Does your office seem dull and boring? Regardless of if you work in a dimly lit cubicle or a corner office with countless windows, the right plants can be just what you need; however, not all plants will thrive in these conditions, which means you have to find those that will. One of the best options for plants for your office is succulents.
Some of the best succulents for your office include the Christmas Cactus, aloe, Little Warty, and String of Pearls. There are other more options too, so finding the right one depends on your office and location. Each succulent is unique.
This article will look at some of the top succulent options to add to your office décor and why they are the best options. We will also learn more about ensuring your succulents thrive indoors and how to care for them.
The Christmas Cactus
At first, you may think the Christmas Cactus looks odd. However, today, it is a popular option for indoor growing because of the low light requirements. This succulent needs quite a bit of darkness to encourage it to bloom in the winter. The plant’s long stems are made up of flattened segments, which will produce white or pink flowers at the ends.
The perfect environment for a Christmas Cactus is cooler temperatures and partial sun. Make sure there is no risk of frost. You also need to make sure the soil used drains well and do not water it too often. This succulent propagation is simple and can be done using cuttings that are just two to three segments long.
Perle von Nurnberg
The Perle von Nurnberg subclass of Echeverias is a pretty succulent that has thicker, blossom-like leaves. It is a favorite for indoor growing.
For the best results, put this plant near a window to be exposed to plenty of warmth and sunlight. At the same time, this is one of the easiest to care for succulents available; try not to keep it in temperatures that get too cold.
When it comes to watering, this type of plant is typical of succulent plants. Propagation for this plant is also simple.
Aloe
You will find aloe plants in various sizes—some are big, while others are quite small. The smaller types of aloe species, hybrids, and dwarf species will do fine if they are in low light or shady conditions.
The plants are considered “easy-going” and low maintenance. This makes them an ideal option to put in the office, where it is possible for you to ignore them or forget about them completely. Aloe is also a great starter plant because it can thrive in all types of growing conditions. These plants will multiply with offshoots and clusters, which are actually the baby plants. You can control the growth if you keep your plant in smaller pots.
Little Warty
Little warty is a type of low-light loving plant that looks like aloe in shape. It has thicker, tongue-shaped leaves and comes in various shades of green with bronze hues at the leaves’ tips. When the plant reaches maturity, it can be up to five inches tall.
This plant thrives in lower light conditions and is simple to maintain. It requires sufficient drainage and deeper, infrequent watering. The plant is not considered frost-hardy, and you need to protect it by keeping it inside if temperatures drop below freezing. It is also non-toxic to pets, which makes it a smart choice for offices that are pet friendly.
Zebra Plant
This plant comes out of Africa. It features horizontal white stripes that are on pointy, dark green leaves. These are the features that have given it the name “Zebra plant.”
The official name of this plant is Haworthia, and it is a great option for indoors. It requires partial shade or sunlight, but it should not stay in a cold, dark room as the plants will not survive in the cold.
Haworthia will stay alive with very little water for extended amounts of time. This makes it a great present for that forgetful office worker. One of the things that set this succulent apart is that it can be propagated from the offset.
Snake Plant (Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)
Another name this plant is known by is sansevieria. It is a popular and well-known succulent plant and a common option for people to have in their homes due to the ability to purify the air. These plants will purify the air by removing the benzene toxins and formaldehyde out of it. It is a plant that can tolerate lower light conditions, making it a smart option for your office.
The plant does not grow very well in full sun conditions and should be protected or shielded from the intense sun. You need to find an area where the plant will receive indirect, bright light.
Lace Aloe
Lace aloe is a beautiful plant; it features a rosette shape with sword-shaped, long leaves. The leaves are dark green with smaller white spots all over the surface. The leaf areas are covered in countless white spines, and when in perfect conditions, the plant will reach up to 12 inches tall. During the fall, Lace aloe plants will create a stalk that is up to 20 inches tall, which will be covered in branches of orangey-red flowers that are cylindrical.
With this type of aloe plant, you will find it can survive long periods without bright light. However, if you can put it closer to a window, it will grow faster and stronger. The plant will thrive in normal room temperatures and tolerate the drier air in your office. While you do not have to water the plant often, during the winter dormancy period, you should water it very little.
Chocolate Soldier (Panda Plant)
A Panda Plant, which goes by the names of Chocolate Soldier or Kalanchoe Tomentosa, is considered an extremely common option in the array of Kalanchoe succulents. You will find little hairs all over the leaves, which give the plant a misty shade. These hairs get longer and brownish at the edges, looking like they have become rusted.
Each day, this succulent requires several hours of direct sunlight and a brighter source of indirect light for the remainder of the day—only water when the soil is completely dry. Try to keep the plant at room temperature, too.
String of Pearls
With an array of succulents available, you may be overwhelmed by all the options. However, a string of pearls is an option you should carefully consider. This plant has green leaves that are pea-shaped, and that grow on thin stems. When you look at the plant, you will see it looks like strands of green pearls.
