In the modern workplace, plants are more than just decor—they’re productivity boosters, air purifiers, and mood enhancers. Research shows that adding greenery to your office can increase productivity by up to 15% and improve overall workplace well-being.

Plant Selection Criteria

• Availability: Plants commonly found in Australian nurseries
• Care Difficulty: Ranked Easy, Medium, or Hard
• Air Purification: Rated on a scale of Low, Moderate, or High
• Light Adaptability: Suited to various Australian office environments

1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria trifasciata)

• Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Tolerates low light and irregular watering
  • Ideal for offices with minimal natural light
  • Water only when soil is completely dry
  • Thrives in temperatures between 10-30°C

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Extremely drought-tolerant
  • Prefers indirect light
  • Can survive with minimal water
  • Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn

3. Monstera (Monstera deliciosa)

• Scientific Name: Monstera deliciosa
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Requires bright, indirect light
  • Moderate humidity preferred
  • Water when top 5cm of soil feels dry
  • Prune to control size in office spaces

4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

• Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum wallisii
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Thrives in low to medium light
  • Keeps leaves moist with occasional misting
  • Droops when it needs water
  • Ideal for air-conditioned offices

5. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

• Scientific Name: Ficus elastica
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Prefers bright, indirect light
  • Water when top soil is dry
  • Wipe leaves to remove dust
  • Tolerates temperatures 15-30°C

6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

• Scientific Name: Chlorophytum comosum
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Tolerates various light conditions
  • Water weekly
  • Removes formaldehyde and xylene
  • Propagates easily via ‘spiderettes’

7. Bird’s Nest Fern (Asplenium nidus)

• Scientific Name: Asplenium nidus
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Requires high humidity
  • Indirect light
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Great for bathrooms or kitchens

8. Zanzibar Gem (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)

• Scientific Name: Zamioculcas zamiifolia
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Extremely drought-resistant
  • Tolerates low light
  • Minimal watering required
  • Perfect for neglectful plant owners

9. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)

• Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Grows in various light conditions
  • Trailing plant, great for shelves
  • Water when top soil is dry
  • Removes indoor air pollutants

10. Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)

• Scientific Name: Ficus lyrata
• Care Difficulty: Hard
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Requires bright, indirect light
  • Sensitive to temperature changes
  • Regular, consistent watering
  • Avoid drafts and sudden moves

11. Aglaonema (Chinese Evergreen)

• Scientific Name: Aglaonema commutatum
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Thrives in low to medium light
  • Tolerates air-conditioning
  • Water when top 5cm of soil is dry
  • Attractive variegated leaves
  • Ideal for offices with limited natural light

12. Bromeliads (Bromeliad)

• Scientific Name: Bromeliaceae family
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Prefers bright, indirect light
  • Collect water in central cup
  • Humidity-loving plant
  • Vibrant, long-lasting blooms
  • Rotate periodically for even growth

13. Tillandsia (Air Plant)

• Scientific Name: Tillandsia spp.
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • No soil required
  • Mist 2-3 times weekly
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Soak for 20-30 minutes monthly
  • Perfect for creative office displays

14. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria)

• Scientific Name: Dracaena trifasciata
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Extremely drought-tolerant
  • Tolerates low to bright light
  • Minimal watering required
  • Excellent air purifier
  • Ideal for minimalist office spaces

15. Philodendron (Heart-Leaf)

• Scientific Name: Philodendron hederaceum
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Thrives in medium to low light
  • Trailing vine, great for shelves
  • Water when top soil is dry
  • Removes indoor air toxins
  • Can grow up to 3-4 meters

16. Aloe Vera

• Scientific Name: Aloe barbadensis miller
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Requires bright, indirect light
  • Minimal watering
  • Allow soil to dry completely between waterings
  • Tolerates Australian heat
  • Bonus: Medicinal properties

17. Janet Craig Dracaena

• Scientific Name: Dracaena deremensis ‘Janet Craig’
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Tolerates low light conditions
  • Water when top soil feels dry
  • Keeps leaves clean and dust-free
  • Excellent for office corners
  • Removes indoor air pollutants

18. Walking Iris

• Scientific Name: Neomarica gracilis
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Prefers partial shade
  • Consistent moisture
  • Short-lived, delicate flowers
  • Good for humid office environments
  • Unique, sword-like leaves

19. Neon Pothos

• Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum ‘Neon’
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Moderate
• Care Tips:
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Tolerates low light
  • Water weekly
  • Vibrant lime-green leaves
  • Great for hanging baskets or desks

20. Yucca

• Scientific Name: Yucca elephantipes
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Prefers bright light
  • Minimal watering
  • Drought-resistant
  • Architectural, striking appearance
  • Tolerates indoor heating/cooling

21. Bonsai

• Scientific Name: Various species
• Care Difficulty: Hard
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Requires expert care
  • Specific pruning techniques
  • Consistent moisture
  • Dependent on specific species
  • Decorative conversation piece

22. Peace Lily Compact

• Scientific Name: Spathiphyllum ‘Sensation’
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Low to medium light
  • Keep soil consistently moist
  • Removes acetone, benzene
  • Thrives in office humidity
  • Elegant white flowers

23. Bird of Paradise

• Scientific Name: Strelitzia nicolai
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Bright, indirect light
  • Regular watering
  • Humidity-loving
  • Dramatic, large leaves
  • Statement plant for larger spaces

24. Australian Native Orchid

• Scientific Name: Dendrobium species
• Care Difficulty: Hard
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Filtered light
  • Specific humidity requirements
  • Minimal watering
  • Seasonal blooming
  • Unique, delicate flowers

25. Bamboo Palm

• Scientific Name: Chamaedorea seifrizii
• Care Difficulty: Medium
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Indirect light
  • Consistent moisture
  • Removes formaldehyde
  • Tolerates indoor conditions
  • Adds tropical feel

26. Cast Iron Plant

• Scientific Name: Aspidistra elatior
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: Low
• Care Tips:
  • Tolerates very low light
  • Minimal care required
  • Infrequent watering
  • Tough, resilient plant
  • Dark green, broad leaves

27. Devils Ivy

• Scientific Name: Epipremnum aureum
• Care Difficulty: Easy
• Air Purification: High
• Care Tips:
  • Adaptable to various light conditions
  • Trailing vine
  • Water when top soil is dry
  • Rapid growth
  • Excellent air purifier

Final Recommendations

When selecting office plants, consider:

• Available light conditions
• Maintenance capabilities
• Office temperature and humidity
• Desired aesthetic impact

Pro Tip: Rotate plants occasionally and clean leaves to maintain health and appearance.