A surge in the numbers of those working from home and establishing home offices, raises the question… how can I make my space happier and healthier?

Electronic devices that simplify our working life, our furnishings, paints and carpets all emit toxins and who doesn’t look longingly to the world outside of the window.

The answer is simple… bring the outdoors in by greening up your space with indoor plants. These desk buddies according to the NASA Clean Air Study, assist in purifying the air around you, greedily absorb chemicals, filter out common volatile compounds and look good…naturally!

We’ve compiled a list of our favourite desk companions, all suitable for the bayside environment, require minimal care and thrive inside.

Zanzibar Gem - Black thumbs rejoice! If you’re the type who forgets to water your plant (even one under you nose), this is the species for you. This glossy green individual features stunning upright foliage and is almost impossible to kill. Avoid direct sun and water sparingly and you’ll quickly develop a fabulous friendship.

Pothos or devil’s ivy (Epipremnum Aureum) offers charming heart shaped leaves on lovely long vines ideal to trail from on top of a bookcase, filing cabinet or shelf. Pothos are a colourful bunch, available in green & white variegated, green & yellow variegated and golden. Content in low light and little fuss, collect one of each colour and create your own rainforest gallery.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Bold, lush and leafy with a tropical vibe, this one loves low light and will even perform well under office fluorescent lights. Give it a spritz of water across its leaves plus a weekly drink and you may just be rewarded with a flush of spring flowers.

Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena Sanderiana) claimed to bring you good fortune (and who doesn’t want that), all it will want from you is a pretty container of clean water and indirect light. You’ll enjoy the bright green upright stems finished off with soft, thin elegant leaves.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum) The Study found that this is the number one plant to cleanse indoor air of certain environmental contaminants, including benzene and formaldehyde... so there's a great reason to pop this one into your working space. Water one a week & enjoy flower spikes throughout the year.

With little effort you can brighten your mood and breathe easier with the addition of a leafy desk friend.