You need to protect the plant from direct rays from the sun, and these are going to grow best in areas where there is partial shade. The String of Pearls succulent can tolerate lower amounts of light if you do not overwater them because too much water can cause root rot (discussed below). The very thin stems make this succulent extremely susceptible to root rot.
You can supplement the light requirements by putting the plant under a growl light. You will also find they look nice if you plant them in a hanging basket or pot, which allows their stems to hang down as they start to grow.
Mona Lisa
Also called Hen and Chicks because of the offsets this plant produces, the Mona Lisa succulent has green and red leaves that form a rosette pattern. The leaves are covered in a white webbing, making a unique look that is pretty and interesting.
While the plant can live in lower-light conditions, they will also thrive outdoors where they are getting plenty of sun if you allow them to adapt to this change over several days or weeks. Do you want to share your succulent with others in your office? If so, you will find it is easy to propagate Mona Lisa by removing the offsets that have been created by the main plant.
Vertical Leaf Senecio
When you think of succulents, this may be the typical “vibe” you imagine. This plant features purple margins and stems with matte green leaves. This plant can also withstand extreme drought, which means you need to be careful not to overwater it. If you do, you will find your plant does not live very long.
Using sandy soil for your plant will help with proper drainage, and you need to keep it in slightly warmer areas. You can also grow more plants from the cuttings rather easily and quickly.
Sweetheart Plant
The Sweetheart Plant was named after its thick, heart-shaped leaves. It is a trailing plant that is a smart option for containers on high shelves or hanging planters. This succulent’s leaves can grow to around 2.5 inches wide and around a quarter of an inch thick. When the Sweetheart Plant blooms, it produces a stalk with smaller, star-shaped flowers. Usually, the flowers are pink or white with purple centers.
This is another low-maintenance succulent and only requires proper drainage and infrequent water. You will find that it will thrive in low-light environments. You do not have to repot this succulent since it will bloom more often when it is slightly root-bound. You can easily accomplish propagation with the cuttings.
Cocoon Plant (Wooly Senecio)
Another type of Senecio is called the Wooly Senecio. It is quite impressive because of the icy color and the short, dense white hairs covering the leaves. This is one of the prettier succulents that you will find, and when the yellow flowers bloom, it is even more impressive.
This version of the Senecio is not unique from the others. You should keep it in a well-light, warm room and water it infrequently.
Crown of Thorns
The Crown of Thorns succulent originates from Madagascar. One of the most impressive things about this plant is that it blooms throughout the year. However, to maintain the flowers for a longer period, make sure you handle the plant with care.
Only water the plant when the soil is completely dry and make sure it gets plenty of direct sunlight. This will ensure your succulent has the best flowers. Also, make sure you wash your hands if you touch the leaves. This succulent can cause skin irritation in some people.
String of Bananas
If you are looking for a unique and fun succulent, the String of Bananas may be a great option. One of the best parts of this plant is the banana-shaped tendrils it produces. If you do not have prior experience with succulents or keeping them alive, then the String of Bananas is the succulent for you. These are very easy to grow.
To ensure you get the best results, choose porous soil, and use a pot that will drain well. If the water in the soil is completely dry, put the plant in unfiltered sunshine. With this succulent, it will grow inside your office without issue or hassle, making it a great option to take to work.
Succulents That Do Not Grow Well in Low Light
Something you must understand is that not all succulents are going to adapt to low light conditions. As a result, you should avoid taking these into the office because they will not thrive, and their ability to survive may be diminished. When searching for low light office plants, be sure to avoid these:
- Aeoniums: You can find aeoniums in many sizes, colors, and shapes. Some will stay smaller, and others will grow taller. While these are hardier plants, aeoniums will do best when they are in partial shade or full sun. These succulents require a bright environment to thrive.
- Agave: The agave species options vary greatly. Some will grow to more than ten feet tall, but some will remain small. Agave will do best when it is in full sun and will not grow well inside your office or in areas where lighting conditions are subpar.
- Stonecrops: Typically, this is an easy-going, low maintenance plant that does well outside, in full sun. The plants will etiolate and stretch if they stay in lower light. They are happiest when they get plenty of sunlight or are put in the brightest area in your home.
If you want to choose a succulent that has the best chance of survival, be sure to keep the options on this list in mind. You do not want to choose a plant that will not do well indoors.
Things to Consider to Ensure Your Succulents Grow and Thrive Indoors
There are challenges related to trying to grow your succulents in your office. The top considerations to make are listed below.
The Type of Succulent You Choose
Succulents are not equal. Think about each species and the type of growing requirements they have.
Some succulents will thrive in low light conditions, while others do not. This means they are better options for your office. If a succulent needs full sun, it will not make a good choice as an office plant. Take time to learn about the plants (below) and do some research before deciding the type of succulent to keep in your office.
The Soil Being Used
You need soil that drains well, but do you know what that is? Succulents dislike “wet feet.” This means they will not do well if they are left to sit in water for an extended amount of time.
