how to not kill your office plants

Office plants, and biophilic design can transform a mundane workspace into a vibrant, lively environment, offering not just aesthetic appeal but also promoting well-being and productivity among employees. 

However, amidst the hustle and bustle of office life, these silent, green companions are often neglected or improperly cared for, leading to their untimely demise! Urban farming with MicroHabitat proves to be a much easier solution, with a turn-key approach… but if you’re still attached to your office plants, keep reading what our experts have to say!

1. Choose the Right Plants

Not all plants are cut out for office life. Selecting species that can thrive in potentially lower light conditions and more stable temperatures is crucial. Snake plants, ZZ plants, and pothos are renowned for their resilience and low maintenance requirements, making them perfect office mates.

2. Understand Your Plant's Needs

Each plant species has unique requirements in terms of light, water, and humidity. Research your office plants to understand their needs. Generally, most office plants prefer indirect light and can suffer from too much direct sunlight, especially behind glass windows which can amplify the heat.

3. Water Wisely

Overwatering is one of the most common ways to kill your office plants. Before watering, check the soil moisture; if it's still damp from the last watering, wait a bit longer. A good rule of thumb is to water only when the top inch of the soil is dry. Also, ensure your pots have proper drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots.

4. Monitor Light Exposure

Lighting can be tricky in an office environment. If your plant is stretching towards the light or its leaves are becoming pale, it might not be getting enough light. Conversely, leaves that seem scorched may indicate too much direct sunlight. Adjust the placement of your plants based on their light needs, and consider using grow lights if natural light is insufficient.

5. Maintain Humidity Levels

Office air conditioning can create a dry environment that's not ideal for many plants. If you notice brown tips on the leaves, it could be a sign of low humidity. You can increase humidity around your plants by misting them regularly, placing a water tray near them, or using a small humidifier.

6. Fertilize Thoughtfully

While office plants don't need frequent fertilizing, providing them with the nutrients they need to grow is essential, especially if they've been in the same pot for a while. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, but dilute it to half the recommended strength to avoid overfeeding.

7. Keep Them Clean

Dust can accumulate on leaves, blocking light and reducing a plant's ability to photosynthesize. Gently wipe the leaves with a damp cloth or sponge to keep them clean. This not only benefits the plant but also keeps your office looking tidy.

8. Prune and Repot as Needed

Pruning dead or yellowing leaves helps the plant focus its energy on new growth. Additionally, if your plant seems to be outgrowing its pot or the growth has stagnated, it might be time to repot it into a slightly larger container with fresh soil.

Conclusion: The Joy of Office Plants

Caring for office plants doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little attention and understanding of their basic needs, you can ensure your greenery adds life and color to your workspace for years to come.
For an enhanced experience, to upgrade your biophilic design, and to reduce your plant-caring workload integrate an urban farm into your property!