At Bond Collective, one of our favorite parts of designing offices is the addition of greenery. Plants can transform a room's aesthetic and bring a personal touch to an otherwise sterile environment. Take it from Second Home in London, a transformative shared office space that resembles a botanical garden more than a corporate headquarters; plants make us happier, more productive and at ease. There is also scientific data backing this gathered by Dr Chris Knight from Exeter University. Knight has been studying the issue for 10 years and concluded that employees were 15% more productive when "lean" workplaces are filled with just a few houseplants, as employees who actively engage with their surroundings are better workers.
"What was important was that everybody could see a plant from their desk. If you are working in an environment where there's something to get you psychologically engaged you are happier and you work better" - Dr Chris Knight from Exeter University
Try boosting your office morale and productivity with our list of low maintenance house plants below. Line them up in a windowsill or playfully cluster them in a corner to establish your office oasis. Best part is: no green thumb necessary for these user-friendly fronds!
1) SPIDER PLANT
Scientific name: Chlorophytum comosum
Also known as "Spider Ivy", these plants thrive in a window and grow rapidly in almost any temperature. They also have shown to reduce indoor air pollution by up to 70%!
2) TARUL (ELEPHANT EAR)
Scientific name: Colocasia
Native to southeast Asia, the roots of these dramatic leaves are known as Taro, a yam varietal. Although they prefer warm climates, they are withstanding of indoor climates above 50° F and prefer indirect sunlight or shade.
3) CACTUS
Scientific name: Cactaceae
With over 1700 different subspecies, Cactus come in all different shapes and sizes. Their hearty stalks can withstand almost any indoor environment and need very minimal maintenance and watering.
4) PHILODENDRON
Scientific name: Philodendron
South American natives used the shapely leaves of Philodendrons for everything from fishing to medicine. Today, they make a chic addition to any table top as a cut stem or a potted plant. Also known as Monstera, these plants are a statement piece themselves.
5) ENGLISH IVY
Scientific name: Hedera helix
Known as an invasive species to many, this climbing plant makes a charming addition to any space. Growing English Ivy is a snap, they require no fertilizer and can tolerate any climate as long as they have moisture.
6) AIR PLANT
Scientific name: Tillandsia
The ultimate low maintenance plant, air plants are having a moment right now and for good reason. Sculptural and interesting, they look great by themselves atop a desk or in a glass terrarium. Try suspending them for a dreamy jungalow vibe.
7) BANANA TREE
Scientific name: Musa
A Bond Collective favorite, you can find Banana tress in many of our locations. Their lucious stalks have an elegant lilt that elevates any space. Fairly low maintenance, they prefer indirect light or shade and regular watering and misting.
8) RUBBER PLANT
Scientific name: Ficus elastic
Starting with a young rubber plant is best to allow indoor adaptation. Indirect light and regular watering keep their hearty leaves that deep emerald green. Rubber plants derive their name from the milky white latex they produce that was once used to make plastics.
9) FIG TREE
Scientific name: Ficus carica
The most classic decorative tree, a fig always makes a refined statement. Relatively low maintenance, they need indirect light and infrequent watering. Be careful not to over-water!
10) JADE PLANT
Scientific name: Crassula ovate
Commonly known as friendship tree, lucky plant, or money tree, this succulent plant can bloom small pink or white flowers. It is native to South Africa and Mozambique, and is common as a houseplant worldwide.
11) SNAKE PLANT
Scientific name: Sansevieria rifasciata
The fibers of this plant were once used to make bowstrings. Also known as "mother-in-law's tongue", it's vertically inclined stalks grow in virtually any environment.
