Common, shade-tolerant and easy-care varieties are the best choice for office greenery

Office greenery refers to green plants placed in an office environment, mainly for ornament and for improving the surroundings, including both soil-grown potted plants and hydroponic plants. They are usually small in size and suitable for placing on desks, windowsills, coffee tables or in meeting rooms, adding a touch of nature to a busy work environment.

Common office green plants include pothos (Epipremnum aureum), spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum), snake plant (Sansevieria trifasciata), money tree (Pachira aquatica), Swiss cheese plant (Monstera deliciosa), mint, and gardenia. Among them, pothos, spider plant and snake plant are shade-tolerant, tough and require little care, making them relatively suitable for workstations with ordinary light; mint has a fresh scent, and its tender leaves can be picked for use; gardenia blooms with an elegant fragrance and is more ornamental, but needs more light and care.

The most common problems when growing green plants in the office are overwatering and insufficient light. Most potted plants would rather be dry than wet, so just water thoroughly once the soil surface dries out; for hydroponic plants, be sure to change the water regularly and clean the container and roots. In air-conditioned rooms the air is dry and ventilation is poor, so you can open the windows occasionally for fresh air and move the plants to a spot with scattered light, and they will grow better.

Green plants can decorate office space, and looking at them during work breaks also helps relax the eyes and soothe the mood. If your green plants always fail to survive, it is mostly related to too much watering, long periods without light, poor ventilation or frequent moving. Choose the right varieties and understand their habits, and office greenery can stay in good condition for a long time.