Office plants are the perfect way to brighten your workspace. If you take care of them, they can last for years. And, no, you don’t need a green thumb to keep some varieties alive and thriving.
Take it from me – I have a money tree (Pachira aquatic) in my office, and, unlike real money, it is very forgiving of how I treat it! I actually have to be careful not to over water this particular plant.
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If you’re thinking of filling your office with greenery, consider one of these seven plants. They are all hardy; able to endure freezing temperatures (think the ever-blasting office AC), limited sunlight and little water.
1. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum spp.) – Infuse some tropical vibes to your office with the lush, large leaves and white blooms of the Peace Lily, a.k.a. the Mauna Loa. This beauty can hold its own in cool or even downright cold workspaces. It’s also tolerant of low light and will thrive on just a smidge of sun. Careful if you have one at home; these plants are poisonous if eaten by cats or dogs.
Care: medium-low light, water once a month.
2. Rubber Tree Plant (Ficus elastica) – This is a great choice for brightening up an empty corner. Rubber Tree Plants are colorful, with younger plants producing beautiful large leaves. As the tree ages, new leaves may be smaller in size, but the plants still retain their variegated appeal.
Care: medium-low light, water once a week.
3. Aloe (Aloe Vera)– Got a sun-drenched workspace? Then you’ll want an aloe plant for sure. These succulents love the light. They are also forgiving on those that tend to forget to water plants or are away from the office for long stretches, as they can go for weeks without water.
Care: high light, water once a month.
4. Neon Pothos (Epipremnum aureum cultivar) – With bright, vivid shades of green, this plant really pops against white, grey and black hues. What’s more, the Neon Pathos vines beautifully and will spill over its pot’s edge in a cascading fashion, making it a stunning addition to any office. Try it on a desk or tabletop, or in a hanging basket.
Care: medium-low light, water once a week.
5. Snake Plant (Sansevieria spp.) – Here we have another “camel”; the Snake Plant can go for weeks without water. And it’s not picky about light or temperature either. This plant can thrive in dark places and spaces that are hot or cold. It’s truly as versatile as it is pretty.
Care: low light, water once a month.
6. Aglaonema (Aglaonema spp.) – The leaves of the beautiful Aglaonema are varied in texture, color and patterns, making it a perfect focal point of your workspace. The Aglaonema also lets you know when it’s thirsty. Its leaves droop when the plant needs watering.
Care: medium light, water once a week.
7. Dracaena (Dracaena frgrans) – This is as close as you can get to growing an actual tree in your office. The towering Dracaena does well in most offices and will flower regularly if the conditions are right.
Care: medium light, water once a week.
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