I have yet to run out of plant ideas for your office...so let's keep a good thing going! If your office needs a little pizazz and you're looking for a plant that thrives on neglect, we've got another stunning lineup in this fourth installment of "6 Unique, Low-Maintenance Plants for Your Office," as we do every April!
Why April? To spotlight our upcoming Environmental Law Forum taking place on April 22 and 23, of course! Environmental law is in a period of rapid change as it faces evolving policies, emerging priorities, and new approaches to regulation, enforcement, and advocacy. Our faculty, chosen for their deep subject-matter expertise and hands-on experience, will offer insight grounded in real-world practice. Register today for this timely and dynamic program to become part of the conversation!
Now read on to find your new plant friend, who will be very forgiving if you forget to water it due to your busy schedule. As we do every year, we include basic care as well as whether or not the plant is toxic when ingested by humans or pets, so you can be careful about what you bring into your home office.
1. ZZ Plant. The ZZ plant, also known as the Zanzibar gem, the Zuzu plant, the Emerald palm, or simply Zamioculcas zamiifolia, tops this year's list. This plant by many names is the ultimate office plant. It thrives in low light, needs very little water, and has a glossy, modern look. It's great for beginners, busy lawyers, and anyone who claims they have a black thumb.
A ZZ Plant would rather be underwatered than overwatered so make sure its soil and pot have adequate drainage. These plants can go months without water since they're capable of storing it.
Care: Bright to low indirect light. Water every few weeks, allowing it to dry out between waterings.
Toxic: Yes.
2. Lucky Bamboo. Need a little luck in your life? The lucky bamboo is said to bring prosperity and will also add an exotic aesthetic to any desk or office! This unique plant can grow in both soil and water. You can fill a vase with beautiful stones and shells to take it to the next level. However, if you want it to thrive, give it clean, filtered water because it's very sensitive to chemicals.
Lucky bamboo can live for over ten years if properly cared for. There is symbolism found in the number of stalks it has, ranging from love and health to prosperity and longevity. Just don't get one with four stalks...that's the bad luck number!
Care: Bright, indirect light. Keep soil moist or water fresh.
Toxic: Yes.
3. Peace Lily. A true classic, these plants produce a lovely white flower when well cared for. Despite their name, they are not considered true lilies and are members of the arum family. They are low-maintenance and tolerate low-light spaces or missed waterings well. They are also known air purifiers!
One perk of the peace lily is it will tell you exactly how it's feeling. It will droop dramatically when it's thirsty, a great visual reminder when it's time to give it a drink. If its leaves turn yellow, it's a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. If its leaves turn brown and crispy at the edges, it might be due to dry air, inconsistent watering, or unwanted tap water minerals. Brown spots, on the other hand, can be caused by scorching direct sunlight.
If you take good care of your peace lily, it might reward you with a chance to see one of its beautiful blooms!
Care: Bright, indirect light. Water every 5-10 days, when soil is dry.
Toxic: Yes, mildly.
4. Cast Iron Plant. The cast iron plant lives up to its name. It is extremely durable and tolerates low light, dust, and inconsistent watering. It has a traditional, elegant look and will make you feel like you're out in nature even when deep in case files. It's also slow growing, so you would rarely need to repot it.
If you're looking for a plant that's virtually indestructible and drought-tolerant, this is your plant!
Care: Low to medium indirect light. Water every other week.
Toxic: No.
5. Parlor Palm. Palms bring the best feeling to an office. If you squint...and play some ocean wave sounds...it's almost like you're at the beach! Okay, no it's not, but they do bring a beachy aesthetic that can brighten up any room with their soft, feathery leaves and pleasant green hue!
This is another plant that's slow growing, tolerant of low light, and can purify the air. Keep them out of the direct sun and avoid overwatering them.
Care: Moderate to bright indirect light. Water once a week, less during the winter.
Toxic: No.
6. Jade Plant. This easy-to-grow succulent stores water in its leaves, stems, and roots, so you won't upset it too much if you forget about it. With their thick, woody stems, and shiny green leaves, they look like miniature trees. They also have incredible longevity, living anywhere from 50 to 100 years with proper care. So...leave a space for it in your will.
Jade plants are sensitive to the cold so be sure to keep them inside with you, where they will flourish at room temperature.
Care: Bright, direct light. Soak every 2-3 weeks in summer, monthly in winter.
Toxic: Yes, to pets.
Now that you've picked out your next plant buddy, a little reminder: April compliance will be here before you know it! We've got plenty of exciting live webcasts coming up this month for you to grab those last-minute credits. Check them out here! Or check out last year's blog post on even more unique plants to add to your office!
