Which plants are right for the office and how to keep them alive
Offices are challenging environments for plants: air conditioning, artificial light, and no one watering them on weekends. Even so, there are plants that can handle it - and improve the workplace atmosphere.
Studies show that plants in the office can boost productivity by up to 15 percent, reduce stress, and improve humidity levels. And yet office plants keep dying one after another - because the wrong plants are placed in the wrong spots and no one feels responsible.
Here are the plants that truly work in the office - even when no one remembers to water them on Fridays and the air conditioning feels Arctic.
The best office plants
- Sansevieria (snake plant) - The number one choice for the office. Survives for weeks without water, tolerates artificial light and air conditioning, and even produces oxygen at night.
- Zamioculcas (ZZ plant) - Glossy leaves and extremely easy to care for. Tolerates shade and dry air. Only needs watering every two to three weeks.
- Pothos (Epipremnum) - Grows trailing from a shelf or climbs with support. Tolerates low light and irregular watering.
- Dragon tree (Dracaena) - Elegant, space-saving, and tolerant of dry office air. Available in different sizes.
- Peace lily (Spathiphyllum) - Flowers even in low light and shows it needs water with drooping leaves. The perfect feedback system for forgetful teams.
- Spider plant (Chlorophytum) - Hardy, produces offshoots, and helps purify the air. Survives almost anything.
- Cacti and succulents - Perfect for a desk by the window. Need very little water and no watering over the weekend.
Challenges in the office
Air conditioning: Dry, cold air stresses most plants. The solution: choose hardy varieties (Sansevieria, Zamioculcas) or avoid placing plants directly in the airflow from the AC.
Artificial light: Neon light is enough for most shade-loving plants. A spot by the window is always better, but even far from the window, Sansevieria, Zamioculcas, and pothos will still do well.
Weekend and vacations: Any healthy plant can survive two days without water. For longer absences, use self-watering systems or ask a colleague to help.
Responsibility: The biggest problem. If no one feels responsible, the plant gets forgotten. Solution: appoint a plant caretaker or put up a watering schedule.
Plants for the desk
For the desk, it should be small and easy to care for. These plants fit on any desk:
- Mini succulents - Tiny, decorative, and need hardly any water. Ideal by a window.
- Small Sansevieria - The mini varieties fit into a coffee mug.
- Haworthia - Looks like a mini aloe vera. Tough and beautiful.
- Air plants (Tillandsia) - Need no soil, only occasional misting. Perfect for the paperless office.
Tip: Fresh flowers on the reception desk make a better first impression than any glossy brochure. A bouquet changed weekly costs little and looks professional and welcoming.
Office plants at MoBlumen Vienna
Easy-care plants for every office - delivery in Vienna.
Frequently asked questions about office plants
Sansevieria and Zamioculcas survive under neon light without direct sunlight. For longer periods, an LED grow light is recommended. No plant survives completely without light - in that case, high-quality artificial plants are the more honest choice.
Once a week is enough for most office plants. Sansevieria and Zamioculcas only need water every two to three weeks. Better to water once too little than once too much - overwatering is the most common mistake.
Yes, in Vienna there are plant rental services for offices. The plants are delivered, set up, and cared for regularly. If you are interested, we would be happy to advise you further.
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