Plants bring life into office spaces, and even the smallest areas can benefit from a touch of greenery. Adding plants to your workplace not only boosts aesthetics but also improves air quality, reduces stress, and increases productivity. If you’re working with a smaller office or limited desk space, the key is to select plants that thrive in such environments while also being low maintenance. In this article, we’ll explore some practical tips for choosing the best office plants for small spaces, how to care for them, and how you can incorporate them into your workspace for maximum impact.
Consider the Available Light
When choosing office plants for small spaces in Dubai, the first thing to consider is the amount of natural light available. Not all plants can survive in low light, and some require more sunlight than others. By evaluating the light conditions in your office, you can choose plants that will thrive in your UAE environment.
Low Light Plants
If your office doesn’t get much natural light, you’ll need to look for plants that are tolerant of low light conditions. Some popular low light plants include:
- Snake Plant (Sansevieria): Also known as “Mother-in-Law’s Tongue,” the snake plant is one of the best options for low light spaces. Its long, upright leaves add a modern aesthetic to small offices, and it’s incredibly low maintenance.
- ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas Zamiifolia): The ZZ plant is perfect for small, low light offices. It’s a tough plant that can survive with very little water and light, making it ideal for those who are often too busy to tend to their plants regularly.
Bright, Indirect Light Plants
If your office gets indirect sunlight, you have a bit more flexibility with plant choices. Some plants thrive in these conditions:
- Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum): Known for its long, arching leaves, the spider plant grows well in bright, indirect light and is easy to care for. It also helps purify the air, making it a great addition to any office.
- Pothos (Epipremnum aureum): This trailing vine is a popular choice for small spaces because it grows quickly and looks great on shelves or hanging planters. Pothos thrive in bright, indirect light but can also tolerate lower light levels.
Opt for Low Maintenance Plants
For a busy office, it’s important to choose plants that require minimal attention. Low maintenance plants not only save time but also reduce the risk of plant failure, which can be discouraging when trying to create a green workspace.
Low Water Plants
- Succulents: Succulents are ideal for small spaces because they’re compact and require very little water. They store water in their leaves, so they can survive longer periods without being watered. Popular options include Aloe Vera and Echeveria.
- Cacti: Like succulents, cacti are drought tolerant plants that need minimal care. Their small size and unique shapes make them perfect for office desks or windowsills.
Plants with Slow Growth
Plants that grow slowly are great for small spaces since they don’t need frequent repotting or trimming. Some slow-growing, low-maintenance options include:
- Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): This elegant plant produces beautiful white flowers and grows slowly, making it easy to manage in small spaces. It also helps purify the air by removing toxins.
- Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica): The rubber plant is known for its dark, glossy leaves and is relatively slow-growing. It can thrive in low to bright light conditions and doesn’t require much watering.
Maximize Vertical Space
In small offices, horizontal desk or floor space may be limited, but you can make the most of vertical space by using shelves, hanging planters, or wall mounted pots. Vertical gardening allows you to add more greenery without taking up valuable workspace.
Hanging Planters
Hanging planters are a stylish way to introduce plants into small offices. You can hang them from the ceiling or wall hooks, allowing the plants to cascade down and create a visually appealing green space. Some good options for hanging planters include:
- String of Pearls (Senecio rowleyanus): This trailing succulent has round, bead-like leaves and thrives in bright, indirect light. It’s perfect for hanging planters, adding texture and visual interest to your office.
- Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata): If your office has enough humidity, a Boston fern is a great choice for a hanging planter. Its lush, green fronds bring a refreshing vibe to the workspace.
Shelving
If you have limited desk space, consider adding a small shelf to hold a few plants. This allows you to bring greenery into the office without cluttering your workspace. Some plants that work well on shelves include:
- English Ivy (Hedera helix): A trailing vine that can drape beautifully over the edge of a shelf, English Ivy is both ornamental and practical, helping to purify the air.
- Fittonia (Nerve Plant): Fittonia has striking leaves with contrasting veins, making it a colorful addition to any shelf. It does well in low light and doesn’t grow too large, making it ideal for small spaces.
Choose Air-Purifying Plants
Plants not only enhance the aesthetics of your office but also improve air quality by removing toxins and producing oxygen. In a small office, it’s important to have air-purifying plants to create a healthier working environment.
Best Air-Purifying Plants
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): The Areca Palm is excellent for purifying indoor air and is known for its ability to filter out toxins such as formaldehyde and xylene. Its feathery, arching fronds make it a great focal point in any office.
- Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema): This low light plant is easy to care for and has been shown to remove pollutants from the air. It’s perfect for small spaces and adds a touch of elegance with its silver-patterned leaves.
Create a Focal Point
Even in a small office, you can create a focal point by using a larger plant or an eye catching arrangement. This draws attention and can make the space feel more inviting without overwhelming it.
Statement Plants
- Monstera Deliciosa: Known for its large, hole filled leaves, the Monstera Deliciosa makes a bold statement in any office. Although it can grow quite large, you can control its size by keeping it in a smaller pot. It thrives in bright, indirect light and adds a tropical vibe to the workspace.
- Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia reginae): The Bird of Paradise is a tall plant with striking leaves that fan out and add a touch of luxury to an office. While it may need a little more care and sunlight, it can serve as an impressive focal point for a small office.
Plant Groupings
If you don’t have space for a single large plant, consider grouping several smaller plants together in a cluster. You can mix and match different types of plants, such as succulents, ferns, and ivies, to create a dynamic and visually interesting display. This can be done on a small shelf, a side table, or even on the floor in a decorative planter.
Incorporate Plants into Office Furniture
To maximize space and integrate plants seamlessly into your office design, consider incorporating plants into your furniture. Planters that double as office dividers or small desks with built in planters can add greenery without taking up extra space.
Divider Planters
Divider planters are an excellent way to introduce plants into small offices while also serving a functional purpose. These planters can be used to create privacy between workspaces or meeting areas, adding both style and greenery to your office environment. You can fill them with low maintenance plants like ferns or pothos, which don’t require constant attention.
Built In Planters
Some desks and tables come with built in planters, allowing you to incorporate greenery directly into your workspace. This is a great solution for those with limited space, as it adds plants without requiring additional floor or desk space.
Keep Maintenance in Mind
While plants can transform your office into a green oasis, it’s important to remember that they require care and maintenance. When selecting plants for small office spaces, consider how much time and effort you can dedicate to their upkeep.
Self Watering Planters
One way to simplify plant care is by using self watering planters. These containers have a built in reservoir that supplies water to the plant’s roots, reducing the need for frequent watering. This is especially useful in small offices where plants might be neglected due to busy schedules.
Professional Plant Care Services
For offices that want to incorporate more greenery but don’t have the time or expertise to care for plants, professional plant care services are an excellent option. Companies like Sunrise Landscape offer plant rental and maintenance services, ensuring that your office plants remain healthy and vibrant without requiring your team to handle the upkeep.
Bring Greenery into Your Small Office Space
Adding plants to your small office doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right choices, even the tiniest spaces can benefit from the aesthetic and health boosting properties of office plants. Consider the available light, maintenance requirements, and space saving options like vertical gardening to select the best plants for your workplace. Whether you opt for air purifying plants, low maintenance succulents, or statement greenery, incorporating plants into your office design is a sure way to create a more pleasant and productive working environment.
Need help selecting and maintaining office plants? Contact Sunrise Landscape today for expert advice and services tailored to your space!
