Good Plants for the Office
A few plants can brighten up any dreary office, but sometimes it's hard to know what kinds of plant are good for the office. Good office plants need to be able to survive in low-light conditions, changes in temperature, last a few days without water, and of course be easy to grow. Based on these criteria, we have listed a few different types of plants to consider buying for your office.
Chlorophytum Comosum (Spider Plant)
Spider Plants are fairly large, green plants with long pointed leaves that often have a white stripe down the middle. They should be set on the ground or on a shelf in a large pot. These plants should be kept near a window if possible, but out of direct sunlight, which will cause their leaves to get brown. Generally, however, spider plants can be cared for easily; they do not need a lot of light, they are not sensitive to temperature changes, and should not be watered more than once a day at the most.
Philodendrons
Philodendrons are large, leafy plants that can create a "tropical" feel in your office. While they are often planted in a garden, philodendrons can also be potted and kept inside. Ideally, they should be kept at cool temperatures (between 60 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit) but a little warmer will not harm them. These types of plants also do not require much light, although it is best to keep them near a window anyway. Although it is not necessary, feeding your plant nutrients every few weeks can help extend its life (this can be bought at any gardening or plant store).
Dracaena Sanderiana (Lucky Bamboo)
Dracaena Sanderiana, or as it is more commonly known, lucky bamboo, can grow in just a pot of water with some rocks. It can be as small as four inches or as large as nearly two feet, and survives best in low or indirect lighting. This type of plant can be obtained cheaply and maintained with a relatively small amount of care, making it a very simple option for people who would like a small plant but don't want to go through too much trouble to maintain it. As they are often quite small, lucky bamboo plants are generally put on a desk or other raised surface in the room.
Cactus
Cacti, while not always the cheeriest plants, are very easy to take care of, making them ideal for an office environment. They survive best in natural light, but only a small amount is necessary; often placement by a window is sufficient, even if not much light comes through. Cacti can also survive extreme temperatures and with very little water, making them perfect for offices which are not used daily, or are left even for weeks at a time. There are many different types of cacti. Having multiple types can make for a more interesting collection in your office.
