Working with plants can increase brain function and attention by 20%, according to certain research. Aside from that, positioning them near areas with hard surfaces, such as concrete and marble walls, will improve attention and absorb sounds that could otherwise be distracting and reduce productivity.
Small plants, like succulents, are particularly useful at work because they don’t take up much space on your desk and don’t need much care.
Do succulents flourish in workplaces?
Yes. Cacti and succulents can flourish in dimly lit spaces like offices. However, cultivating succulents at the workplace or under dim light has unique difficulties. The top three considerations for growing succulents in low light are as follows:
- Keep succulents somewhat dry. Avoid overwatering.
- Give the plants a very well-draining potting soil.
- Provide sufficient illumination (either natural or artificial light).
Your succulents and cacti will have a far better chance of surviving low light circumstances indoors if you keep these three tips in mind.
While these top 3 considerations are the most crucial when cultivating succulents in low light, there are additional factors to take into account to guarantee the life of your succulents.
What plants are suitable for an office desk?
We’ve chosen our top ten plants that look beautiful on a desk at work and don’t require you to have a degree in horticulture to properly care for them, which is a benefit!
Epipremnum aureum, sometimes known as devil’s ivy or pothos (although that is a different plant entirely), is a species of evergreen vine. The leaves are big, occasionally heart-shaped, and have many different light and dark hues.
This species does well in offices with a range of lighting conditions, from dim to bright. The heart-shaped, white-splotched leaves of this low-maintenance plant look stunning perched on a desk, shelf, or table. In large pots on the floor, larger specimens that have been trained around a pole or cane look fantastic.
Because of the hue of the leaves, Aglaonema are sometimes known as “aglos” or Chinese evergreens. While many produce lush green leaves, some can also display silver or crimson flecks. The scientific term, which refers to the eye-catching stamens generated inside the blooms, is derived from two Greek words: ‘aglaos,’ which means bright, and ‘nama,’ which means filament or thread. It is well-liked by the Chinese, for whom it represents long life (hence “Chinese evergreen).
Ficus benjamina, also referred to as the weeping fig, is a hardy plant that looks lovely both as a single specimen and as a component of a mixed arrangement.
The name Ficus benjamina, which is derived from the Indian language Ben-ja, is a tropical tree that naturally grows in India, Southeast Asia, and northern Australia. Often, young plants grow from seeds that are hung up on the branches of other trees, forming aerial roots that quickly descend to the earth. The ficus gradually encircles the host trunk and eventually fuses together to choke the tree. Place them somewhere where drafts won’t be an issue because the cold air from windows or doors will harm them.
The ZZ plant is a common abbreviation for it, but that doesn’t reflect how challenging it is to maintain. You won’t need to scour the office every day looking for a watering can because of their thick stalks and burgeoning roots, which store a significant amount of water.
The ZZ plant is a favorite among those who regularly kill their plants and can endure extended periods of low light. Given that the winter months can grow fairly dark, this makes it the ideal choice for a desk plant. Even if you may think everything sounds wonderful, it gets better. The ZZ plant requires little fertilizer and encounters few pests. It is almost a trouble-free plant!
Bromeliads are ideal for reception rooms or scattered down hallways, but because they are known for taking their time to bloom, they may need a little extra care at initially. However, after they bloom, they require very little maintenance aside from the occasional watering.
One of the main causes of this is because they don’t need a lot of fertilizer; all they need is water and periodic attention. This won’t be difficult because of their vibrant colors and lovely blossoms.
Since their discovery in South America in the late 1800s, philodendrons have been a mainstay as indoor plants. Large, luscious, deep-green leaves characterize the artificial hybrid known as the Imperial Green. The glossy leaves may keep their sleek appearance in the shadow thanks to their covering.
They thrive in low humidity and temperatures between 65 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit, making them perfect for offices. They can be utilized as part of a sizable arrangement in the office corner, either with other Imperial Greens or other plant species, to give your workspace a lush, tropical impression.
The common name “peace lily” (Spathiphyllum) refers to the peace lily’s stunning white blossoms and extremely broad, deep green leaves. They are well-liked since they require little light and can tolerate sporadic overwatering.
