual monitor setup, speakers, and a variety of indoor plants on pegboards and shelves against a wooden backdrop — Photo: Botanical pegboard wall home office in Canada

1. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): This chap is a cinch to care for and loves a spot out of direct sunlight. It’s a dab hand at zapping formaldehyde and xylene.
2. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata): Tough as old boots and not fussed about light. It’s a whizz at filtering out formaldehyde.
3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): Not only a toxin buster (bye-bye, ammonia and benzene), but it also flaunts lovely white blooms. A shady nook and a weekly water will keep it chipper.
4. Aloe Vera: Not just for sunburns, this one. It’s keen on sunlit spots and occasional watering, while it busily filters out those pesky chemicals.
5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): A sturdy sort, great for tackling airborne toxins. Loves a bit of light and a moderate drink now and then.

Positioning and care of plants in a home office

It’s all about location, location, location.

Keep your plants near windows but out of direct sunlight’s way. Room temperatures of 15-24°C (60-75°F) hit the sweet spot for these leafy air-purifiers.

As a rule of thumb, don’t drown them in water and don’t stick them in a gloomy corner.

Just like us, each plant has its own likes and dislikes when it comes to TLC. However, there are some low-maintenance indoor plants for your workspace.

Additional benefits of having plants in your home office

Besides being nifty air cleaners, plants are cracking for your noggin too. They’re known to slash stress and jack up focus and productivity. Plus, they’re a treat for the eyes, making your workspace a snazzier spot.

A cosy home office setup with a dual monitor computer desk surrounded by indoor plants, a brick column on the right, and a window with blinds on the left. A dog is sitting on a chair in the center, facing the camera. Decorative items and a dream catcher hang by the window, adding a personal touch to the space — Photo: Zen home workspace in Norway

Top tips for home office gardeners

Propagating plants like the spider plant is a doddle.
Top picks for dim spots: ZZ Plant, Snake Plant.
Thirsty? Water when the topsoil feels like a dry biscuit.
Keep them tidy: A dusted leaf is a happy leaf. And a bit of grub (fertiliser) during the growing season doesn’t hurt.
Jazz up your pots to make your desk space more “you”.
Just a reminder: Plants are brilliant, but they’re not the whole story. Keep your workspace airy and fresh alongside your new green pals.

Adding a plant or two to your home office is not just about upping the décor game; it’s a nod to healthier, fresher living.

Whether you’re a green-fingered wizard or a newbie, there’s a leafy mate waiting for you. So, why not give it a whirl?

^{We’re a reader-supported publication. This article might contain affiliate links. It means we may receive a commission if you click a link and buy a product that our maker has recommended. The article was written independently.}