Is There a Plant That Can Survive in an Office?

Even if we’re not in the office every day, it doesn’t mean it should feel empty. Rutgers University’s Gary Altman, Director of Horticultural Therapy Program, says there are plants that can survive with little care. These plants are perfect for offices because they can go without water for a while¹.

Having plants at work can make us feel less stressed and more productive¹. But, it’s key to pick plants that do well in low light and need watering only now and then. This is because offices often have these challenges².

Key Takeaways

• Many office spaces lack enough natural light for plants to do well, with less than 10% having enough².
• Snake plants and ZZ plants are tough office plants that can handle direct sunlight².
• More than 60% of indoor plants can live in offices with artificial lighting².
• Some plants like Peace Lily and Corn plant do well in offices with little natural light².
• Adding air-cleaning plants like Snake Plant and Dracaena can make the air cleaner¹.

Is There a Plant That Can Survive in an Office?

Looking to add some nature to your office? You’ll find several hardy houseplants that do well in office settings³. These plants are great because they handle the office’s changing temperature, humidity, and light well.

The snake plant (Sansevieria) is a top pick for offices. It can survive with little care and grows in many light conditions³⁴. The ZZ plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) is also tough, needing water only when dry and tolerating low light³⁴.

For clean air, try the peace lily (Spathiphyllum) or Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema). These plants do well in offices and clean the air by removing toxins³⁴.

Other great options include the pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and spider plant (Chlorophytum). These plants are easy to care for and fit many lighting setups³⁴.

When picking office plants, think about how much light they need, how often they need water, and how tough they are. Choosing the right plants can make your office brighter and more productive⁵.

Looking to purify the air, add color, or bring nature inside? There are many hardy houseplants perfect for offices. With proper care and placement, these plants can enhance your health and work performance⁴.

Low-Light, Hardy Houseplants for the Office

Many offices have low-light, dry spots that are tough for plants. But, some houseplants can handle these conditions well. The snake plant and the ZZ plant are great choices for offices.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria)

The snake plant, also called mother-in-law’s tongue, is tough and fits well in offices. It can live in low light, dry air, and more, except for too much water⁶. They grow upright, adding beauty to your desk. Plus, NASA says they’re top air purifiers and can live without much light⁶.

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia)

The ZZ plant is another great choice for low-light offices. It’s very tough, needing water only when soil is dry, about every 2-3 weeks⁶. Its thick, shiny leaves give it a sleek look that’s perfect for offices⁶. Plus, it does well in both dim and bright spots with little care⁷.

Snake plants and ZZ plants are perfect for adding greenery to offices with little effort. They’re great for low-light spots, making them ideal for any workspace.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V3MtIOMb5dY

“Offices often have limited natural light, where just six to eight feet away from a light source can be considered low light for indoor plants.”⁶

Air-Purifying Plants for Better Office Air Quality

Some plants can make the air in offices cleaner. The peace lily and the Chinese evergreen are great choices. They help remove pollutants from the air.

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

The peace lily is a favorite in offices. It has drooping leaves when it needs water, so it’s easy to care for. It also has beautiful white flowers that brighten up any space⁸.

This plant is known for removing toxins like benzene, formaldehyde, and trichloroethylene from the air⁹.

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

The Chinese evergreen has leaves in pink, white, silver, and red. It loves the dry, shady spots often found in offices. This plant is a strong air purifier, removing harmful pollutants⁸.

The peace lily and Chinese evergreen are great for improving office air quality. They look good and clean the air, making the workplace healthier¹⁰.

“Houseplants can remove as much as 87 percent of airborne toxins in as little as 24 hours.”⁹

Adding these plants to your office can make it healthier and more productive. They filter out harmful substances and improve air quality. This can help reduce headaches, dry eyes, and breathing problems for people with allergies or asthma¹⁰.

Elegant Office Plants to Add Style

For a touch of elegance in the office, consider the Dracaena Lisa and the Braided Money Tree. The Dracaena Lisa, also known as the dragon tree, has slender, spiky leaves. These give it a striking, almost alien-like appearance, making it a stylish addition to any workspace¹¹. The Braided Money Tree, with its curved, twisted trunk, brings a unique and decorative element to desktops or shelves¹¹. Both plants thrive in low light conditions, making them well-suited for office environments.

Dracaena Lisa

The Dracaena Lisa, or dragon tree, is a popular choice for office spaces due to its elegant and architectural appearance. This plant features long, slender leaves that stand upright, creating a striking visual impact¹¹. With its ability to adapt to low-light conditions, the Dracaena Lisa can flourish in even the most dimly lit corners of your office. It adds a touch of sophistication to the space.

Braided Money Tree

The Braided Money Tree, with its unique and captivating trunk, is a stunning addition to any office. This plant’s curved, twisted trunk is the result of skilled braiding. It creates a mesmerizing visual display that immediately draws the eye¹¹. Like the Dracaena Lisa, the Braided Money Tree is well-suited for office environments. It thrives in low-light conditions and adds a touch of elegance to the workspace.

