Top Office Plants to Increase Productivity and Reduce Stress
Among all the plants to increase productivity and reduce stress, here are our top 10 picks and their unique characteristics.

In today's fast-paced world, we are exposed to many stressors that can affect our well-being and productivity. Therefore, creating a soothing and focused environment is essential for success in both personal and professional spaces. One effective way to achieve this is by incorporating plants to increase productivity and reduce stress. Furthermore, research has proven time and time again that surrounding ourselves with greenery can achieve these things, improving the overall atmosphere of any space. In this article, we will explore various plants that are not only visually appealing but also have the potential to boost our cognitive abilities and mitigate stress. Choosing the right plants and understanding their specific care requirements can transform your indoor environment into a sanctuary of tranquility and focus.
Lavender
Lavender is highly regarded for its soothing qualities, making it an excellent option for alleviating stress and improving productivity. The calming aroma of lavender alone is known to lower anxiety and encourage relaxation. This aromatic plant also features violet blossoms and silver-green leaves, bringing elegance to any area. When tending to lavender, ensure it has well-drained soil, receives moderate watering, and gets ample sunlight. Supplying at least six hours of bright, indirect sunlight daily for indoor plants is crucial.
Jasmine
As one of the plants to increase productivity and reduce stress, jasmine is highly valued for its delightful scent and elegant appearance. Its enchanting fragrance has been associated with mood enhancement, anxiety reduction, and heightened mental focus. This attractive plant showcases delicate white or yellow blossoms alongside glossy green leaves. To grow jasmine, ensure it has well-draining soil, receives moderate watering, and is exposed to bright, indirect sunlight. When cultivating jasmine indoors, providing a minimum of four to six hours of indirect light each day is essential.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a versatile plant known for its numerous health benefits and ability to help reduce stress. Its thick, fleshy leaves store water and gel, which have soothing properties and can improve air quality. Thus, it can promote a more focused and relaxed atmosphere. Interestingly, suppose you're moving from Miami to NYC and hiring interstate movers. Aloe vera can be an excellent plant to bring along and help you leave Miami and settle here quickly, as it can adapt to various environments. Provide well-draining soil, minimal watering, and bright but indirect sunlight to care for aloe vera. Ensure the plant receives adequate light for indoor growth and avoid overwatering it!
Snake Plant
Distinct in appearance and renowned for its stress-relieving and productivity-enhancing qualities, the snake plant is characterized by its upright, rigid green leaves adorned with yellow borders. These visually striking plants also create a cleaner environment by purifying the air. Caring for a snake plant is pretty straightforward, as it requires minimal attention. Ensure to provide it with well-draining soil and always allow the soil to dry between waterings. Furthermore, place it in a location with low to bright indirect light. As an adaptable and low-maintenance plant, the snake plant is a fitting choice for busy professionals seeking to create a serene and motivating workspace.
Peace Lily
One of the most effective plants to increase productivity and reduce stress, the peace lily is known for its elegant appearance and purifying capabilities. Its dark green leaves and charming white flowers make it an attractive addition to almost any workspace. On the other hand, its ability to remove toxins from the air helps create a cleaner and more focused environment. Providing indirect sunlight is essential when caring for a Peace lily, as direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves. Additionally, the plant prefers evenly moist soil but is forgiving if you occasionally forget to water it.
English Ivy
Not only does English Ivy improve productivity and lowers stress levels, but it also adds an element of fun to any workspace with its trailing vines and lush green leaves. This versatile plant can be grown in a hanging basket r trained to climb a trellis. Therefore, it gives you the freedom to get creative with its placement. English Ivy is also well-known for its purifying properties, removing pollutants, and improving air quality. To care for this charming plant, provide it with bright, indirect light, and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a unique choice for a productivity-boosting and stress-reducing plant, as it is uncommon in office settings. This striking plant, with its tall, slender stalks and vibrant green leaves, adds a touch of exotic charm. It is also said that bamboo attracts positive energy and promotes a sense of balance, which can contribute to improved focus. In terms of care, bamboo is low maintenance, requiring only moderate indirect light and a consistent water supply.
Spider Plant
An interesting addition to your workspace, the spider plant is known for purifying the air and creating a healthier and less stressful environment. Its long, arching leaves and unique spider-like offshoots, or "pups," make it an eye-catching option. The spider plant is straightforward to care for, making it ideal for busy professionals. It thrives in indirect light and requires only moderate watering, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between each.
Rubber Plant
Known for its large, glossy leaves ranging from dark green to deep burgundy, the rubber plant, with its striking appearance and air-purifying properties, is a fantastic option for promoting a stress-free and productive environment. It has the unique ability to adapt to lower light conditions while still maintaining its health. Therefore, it can be considered a versatile choice for various professionals. To care for the rubber plant, provide it with well-draining soil and water it moderately.
ZZ Plant
The ZZ plant, also known as Zamioculcas zamiifolia, is a low-maintenance plant that is perfect for those who don't have a green thumb. It has attractive leaves that can brighten up any space. However, it is also known to purify the air, as with others in this list. But, the ZZ plant also requires low to moderate light and can survive in low humidity. Therefore, if your priority wasn't access to direct sunlight while choosing an office, this might be the plant for you. Plus, the ZZ plant should be watered only when the soil is dry, making it the perfect plant for forgetful waterers. These qualities make it one of the best choices when considering plants to increase productivity and reduce stress.

