How to Not Kill Your Office Plants
Tips and tricks for keeping office plants alive: light, watering, humidity and the common mistakes that kill them in the first month.
How to Not Kill Your Office Plants
As an urban farmer, you're likely passionate about bringing the outdoors in and sharing your love of plants with colleagues. However, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of office life and forget to care for your plants properly.
Making a few simple adjustments to your daily routine can make all the difference in keeping your office plants alive and thriving. First, ensure that you're placing your plants in an area with plenty of natural light – most plants prefer at least four hours of direct sunlight per day.
Watering 101
Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes people make when caring for office plants. To avoid this, check the soil moisture by sticking your finger into the soil up to the first knuckle – if it's dry, it's time to water.
Water your plants thoroughly, but allow excess water to drain from the pot to prevent root rot. It's also essential to use room-temperature water, as cold or hot water can shock the roots and cause damage.
Soil and Fertilization
The type of soil you're using is crucial for your plant's health – avoid using regular potting mix from a garden center, as it may contain weed seeds that can harm your plants. Instead, opt for a high-quality indoor potting mix specifically designed for office plants.
This is one piece of a broader biophilic design in the workplace approach — see how it supports corporate employee engagement programs.
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) to promote healthy growth and development. Dilute the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions to avoid burning your plant's roots.
