The Secret to happy work plants

Work plants are different than tropical house plants because commercial spaces often have lower humidity and more factors outside of your control (large HVAC vents, neighbors who like the shades down, or finicky seasonal temperatures). 

What is the secret to happy plants at work?  The honest answer is professional plant service ;)  We collectively care for thousands of plants around town, and we’ve seen some things (I’m talking to you, office cats). If plant service isn’t an option for your business, then take a look at a few of our tips for happy work plants. 

Pick plants resilient to changes in temperature. We know fiddle leaf figs bring joy to many, but they are drama in spaces where temperature changes are common. Many weekday workers would be surprised by how much lower the office temps are during the weekend. Monstera deliciosa and ZZ plants are some less conventional picks that we’ve found to be resilient in commercial spaces.

Let in the light! When placing plants around your workspace, consider how far away they are from natural light. Can you bring them closer without losing their desired function? In one of our favorite office spaces, we built custom risers to elevate the existing plant partitions by 2 feet, creating a better sense of privacy with the foliage and giving the plants better light. 

Don’t skip drainage. Cache-potting plants (making them look potted-in but keeping them in their nursery container) ensures that your office plants are not sitting in wet soil during our gray winters. Nursery pots have way more drainage than plants can get otherwise, ensuring that they stay happy outside of the growing season. 

Dust often in all seasons. Dust accumulates on leaves, blocking sunlight and creating a breeding ground for pests. Regularly dust leaves with a clean cloth to ensure they stay healthy and look their best. 

If your office plants need a pick-me-up or you’re looking for weekly plant care, reach out. We are happy to tell you more about our plant design and plant service options.

Sara + Carie