Stress buster to mood enhancer: how indoor plants work wonders in offices

We have been dependent on plants since ages, especially when it comes to healing our body, mind and spirit. A number of studies conducted by various researchers indicate that indoor plants help reduce stress levels at the workplace while also improving productivity. Adding plants could be the missing link with nature that you crave for during long office hours.These plants not just add a dash of style to an otherwise dull office space, but also clear out negative energy and bad vibes. However, the key is to choose the right plant. The best part about these indoor plants is that they are resilient and low-maintenance. Here are a few plants you might want to bring to your office to infuse more positivity into the work environment...
Money plant

Commonly known as money plant, pothos are said to exude positive energy and bring in good luck and fortune. That is why it’s best to keep the plant indoors than in the garden. Its bright green leaves have a calming effect and help reduce anxiety and stress. They require almost no sunlight to survive and you can even grow them in water. The reason why this plant is so popular in an office setting is its ornate heart-shaped leaves, which brighten up your work station in an instant.
Jade

Jade is a succulent that is easy to grow indoors. It requires minimal watering. According to Japanese folklore, jade is known as the money plant. Legend has it that the plant brings financial success and luck. Now, you know why people love having it in their office. Even Feng Shui enthusiasts give this plant a lot of importance because of its soothing effects and ability to bring down stress levels.
Snake plant

A healthy snake plant looks quite attractive. It’s also called mother-in-law’s tongue because of its long leaves. The snake plant is known for its ability to clear toxins from the air. Most plants absorb oxygen at night, but the snake plant releases oxygen while also filtering out toxic substances like formaldehyde, trichloroethylene and more. It requires almost no sunlight, so you can keep it anywhere in office.
Cactus

Cactus plants are fairly small and come in many varieties. They do require a considerable amount of sunlight, making them a poor option for dimly-lit offices. So, if you’ve got a window sill that gets a lot of sunlight, you can keep a cactus or multiple cacti as per your choice. The reason why it’s one of the best office plants is that you can easily forget to water them for days together.
Bamboo

The bamboo plant or the lucky bamboo, as it’s often called. It is also a low-maintenance plant. You need to just keep it submerged in one inch of water. Bamboo stalks in odd numbers are considered to be luckier. It loves to grow in small bowls on the work desk, and enjoys filtered natural sunlight. In traditional Japanese culture, bamboo has been a symbol of prosperity and has even been said to ward off evil spirits and negativity.
Aloe Vera You can buy both big and small aloe vera plants for your office. However, smaller ones are easy to place on your desk. Aloe has air-filtering qualities, with the ability to remove pollutants like formaldehyde and benzene from the air. It’s an ideal plant that can be grown for both decorative and medicinal purposes.
The gel inside the leaves can also be used to treat cuts and burns. It is also believed to bring good luck and positive energy. It can be placed under artificial light or indirect sunlight. These succulents need watering every couple of weeks.
Peace lily

The peace lily is a fairly large plant that purifies the air. It can grow even in low office lighting. This plant is ideal for any office space that doesn’t have big windows. Its long green leaves improve the energy flow and detoxifies the air. It’s a low-maintenance plant that can be watered once a week.
Professionals who think green
‘We all talk about exercise and good food for a healthy life. But how many of us know the benefits of an indoor plant? Studies show that indoor plants help purify the ambient air and make you feel refreshed. Moreover, the colour green has a calming effect on us. Keeping succulents on your desk can be a good idea. Rubber plants (colourful or variegated), neon pothos and peace lily, with its bright green leaves, can also brighten up your desk space. These plants survive with minimum water and sunlight. And you can remain connected with nature during office hours as well’ — Sreelekha De Bera, assistant teacher, biology, Jadavpur Sammilita Balika Vidyalaya
‘Greenery has a therapeutic effect on our mind and body. I love a speck of green around me; it makes me happy. So, I have placed a lucky bamboo on my office desk. It hardly needs maintenance and looks pretty on my desk’ — Suranjana Nandi, manager at a consumer goods company
‘Our lifestyle and busy work schedule hardly allow us to visit a park. I still remember how, as a kid, I enjoyed walking barefoot on the grass. If you are a person who spends most of the time indoors, having plants at your home and workspace can always make you feel better. I have kept a small pot of money plant on my desk. It cheers me up every day at office’ — Bhaswati Adhikary, employee at a city-based infrastructure company
‘Working in an IT company can be really tiring at times. We often suffer from mental fatigue due to long work hours. I have read somewhere that placing a potted plant on or around your workstation makes you focused, refreshes your mind and improves productivity. So, I got a jade for myself, because succulents hardly need water or sunlight to grow’ — Sumana Ray, IT company employee