Both the Dracaena Lisa and the Braided Money Tree are excellent choices for those seeking to infuse their office with a sense of style and sophistication. These plants not only enhance the visual appeal of the space but also thrive in the typically low-light conditions found in many office settings.

“Incorporating elegant office plants like the Dracaena Lisa and Braided Money Tree can transform a dull workspace into a visually captivating and serene environment.” –¹²

By strategically placing these plants throughout the office, you can create a cohesive and harmonious atmosphere that inspires creativity and productivity¹². Whether displayed on desks, shelves, or in corner locations, the Dracaena Lisa and Braided Money Tree are sure to become the centerpiece of your elegant office design.

Desktop Plant Companions

Adding a bit of nature to your office desk can greatly improve your work space. Consider the bamboo as a top choice for office plants¹³.

Bamboo (Bambusoideae)

Bamboo is a great pick for office desks. It stays green under artificial lights and needs water only every 7-10 days¹³. You can find bamboo in various styles, from spiral to bundled circles or trellis designs. Its size and toughness make it perfect for your desk¹³.

Bamboo does well in offices, handling low light and needing water just sometimes¹⁴. Its sleek look can make your workspace look better, adding zen and elegance¹³.

Choose a small or a big bamboo plant for your desk. This tough, easy-care plant brings calm and balance to your office¹³. Bamboo cleans the air and is linked to luck and wealth, making it a great choice for any office¹³.

“Bamboo is an excellent choice for desktop plants in the office. It will stay green even under artificial lighting and only requires replenishing the water every 7-10 days.”

Low-Maintenance Trailing Plants

For an office, low-maintenance trailing plants bring a lush, “jungly” feel. These plants need little care, perfect for busy people. The pothos and spider plant are great choices.

Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)

Known as devil’s ivy, the pothos thrives in low light¹⁵. Its long vines with heart-shaped leaves look great in any office. Pothos are easy to care for, needing water only now and then¹⁶.

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

The spider plant is tough for offices. It has string-like leaves that grow plantlets for sharing with coworkers¹⁶. These plants clean the air, removing harmful chemicals¹⁶. Like the pothos, spider plants are easy to keep, needing water only when the soil feels dry.

Pothos and spider plants are perfect for offices. They add natural beauty with little work. Their ability to grow in low light is great for busy people wanting greenery in their space.

“Trailing plants like pothos and spider plants can transform a dull office into a lush, serene oasis with their cascading vines and air-purifying properties.”

Plant Care Tips for Office Environments

When picking plants for the office, think about a few things. Choose plants that like low-light or indirect light since offices often don’t get much sun¹⁷. Also, pick plants that don’t need much water, since you might not always have time to water them¹⁷. The kind of pot you use matters too – ceramic or plastic pots keep moisture in better than terracotta ones¹⁷.

Make sure to check high-traffic spots before putting plants there to avoid damage¹⁷. Also, have a plan for the weekends and holidays when the office might be closed¹⁷. Taking good care of your plants means watering them, dusting their leaves, trimming, fertilizing, and making sure they get enough air¹⁷.

When picking office plants, think about how much light they need, how much work they are to keep up, and how they look¹⁸. Some easy-to-care-for plants include the Snake Plant, Cacti, ZZ Plant, Tillandsia, Aloe vera, Peperomia Green, Jade Plant, Philodendron Green Cordatum, Peace Lily, Monstera, and Nerve Plant¹⁸.

By following these easy tips, your office plants will do great and make the workspace look better. Studies show that having plants around makes workers happier and more productive, leading to a healthier and more successful work environment¹⁹.

“Having plants in the workplace can enhance productivity and concentration, reducing mental fatigue and improving focus.”¹⁹

Conclusion

Adding office plants to your work area brings many benefits. It improves indoor air quality, boosts productivity, and lowers stress. By picking the right low-light, hardy houseplants, you can make your office feel alive and natural²⁰.

Plants like snake plants, ZZ plants, peace lilies, Chinese evergreens, pothos, and spider plants are great for office conditions²⁰. They make your space look better and feel calmer. Plus, they help clean the air by taking in bad chemicals²⁰.

Research shows that office spaces with plants can make employees up to 15% more productive²¹. Adding nature and greenery makes work more engaging and good for your mind²¹. With the right indoor plants and some care, you can bring nature’s beauty and benefits right to your desk.

Source Links

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3. The 8 Best Plants for the Office, According to Plant Experts
4. Green Up Your Office With These 25 Easy Plants
5. These Office Plants Thrive Under Fluorescent Lights
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7. The 9 Best Low-Light Plants for your Home or Office — Seattle’s Favorite Garden Store Since 1924 – Swansons Nursery
8. The Best Air-Purifying Plants for the Office — Plant Care Tips and More · La Résidence
9. 8 Air-Purifying House & Office Plants for Cleaner Indoor Air | Meristem Design
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14. 12 Desk Plants That Don’t Need Sunlight – THE SAGE
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17. How To Choose The Right Plants For Your Office + Care Tips • My City Plants
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20. Spider plant, <em>Chlorophytum comosum</em>
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