Heavy or dense soil will take longer to dry out, which means this is not the ideal option for succulents. These plants require soil that drains quickly when first planted, and in lower-light conditions, it is a must-have feature. Poor lighting and soil that never dries are two factors that will virtually guarantee the death of your succulent.
A good option to consider is a soil mix for cactuses that is combined with perlite. If you want to increase the drainage abilities further, add coarse sand into the mixture. You can also add pumice and gravel to your soil, but this can be hard to find and expensive.
How You Water the Succulent
Take note of how often you are watering your succulent. Try soaking the plant well, rather than using a fine mist. Also, do not water the leaves or top of the plant. Instead, add the water at the base of the plant and in the soil. Be sure the water makes it to the roots, which is the only way the plant absorbs it. Avoid adding more water until the soil feels dry to the touch.
If you begin researching succulent care, you may find advice regarding how much water to give your plant. In some cases, you may find experts recommend adding water until it is dripping out of the base of the pot. Unfortunately, this is not sound advice in all situations. Sometimes, with certain pots (i.e., terracotta pots), the extra water will never drip out of the pot.
This is important to mention because there is some confusion related to watering succulents. If you wait to see water dripping out of the base of your succulent’s pot, you may continue watering. This can result in overwatering the succulent and causing the “wet feet” mentioned above.
Just give the plant a generous amount of water. You do not have to wait for certain signs that it is enough. You can pour excess water out of the base if it happens to accumulate there.
Some people water their succulents every seven to ten days during the summer. If you water your succulents (that are inside a building) once per week in a low light office environment, they are getting too much water. Inside plants will not dry as quickly as the ones outside because the sun is not reaching them. If you live in a humid area, you can water even less.
One method that is used by some succulent owners is called the “soak and dry” process. This watering method involves placing the pot into the water and letting the roots of the plant soak up the water.
To do this, use a saucer or tray filled with water. Put the pot in the tray and let it sit there for several minutes. You can repeat this process every seven days or as needed.
Watch this video to know the right way to water your succulents that are in pots:
The Pot the Succulent Is In
A quality pot for your succulent will feature drainage holes, which allows the excess water to drip out. When growing your succulent in lower light conditions (like in your office), they will be much more likely to develop a condition called root rot. With holes in your pots, you can aerate and drain the soil.
If you are using a pot that does not offer the appropriate level of drainage, be careful when watering and make sure not to overdo it.
Availability of Natural Light
Is there any amount of natural light available in your office? It is best to find a bright window for your succulent.
It is easier for you to correct situations where there is too much sun coming in than not enough. If possible, put your plant in an area where there is plenty of natural light.
You may wonder what happens if you have an office with no windows? Or are the windows too far from you to be beneficial? If you do not have any windows close to where you work, there is still some help and hope for your succulents. You will just have to get creative.
In this case, invest in artificial or grow lights to provide the lighting that your plants require to grow and remain healthy. Most succulents require four to six hours of light each day to stay healthy and continue to grow.
While not having natural light can be challenging for getting your plants to grow, it is not impossible. Natural light is not required, but some type of light is necessary. The origin of the light being used does not matter.
Rays from the sun include the whole spectrum of light. Even though your succulent does not require all these colors to grow, it is hard to figure out what spectrums are needed. This is when the grow lights will be beneficial. Modern grow lights will help recreate the full spectrum of light that the natural sunlight would provide if the plants were outdoors. This means you do not have to try to figure out what your plants need.
If you decide to use any type of grow light in your office for your succulent, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include:
- Light intensity: The light’s size determines the intensity, determining how long they have to be left on.
- Duration: How long you leave the light on is determined by the light’s intensity. When light is more intense, it does not have to be left on for as long.
- The heat emitted: Grow lights may get extremely hot when left on for long periods, and this heat can increase the temperature in the room. While LED bulbs do not get hot, they are not quite as intense, which means you may have to use them longer.
Keeping Mold Out of the Succulent’s Soil
Sometimes, you may see mold in the soil when trying to grow succulents in low light. Even though mold does not pose any direct threat to this plant, you must get rid of it before it spreads further and causes even more issues. You should remove the mold with a smaller trowel and discard it.
There are also some household products that you can use to help get rid of mold in your succulent. These include:
- Cinnamon powder: Just sprinkle the areas affected or as a source of prevention.
- Baking soda: Sprinkle baking soda on the soil, and it will work as a natural antifungal.
- Apple cider vinegar: You can dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and spray it on the soil as a solution to prevent fungus. Put just a few drops of apple cider vinegar in a cup of water.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, there is an array of succulent options to choose from if you want to add a little fun and color to your office. The options here will do great indoors and thrive in low-light conditions. Just remember, some succulents are good to put indoors, and some you should avoid. Be sure to get the right variety to keep your succulent healthy and happy.
While these succulents are usually easy to care for and maintain, you must still take some steps to keep them growing and healthy. Be sure you know the proper care steps for your succulent before you put one in your office. This will pay off and ensure your office plant looks great and survives.
The bottom line is, succulents are great office plants. They can brighten up the space and add a bit of “happy” to an otherwise boring and dull space.