Does the thought of walking into your office on a Monday morning make you feel low and unmotivated? If so, bringing some plants into your office space could be the perfect pick-me-up! Research shows that adding some houseplants to your office may significantly boost your production and creativity. And one of the houseplants to keep in an office are succulents because they don’t need much attention to survive. However, there are a few things you need to know that will help you keep your office succulent happy.
So, how do I care for office succulents? One of the most important things you need to do is maximize the amount of light you get. Look around your office to determine if any spot receives a good amount of natural light. That is where you should position your succulent. Although most succulents need to be watered once every one or two weeks, err on the side of caution with your office succulent. Consider watering it once or twice a month because it is most likely getting less light. Ensure you plant it in well-draining soil and choose a good pot.
This blog post outlines essential tips you need to know on how to care for office succulents. Read on to learn more.
What Are the Benefits of Having Succulents in the Office?
According to research, plants can clean water and air in enclosed environments. Succulents such as Aloe vera and the snake plant can remove up to 87% of volatile organic compounds such as benzene, mostly found in ink, books, and carpets.
These plants can also reduce the harmful toxins from chemical cleaning agents left lingering in your office.
Like other houseplants, succulents can help reduce office sickness by improving humidity and oxygen levels, reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses.
A study by Kansas State University revealed that bringing plants into your workplace could significantly increase your productivity and creativity by limiting the risk of dry, itchy skin, sore throats, coughs, and colds.
Furthermore, these plants are incredibly low-maintenance and need minimal attention to thrive. This makes them ideal for office people who love gardening but may not have time to practice it at home due to relatively long work hours.
You can always put your gardening skills to work right in your office. Some succulents make your office look good because they can be used as decor pieces.
This is especially true for hanging/trailing succulents such as String of Pearls and String of Bananas. These plants will add texture, color, and charm to your office space.
Lastly, office succulents boost productivity by providing a more relaxing and calming atmosphere. They make your office feel less like an industrial space and more homier, which could result in an improved working environment.
How to Take Care of Office Succulents
Now that you know the benefits of having office succulents, let us look at how to take care of them.
1. Start By Choosing the Right Succulent
One of the most important things you need to do to keep your office succulent happy is to choose the right plant.
You need to remember that not all succulents are the same. Consider each succulent species as unique with its own growing requirements.
While some succulents are adapted to thriving in low-light environments, such as an office, others won’t survive a day.
Your best bet will be to go for low-light plants. Avoid succulents that need full sun because they won’t last long. Take time to get to know your succulent before you bring it to your office.
Generally, relatively small and slow-growing succulents make ideal office plants because they don’t need a lot of space or attention.
Some succulent species that may thrive in an office setting include the Jade plant, Haworthia, Echeveria, Aeonium, Sedum, and Sempervivum.
2. Maximize the Sunlight You Receive
Generally, succulents love to bask in the sun. They need at least four to six hours of bright indirect light each day to stay alive and happy. So, you need to determine if there is any spot in your office that receives a good amount of natural light.
You can start by positioning your succulent near a windowsill that you can find in your office. Ensure you rotate it for a couple of days so that all sides receive an even amount of sunlight.
If you notice your succulent leaning towards one side, be sure to rotate it to the other side, and it will straighten in a couple of days.
If you discover that your succulent is still getting leggy or stretching out despite being near a windowsill, it means that it is not receiving enough light. In that case, you should find an alternative spot for your plant.
If there are no windows in your office, consider positioning the succulent under artificial light.
Typically, it will need at least six hours of light a day to thrive. Your succulent will be fine under that LED or fluorescent light above your desk.
Alternatively, consider getting a small grow lamp and keeping it by your desk to provide your plant with light.
Luckily, there are many affordable options for artificial grow lights. Therefore, finding one that suits your needs and budget is relatively easy.
3. Know How to Water Your Succulent
Typically, succulents need to be watered once every one or two weeks in spring/summer and once every three or four weeks during winter.
However, you need to be extra careful with how and when you water your succulent when planted in a low-light environment such as an office.
Gardening experts advise watering your succulent once or twice every month because it is getting less light.
Always check the soil before you water the plant. Stick your finger an inch or two into the potting mix and feel it.
If it feels dry, go ahead and water your plant. If it is still moist, wait another couple of days before checking again.
When you water your office succulent, pour the water directly into the potting mix at the base of the plant. Avoid pouring water on the leaves or rosette because it can lead to rot.
If some water gets on these parts accidentally, wipe it off with a tissue immediately.
Alternatively, use the bottom-watering method. To accomplish this, fill a saucer with water and let the plant sit on it for about 15 minutes before you empty any remaining water. This ensures the potting mix gets enough moisture without getting too wet.
Like any other succulent, the key to getting the best out of your office succulent is infrequent watering.
When you water, give your succulent a good drink, then let the soil dry out completely before you water again. Never mist your office succulent with a spray bottle because the effects can be catastrophic.
Finally, try to use distilled or filtered water on your succulent because tap water may contain too many chemicals that may harm your plant.
If you must use tap water, let it sit for about 24 hours before using it. This will help eliminate chlorine and other impurities in the water.
4. Use a Well-Draining Porous Soil
The type of soil you use is also critical when growing a succulent in an office. It needs to be porous and well-draining so that the plant can access enough oxygen and water without getting too wet or soggy.
A mixture of pumice, perlite, sand, vermiculite, and loam is often recommended for starting off. You can add some potting soil or a small amount of compost if you desire richer soil.
5. Everything Has to Do with a Good Pot
The type of pot you use will also determine the success of your journey of having an office succulent. To avoid waterlogging your plant, use a relatively shallow pot with plenty of drainage holes.
Select a lightweight pot to make it easier to move around when necessary. A terracotta or clay pot is always recommended for cacti and succulents.
Use the right size of pot for your succulent too. Succulents need just enough space to grow, but they don’t want to be cramped.
Generally, it is advised to use a pot two inches larger in diameter than the root ball of your plant.
For instance, if the succulent you are about to pot has a root ball that is four inches in diameter, choose a six-inch pot for it.
Finally, give your succulent a good start with some fertilizer. A balanced slow-release type of fertilizer will be ideal for your office succulent because it will provide it with all the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Summary
If you are looking for a plant that can spruce up your office space and improve your health, succulents are a great choice. These hardy plants are easy to care for, even if you don’t have a ton of gardening experience.
With a little bit of sunlight and occasional watering, your succulent will thrive in its new home. Just be sure to choose the right type of succulent and give it the attention it deserves.
Last update on 2023-06-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
