By now, most of us are back in the office/at work a few days a week. You might not be there everyday, but it doesn't mean your plant game should slip. In fact, now is the perfect opportunity to show your colleagues how much of a plant boss you've become.

And bringing plants into your workspace is important! It should be priority #1 (right above clearing the spoiled food that had been left in the fridge before went into lockdown). You've already heard this, but let me write it out again for good measure:

Plants are good for our mental health and there are numerous studies that show we have an increased ability to retain information when around plants. In fact, one study has shown that plants in the office increased productivity by 15% (Time to hit the boss up for a plant-allowance), as well as showing to decrease depression, anxiety and fatigue.

The long of the short of it is - Plants are going to make your return to work a whole lot easier. So bring them in!

Just make sure you pick a few that'll survive. They'll have the office over-waterer to contend with, as well as a range of different light scenarios. So think hardy. Below are our top picks for plants to bring to work.

Top 10 Plants to Bring to Work

1. Devil's Ivy (Epipremnum aureum)

If you haven't realised already - Devil's Ivy works just about anywhere. The office is no exception. They can tolerate low light and cope with the occasional missed watering, but will still thrive in brighter spaces as long as kept out of direct sunlight. They're a great one for shelves or you can keep compact on a desk.

2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

If you're looking for a plant that your co-workers are going to talk about, this bad boy is for you. We love its architectural form and lush green foliage - and the fact that they are great at storing water so you won't need to stress too much about maintenance. Unlike many other houseplants, the ZZ plant is rarely a pest's first choice AND it is fine in low light. Win, win and WIN.

(If you want more, we've posted about these guys here)

3. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.)

Instant jungle vibes right here. Large, deep green foliage and a verified air purifier, the Peace Lily is also one of the most forgiving houseplants around. They will droop significantly if watering is forgotten, but will perk right up again with a good drink. This is a great plant if you want to put something between you and chatty Ted on the desk opposite you. (Plus, we've already written a care guide - here)

4. Snake Plant (Sanseveria spp.)

We've mentioned the snake plant in previous posts, and for good reason. They are our number 1 for air purifying, productivity increasing planty goodness. Coupled with a wonderful resilienceto underwatering, and that there are so many varieties within the Sanseveria family (so you're almost guaranteed to find one that suits you), the Snake Plant is a must for any office space. Hell, get a few of them and surround your desk - you've built yourself a fort!

5. African Violet (Saintpaulia ionantha)

If you're keen for a pop of colour, the African Violet is a great choice. You'll need a bright workspace to get a good bloom (although keep out of direct sunlight), but they do come in miniature varieties so you can perch one on your desk without loosing too much real estate.

6. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)

Not bamboo, but that's not important. What is important is that the Lucky Bamboo is a slow growing (read - won't outgrow your desk), low maintenance, low light-tolerating plant that (if the name is anything to go by), brings you luck. Bring on that promotion!

7. Heart-leafed Philodendron (Philodendron cordatum)

Trail much? Let that foliage spill out of the edge of your desk to give off the impression you're care-free and relaxed even though that project you've been working on was due yesterday. If you can't be chilled out, at least let your plants be! The heart-leafed philodendron will be fine in lower light environments, aren't super thirsty and they're for sharing cuttingswith your co-workers.

8. Air Plants (Tillandsia spp.)

Want to keep it soil free? Air Plants are for you. There are hundreds of species within the genus. Care is easy too - sit them in a bowl of water for roughly 30minutes once a week, then shake them off and put them back on your desk. They will be ok in lower light but if you want to get a flower spike then a bright desk is optimal. Plus, when you bag that promotion they are super light so its easy to pack up and take with you.

9. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)

The name says it all really. The Cast Iron Plant is damn near indestructible. This is perfect for anyone who doubts their ability to keep things alive - they can get by on low light, low water and low maintenance. It's the perfect gift for the coworker that keeps bring in fake plants to work.

10. Moth Orchid (Phalaenopsis spp.)

Low maintenance and super showy when in flower, the Moth Orchid is a great one for the desk. Try to give them as much natural light as possible (think about a growlight if you're in a dark corner!) and don't over water (a few tablespoons each week or so is more than enough) and you'll be cheering.

Office Plant Care Checklist

A few tools that'll help keep your plant game A+ that will still fit in your desk drawer

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Back to work: Ten Plants for the Office