You're Working From Home! Here's How to Grow a Green Workspace
Posted on November 28 2022
Having a space for working can help you stay sane while you're stuck at home. But why stop there? Make your space as green and eco-friendly as possible with these plant suggestions. Growing an indoor jungle can make a space more exciting ad thriving, help improve your mood and productivity, and filter the air you breathe.
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Plants that thrive in direct sunlight
If you have a lot of natural light in your home office, consider some of these plants that grow well in direct sunlight:
1. Cacti and succulents
These hardy plants can take heat and need very little water to survive. Not only are they easy to take care of, but they also add a touch of desert charm to your workspace. If you are opting for a cactus, be aware that some can grow quite large, so pick a smaller variety if you're limited in space.
2. Snake plants
Another plant that can take a lot of sun, snake plants are known for being very easy to care for. They're also one of the best air-purifying plants, so they're great for improving indoor air quality.
3. Spider plants
Spider plants are ideal for hanging pots or shelves, and they do well in bright, indirect sunlight. They're also one of the best plants for beginners, as they are very forgiving if you forget to water them occasionally.
4. Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a succulent that does well in direct sunlight. Not only is it easy to care for, but it can also be used for its medicinal properties. The gel from inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns or cuts.
Plants that thrive in indirect sunlight or artificial light
If your home office is on the darker side, don't worry! There are plenty of plants that will still do well.
1. Fiddle leaf figs
These large, leafy plants are beautiful and can help purify the air. Just be warned- they can be fickle, so make sure you do your research before bringing one home. The beauty of a fiddle leaf fig is definitely worth the effort, though!
2. Dracaenas
There are many different kinds of dracaena plants, and most of them do well in indirect or artificial light. They're also known for being very drought-tolerant, so you don't have to worry about watering them too often. The vibe of your home office will definitely be more tropical with a dracaena around.
3. Pothos
One of the most popular houseplants around, pothos are hard to kill and thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. They're also great for purifying the air.
4. Philodendrons
Another common houseplant, philodendrons are easy to care for and grow quickly. They're also great for filtering out formaldehyde, which can be found in cleaning products, paint, and more.
5. Rubber plants
These large plants are great for making a statement in your workspace. They're also easy to care for and can tolerate low-light conditions.
6. Peace lilies
Peace lilies are beautiful flowers that thrive in shady areas. They're also great at filtering out harmful toxins like benzene and trichloroethylene from the air.
Plants that thrive in low light
If your home office doesn't get a lot of natural light, don't despair! There are still plenty of plants that will do well in low-light conditions:
1. Ferns
Ferns come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so there's sure to be one that will fit your space perfectly. : If you're having trouble keeping your fern alive, try misting it with water every few days. Ferns love humidity!
2. Snake plants
As we mentioned before, snake plants are very tolerant of low-light conditions. They're also one of the best air-purifying plants, so they're great for improving indoor air quality.
3. Chinese evergreens
These low-maintenance plants are perfect for busy people who want to add some greenery to their: If you're not sure what kind of light your home office gets, try using a light meter to measure it.
Tips for growing a thriving indoor jungle
1. Start small
If you're new to plant parenting, it's best to start small. Choose a few hardy plants that will be easy to care for before you add more delicate varieties to your collection.
2. Get a plant that fits your lifestyle
Do you travel often? Forget to water your plants regularly? Choose plants that can tolerate being neglected for a few days (or weeks) at a time. Cacti and succulents are a great option for busy people.
3. Do your research
Not all plants are created equal- some need more sunlight than others, some like to be kept moist while others prefer to dry out between watering, etc. Do some research on the plants you're interested in before you bring them home.
4. Invest in quality pots and soil
Cheap pots can break easily and may not have proper drainage, which can lead to root rot. Spend a little extra money on quality pots and potting mix to give your plants the best chance of thriving.
5. Be patient
If you're not seeing results right away, don't give up! It takes time for plants to adjust to their new environment. Give them a few weeks (or even months) to acclimate before you write them off as a lost cause.
Having a few plants in your workspace can make a world of difference. Not only do they look great, but they also improve air quality and boost your mood. So what are you waiting for? Start your indoor jungle today!