Additionally, peace lily plants are renowned for purifying the air, assisting in the elimination of toxins, and fostering a more pleasant working environment. It grows quickly and can tolerate low light. For both screening and a focal point, these plants perform well.
Dracaenas are excellent for removing pollutants because they might be among the hardest plants around. They grow easily and form an interesting focal point or screening plant.
For instance, Dracaena cincta (also known as Dracaena marginata) can withstand drought-like circumstances and has a persistent root structure that prevents them from wilting—making it ideal for a neglected desk plant. They are not only robust, but their thin, frequently vibrant leaves also offer beauty to your desk. Dracaena “Janet Craig,” with its bright, green leaves, is suitable for gloomy locations or where a statement is needed. It is very tough and forgiving.
According to your coworkers, Sanseveria, also known as “Mother-in-tongue” law’s or “Snake plant,” is possibly one of the more terrible, devilish-looking objects in your office.
This plant can provide your workstation with much-needed visual stimulation.
The inconsistent care that people give their plants is one of the main causes of plant death. The Sansevieria plant, fortunately, can endure up to a month without water and thrive under dim lighting. It is also capable of prolonged full sun exposure.
The reliable cactus is there if all else fails. Just be sure to keep it somewhere where nobody is likely to reach across your desk to grab it.
Cacti are one of the few plants that can survive in severe, dry deserts and are frequently found there. Even the most careless office workers won’t harm the plant because of its enormous water capacity. Cacti do require more light, so if you’re fortunate enough to have a window workstation, you may expect them to flourish.
Can succulents survive without windows in a workplace?
Yes, it is possible to grow cacti and succulents in low light. You’ll need to pay closer attention to some elements, like plant species, soil type, and watering requirements.
You will fare much better with your indoor plant family if you keep those things in mind.
Succulent species that can handle low light
Not every species is made equally. More than others, certain succulents can thrive in reduced light levels. You will end up with a lengthy, stretched-out mess even with the finest indoor care if you try to keep a Graptopetalum, Sempervium, or Echeveria in any light other than strong light.
Succulents with bright colors and rosette shapes should generally be avoided as they demand bright light to preserve their beauty.
Aloe and Haworthia are two examples of plants that are naturally green and are significantly more tolerant of darker circumstances.
Checking the light conditions that your particular plant type needs is crucial. Looking for suggestions for an excellent office plant? Take a look at the list below.
Maximize the sunlight you can get
Look around your workspace or area. Exists any available natural light that you could use? Start by placing your succulent on any available windowsill. Make sure to rotate your succulent every few days to ensure that all of its surfaces receive an equal amount of sunlight. Rotate your plant to the opposite side if you see it leaning to one side; it will eventually straighten up.
Despite being close to a window, is your succulent still getting lanky and spread out? That implies that it does not receive enough light.
What if there are absolutely no windows nearby? It’s still possible to have a succulent; you simply need to be more inventive. You should place your succulent in artificial light. They will require roughly six hours of light each day. Under that fluorescent or LED light above your desk, your plants will be OK.
Consider purchasing a tiny grow lamp to keep next to your desk if you can. Fortunately, there are various reasonably priced options for grow lights, so you may select the one that best suits your requirements.
What is the ideal location to keep succulents?
Succulents thrive in hot, arid conditions and don’t mind a little neglect due to their unique capacity to store water. They are therefore ideally suited to growing indoors and are the perfect choice for anyone looking for low-maintenance houseplants. Follow these instructions for successful plant care if you’re choosing succulents for the first time.
Select a succulent that will thrive in your indoor environment.
The majority of succulents need direct sunshine, however if your home only has a shady area, choose low light-tolerant plants like mother-in-tongue. law’s A trailing variety, like string of bananas, is an excellent option if you intend to grow your succulent in a hanging planter. To learn about your succulents’ requirements for sunlight, size, and spread, always read the plant labels.
Give the plants a good draining potting material.
You should repot your succulent as soon as you get it home since nurseries always plant their succulents in soil that is overly rich and holds too much moisture. A coarse potting mix with sufficient drainage and aeration is a good place to start. You can use an African violet mix or unique cactus and succulent mixtures that you can purchase at the nursery. Add perlite or pumice to the cactus or African violet mix (up to 50% of the total potting mix, depending on your particular succulent’s moisture requirements) to further increase drainage and prevent compaction. To make sure the mixture is moist throughout, always moisten it before using.
