Office Plants That Improve Mood and Boost Workplace Comfort

Shane Pliska | January 27, 2026
Office plants integrated into a modern workplace to improve mood and employee comfort.

Office plants integrated into a modern workplace to improve mood and employee comfort.

Office plants have evolved from decorative accents into essential workplace infrastructure. As companies reduce square footage and invest in higher quality environments—a trend often described as a flight to quality—plants have emerged as one of the most cost-effective tools for improving employee wellbeing, comfort, and performance. 

Unlike furniture or architectural renovations, office plants deliver measurable psychological, physiological, and perceptual benefits with relatively low capital investment. When properly designed and professionally maintained, office plants contribute to healthier workplaces while reinforcing brand, culture, and employee satisfaction. 

What Are Office Plants? 

Accent office plants placed throughout an office lobby area.Office plants are live interior plants specifically selected, installed, and maintained for commercial environments by professional interior plantscaping providers. Unlike residential houseplants, office plants must perform reliably under artificial lighting, controlled HVAC conditions, and long-term maintenance schedules. Professional office plant design consultants evaluate factors such as light levels, airflow and humidity, safety, cleanliness, and accessibility to ensure plants remain healthy, attractive, and appropriate for active workplace settings. 

Why Are Office Plants Good for the Modern Workplace? 

The value of office plants lies in their ability to influence emotional comfort, stress response, and overall workplace experience in measurable ways.

Office Plants Reduce Stress 

Interaction with indoor plants has been shown to reduce both psychological and physiological stress responses. A Korean randomized crossover study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that participants who interacted with indoor plants experienced reduced sympathetic nervous system activity and lower diastolic blood pressure, reporting greater feelings of comfort and relaxation compared to computer-based tasks. 

Office Plants Reduce Anxiety 

Biophilic indoor environments, spaces enhanced with plants and natural elements, support faster recovery from stress and lower anxiety levels. A controlled study conducted by researchers in Boston found that participants exposed to indoor greenery showed improved physiological stress recovery and reduced anxiety compared to those in environments without plants. 

Office Plants Improve Perception of Comfort and Satisfaction 

Office plants improve how people perceive their work environment. Research summarized by Australian National Interior Plantscape Association shows that thoughtfully integrated plants are associated with increased workspace attractiveness, improved mood, higher job satisfaction, and fewer health-related complaints among office workers. 

Office Plants Promote Emotional WellBeing 

Field studies conducted across multiple Dutch office environments found that introducing plants improved environmental factors linked to wellbeing, including reduced complaints about dry air, enhanced privacy perception, and greater overall workspace satisfaction. These changes were associated with improved emotional wellbeing and reduced discomfort at work. 

Office Plants Improve Productivity, Mood, and Focus 

According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), indoor plants support mental health and workplace performance. Research highlighted by RHS links plants to improved mood, reduced stress, increased concentration, and enhanced productivity in office environments. 

The Best Office Plants for Improving Mood 

A lineup showing a variety of office plant options.

Not all plants perform equally in office environments, and the most effective options combine visual calm with resilience under commercial conditions.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) 

ZZ plant in a commercial office environment supporting a calm, low maintenance workspace.

The ZZ plant is one of the most dependable choices for commercial interiors. It tolerates low light, irregular watering, and fluctuating indoor conditions, making it ideal for offices. Its glossy, upright foliage provides a calm, orderly appearance that supports stress-free environments. 

Monstera (Monstera deliciosa) 

Monstera plant used in a collaborative office space to enhance visual comfort and biophilic design.

Known for its expressive, split leaves, Monstera is a strong choice for creative and collaborative spaces. Its large leaf surface contributes to transpiration, which can modestly influence perceived air freshness, while its aerial roots and bold form enhance biophilic connection and visual comfort. 

Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) 

Fiddle leaf fig tree placed near office windows to support mood and workplace comfort.

Fiddle Leaf Figs perform best in offices with ample natural light, particularly spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows. Their broad leaves and vertical structure give them an architectural presence that complements modern interiors while reinforcing a sense of stability and calm. 

Janet Craig Compacta (Dracaena deremensis ‘Compacta’) 

Janet Craig Compacta plant in a professional office interior with low to moderate light.

Janet Craig Compacta is a reliable, low-maintenance plant well suited for professional interiors. Its dense, upright growth and deep green foliage perform well in low to moderate light, making it ideal for offices, corridors, and executive spaces. The compact form provides a clean, structured look that supports visual order and a calm, composed atmosphere 

What About Faux Office Plants? 

Artificial or faux plants can provide limited biophilic benefits, as the human brain responds positively to visual cues associated with nature, including greenery and organic forms. However, artificial plants do not provide the biological benefits of live plants, such as transpiration or the presence of naturally occurring plantemitted compounds. 

Additionally, while faux plants require less maintenance, their aesthetic lifespan is often limited. Dust accumulation, UV discoloration, and material degradation typically reduce their visual effectiveness within five years, particularly in high-traffic commercial environments. 

Office Plants Are Essential 

Office plant incorporated in a modern workplace to improve comfort and employee wellbeing.

In the modern workplace, office plants are no longer decorative afterthoughts. They are proven, cost-effective tools for improving employee wellbeing, workplace comfort, and overall environmental quality. When properly selected, designed, and maintained, plants deliver one of the highest returns on investment among workplace design elements. 

Why Planterra 

Planterra is one of North America’s leading providers of office plants and interior plantscaping services. We serve businesses across the United States and Canada with consistent, professional standards of design, installation, and horticultural care. Whether you’re outfitting a single corporate headquarters or coordinating hundreds of locations nationwide, Planterra ensures your plants remain healthy, vibrant, and aligned with your brand. 

Need office plants that contribute to a positive environment? Contact us at Planterra today!


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