Top Office Plants in Australia for Air Purification, Stress Relief & Eye Health

In modern offices, spending long hours in front of screens and under air-conditioning can lead to fatigue, dry eyes, and stress. More and more research shows that having plants in the workplace not only brightens the space but also brings real health benefits. In this article, we’ll cover how office plants can improve air quality, keep you calm, and support your eye health.

1. Plants Purify the Air and Improve Office Environment

Office air can contain dust, VOCs, and other pollutants, which may affect your health over time. Certain plants can help clean the air by absorbing CO₂ and releasing oxygen. Some can even remove harmful substances:

• English Ivy – helps remove formaldehyde and benzene from the air
• Golden Pothos – absorbs CO₂ and benzene
• Spider Plant – lowers indoor air pollutants

Placing plants on desks or in meeting rooms can improve air quality and add humidity, helping reduce discomfort from dry office air.

2. Plants Help You Stay Calm and Reduce Stress

Workplace stress is common, and greenery can play a role in improving mental wellbeing. Studies show:

• Green plants can lower heart rate and blood pressure, helping you stay calm under pressure
• Natural colours and plant shapes improve focus and attention
• Adding natural elements in the office boosts overall mood and satisfaction

Even a small desktop succulent or bamboo plant can provide visual relief during short breaks, reducing eye strain and mental fatigue.

3. Plants Support Eye Health

While plants can't directly fix vision problems, they can help protect your eyes indirectly:

• Relieve visual fatigue: Looking at plants allows your eyes to focus on something mid- to far-range, relaxing eye muscles.
• Increase humidity: Dry air contributes to eye irritation, and plants help maintain moisture levels.
• Create softer natural light: Plants reflect light naturally, reducing glare from screens and easing eye strain.

Recommended desk plants include pothos, bamboo, or aloe vera – easy to care for and visually soothing.

4. Office Plant Care Tips

To keep your office plants healthy and thriving, here are some practical care tips:

• Watering: Most office plants prefer the soil to dry slightly between watering. Overwatering can lead to root rot. Check the soil with your finger before watering.
• Light: Position plants where they can get bright, indirect sunlight. Plants like pothos or spider plants tolerate low light, while succulents and aloe vera prefer more direct light.
• Humidity: Australian offices can get dry, especially in air-conditioned spaces. Mist your plants occasionally or place a small tray of water nearby to increase humidity.
• Cleaning: Dust can block sunlight and reduce the plant’s ability to purify air. Wipe leaves gently with a damp cloth every couple of weeks.
• Pruning: Trim yellowing or dead leaves regularly to encourage healthy growth and maintain a neat appearance.

By following these simple care tips, your office plants will continue to provide clean air, reduce stress, and offer a calming visual environment.

Conclusion

Office plants are more than just decoration. They improve air quality, support mental wellbeing, and help maintain eye health. Choosing the right plants and placing them thoughtfully can make your workplace more comfortable and healthier. Whether it’s small desk plants or larger floor plants, greenery brings a positive impact to your daily work life.