Top 5 Best Office Plants

When it comes to office plants, there is a fine line between tasteful and tacky. Too big or too many, and your work space starts to look like a jungle. Too small, and your office looks dingy and lacking.

Our favorite greenery is sleek, modern, and works well with different levels of lighting. Here are our top five picks, which will complement your work space -- rather than distract from it.

5. Preserved Boxwood Topiary Globes

 

These nifty little plants are the ultimate in chic -- and they're so low maintenance. OK, we cheated a little since these topiaries are preserved and not live, but they look fabulous and only require a light misting of water once a month for a quick "refresher." The rustic terra cotta pots look great in all environments and help soften up the look of sterile office furniture. Our favorite way to arrange these boxwoods? Buy three of the same size. They look great lined up on a shelf, cabinet, or console. Restoration Hardware, $18-$238 (currently on sale).

  4. Japanese Moss Ball   

If you're looking for something that's both unique and calming, consider getting yourself a piece of Marimo, also known as "ball seaweed." These balls thrive in tap water and normal sunlight, and actually float, sink, and roll around in the aquarium as a result of photosynthesis and response to light. Best of all, they can live up to 200 years! Pink Serissa on Etsy, $21.

  3. Phalaenopsis Orchid   

Phalaenopsis orchids require very little watering -- once a week or so -- and are incredibly versatile thanks to a wide variety in flower colors and potting options. We love the white option, which provides a nice cool-toned contrast against warm-colored office furniture. In our own space, where our furniture is modern and white, we're partial to fuchsia orchids which add little pops of color with a big impact. Winston Flowers, $100.

  2. Bamboo   

Bamboo plants are an obvious choice, but we still love them for their zen-like feel and air purification qualities. They're ubiquitous in offices and cubicles around the country for a good reason: their ability to thrive without direct sunlight. Home Depot, $32.

  1. Succulent Garden   

These striking plants -- known as succulents, and sometimes "fat plants" -- are a great way to showcase a variety of unique shapes and forms in one place. Known for their thick and fleshy leaves, succulents add a natural element to the work place -- and look office-appropriate when paired with a sleek ceramic base. Winston Flowers, $125.

Readers: How do you dress up your work space? Do you have any plants?