Adding Plants to an Indoor Atrium
One of the benefits of Florida’s year-round sunshine is the ability to integrate natural oases into commercial buildings. Atria filled with natural light can add vibrant life and character to an office space, medical facility, or hotel. Incorporating the right plants into an indoor atrium garden will take planning and consideration of the space’s light and temperature patterns.
When choosing plants for your indoor atrium, consider each species’ requirements for light versus shade, water, temperature, and humidity. These are some of our favorite plants for indoor spaces, characterized by their basic requirements.
Moderate to Low-Light
The following plants should be situated near north-facing windows or in areas where larger plants filter light.
Philodendron: Exhibiting oversized glossy green leaves and delicate flowers, philodendrons are a wonderful tropical addition to your Sarasota area atrium.
Golden Pothos: The heart-shaped, waxy green and yellow foliage of the Golden Pothos (also known as Devil’s Ivy) can infuse eye-catching interest in low light.
ZZ plant: Also known as the Zanzibar Gem, the Zamioculcas Zamiifolia (ZZ) plant grows oval leaves that are both feather-like and glossy.
Dragon Tree: The Dracaena Marginata (or Dragon Tree) showcases green, sword-like leaves with a red edge, adding a splash of color to your atrium.
Peace Lily: With white flowers that resemble lilies growing up from dark green foliage, peace lilies make a dramatic statement when installed in large planters and placed throughout the atrium. Did You Know? Peace lilies are not really lilies at all and belong to the aroids family which includes Philodendrons and Anthuriums.
Chinese Evergreen: Decorated with dark green and silver leaves, the Chinese evergreen is not only beautiful but also highly resilient and a great addition to indoor gardens.
Calathea: This plant’s stunning foliage may be ridged, oval-shaped, pointy, or patterned. Depending on your choice, you can adjust the design of your atrium plant installation.
Bird’s Nest Fern: These ferns exhibit long, lush-green fronds that appear crinkled and grow upwards from a central rosette.
Sun-Loving (Full Light) Plants
These plants are excellent options for a sun-drenched indoor atrium. They love sunny spots, whether next to south-facing windows or directly under a skylight or glass ceiling.
Weeping Fig: This tree, also known as Ficus Benjamina, has smooth, gray bark and leathery, oval green leaves.
Croton: These evergreen shrubs are characterized by vibrant, full foliage with colors ranging from yellow, green, pink, red, purple, orange or yellow. Not only do they bask in natural light, but crotons infuse beautiful colors.
Trees Ideal for an Indoor Atrium
If your indoor atrium has soaring ceilings, as many hotels and office complexes do, you can add these amazing trees to the interior landscape.
Black Olive: The Black Olive (Shady Lady) tree features a striking appearance, including leathery, bluish-green leaves.
Fiddle leaf fig: With its oversized, fiddle-shaped, and heavily veined leaves, these impressive trees can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Banana Leaf Fig: The Banana leaf Fig tree (Ficus Alii) is an attractive, palm-like tree with thin, elongated leaves.
Pygmy Palms: There may be no better way to create an authentic-looking tropical atrium than adding these diminutive versions of palm trees.
Succulents Add Unique Beauty
If the air inside your indoor atrium is warm and dry, succulents make an amazing addition.
Jade plant: The Jade plant has thick, woody stems and fleshy, dark green or blue gray oval leaves. It thrives in loose, rocky soil.
Snake plant: This resilient plant has stiff, yellow-striped leaves shaped like swords and tiny light green flowers. It is known as one of the most effective air-purifying plants you can install.
Call Tropex for Your Indoor Atrium Design
If you are considering adding plants to your indoor atrium, make Tropex your first call. We will discuss your needs and budget, assess your space, and recommend a design that will meet your goals. Once installed, the Tropex team will care for and maintain your plants to ensure they always look fantastic.
Tropex is a leading provider of plant leasing services in the Sarasota and Tampa region.