Decide on a container.
When repotting, use a container that is at least 1 to 2 inches bigger than the nursery container and has a drainage hole. Avoid using glass containers (such mason jars or terrariums) for long-term potting since they prevent roots from breathing and over time may result in root rot. Place your plant inside the container and backfill with extra pre-moistened potting mix after filling the bottom one-third of the container with pre-moistened potting mix.
Put the succulent plant in a pot somewhere sunny.
Try to arrange your succulents close to a south or east-facing window because most succulents need at least six hours of sun each day. Insufficient sunlight may cause your succulents to become spindly or to extend toward the light.
Between waterings, allow the potting mix to dry out.
Overwatering succulents is the most common error people make with them. Watering more deeply but less frequently is preferable. Before the next watering, completely saturate the potting mix (while making sure the water drains out of the drainage hole properly). The plant can finally perish if the potting soil is left moist every day.
Succulents should be fertilized at least once a year.
Fertilizer works best for plants in the spring (when the days lengthen and new growth starts) and again in the late summer. Use a water-soluble, balanced fertilizer (such as 8-8-8 or 10-10-10) that has been diluted to half the strength indicated on the container. Since succulents are semi-dormant in the winter, there is no need to nourish them. Because they are not actively growing, they do not require the nutrient boost.
Succulents can they survive indoors without light?
The most light is reflected from south-facing windows throughout the day in the northern hemisphere. The sun shines through windows facing east in the morning and west in the afternoon and evening. The least quantity of sunlight enters windows that face north.
A south-facing window is the best choice for the majority of sun-loving succulent plants in the northern hemisphere. However, all of the low-light succulents covered in this article happily flourish in windows that face west or east. Even in a dark, north-facing window, some of them will make it, but I don’t advise it because even there, they won’t thrive.
However, no succulent can live in a completely dark environment. Therefore, even if your succulent plants are varieties that thrive in low light, think about buying a tiny desktop grow light if you live in a basement flat, have only a north-facing window, or if your space has no windows at all. When a modest grow lamp is placed over low light succulents for 6 to 8 hours a day, you’ll be astounded at how well they grow. You won’t need to remember to turn the lights on and off every day if you have a reliable timer.
Now that you are aware of how much sunlight low light succulents require, allow me to introduce you to some of the greatest low light succulents.
Do succulents prefer dim settings?
It can be difficult to give succulents enough light, especially if you live in a place with little natural light. The majority of succulents prefer direct but bright sunshine.
Some succulents can survive in the shadow thanks to their strong adaptability. There are succulents that can withstand low light if you’re growing them in less than optimum lighting conditions.
What plant has good feng shui for offices?
The jade plant, money tree, fortunate bamboo, and various citrus trees are among the greatest plants for business according to feng shui. However, any robust plant with supple, rounded, or heart-shaped leaves can draw the ideal energy to promote peace and financial success at your workplace.
What Positive Energies Can Plants Bring to Office Desks?
According to feng shui, plants can attract a wide range of beneficial energy to an office workstation, including abundance, harmony, tranquility, happiness, and peace as well as creativity, growth, and vigor.
Can I Have Multiple Plant Types on an Office Desk in Feng Shui?
While keeping your workspace clutter-free is crucial, you can have more than one plant on your desk. Consider positioning a plant that promotes money and prosperity in the rear left corner of your desk’s wealth region and a flowering plant that encourages healthy relationships in the back right corner’s love and relationships area.
What Are the Worst Feng Shui Plants for an Office Desk?
Any plant that occupies an excessive amount of space and obstructs the free flow of energy around the desk’s surface is considered the worst kind of feng shui plant for an office workstation. Additionally, sick plants, prickly or pointed succulents, and cactus can attract bad energy to your desk.
What Are the Best Plants for Attracting Good Fortune to My Office Desk?
The jade plant (Crassula ovata), Chinese money plant (Pilea peperomioides), money tree (Pachira aquatica), lucky bamboo, and pilea peperomioides are the plants that work best for activating the wealth area of your workplace to draw good fortune (Dracaena braunii).