How to Kill Your Office Plants

Office plants can make your workplace healthier, more beautiful and productive. Filling the office with green pants can greatly enhance the ambiance but caring for live greenery can be challenging. If you are in charge of keeping your office plants alive and thriving, understanding the common mistakes you can make is essential.

1. Overwatering or Underwatering: Watering is one of the trickiest aspects of plant care. Plants need water, but too much or too little can lead to death. Overwatering is one of the most common mistakes. When plants sit in waterlogged soil, their roots become oxygen-starved, leading to rot. The signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves, a musty smell from the soil, and wilting despite wet soil. On the other hand, underwatering causes plants to dry out, resulting in brown, crispy leaves and drooping stems. Consistently checking the moisture level of the soil before watering can help you avoid both extremes.
2. Poor Lighting: Office plants rely on natural light to perform photosynthesis, but the amount and quality of light vary significantly depending on your office’s location. Some plants thrive in bright, direct sunlight, while others prefer low to medium indirect light. Placing a plant in the wrong type of light can cause it to suffer. Too little light can lead to slow growth, yellowing leaves, and eventual death. Too much direct sunlight can scorch delicate leaves. It’s crucial to research the specific light needs of each plant species and place them accordingly. In offices with limited natural light, consider using grow lights to supplement the light.
3. Improper Temperature: Office plants can be sensitive to temperature fluctuations. Most plants prefer a stable environment and can suffer if exposed to cold drafts or hot air from heating or air conditioning. Extreme temperature changes can lead to leaf drop, wilting, or stunted growth. Ideally, plants should be kept in environments where the temperature is between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), depending on the species. Avoid placing plants near vents, windows with drafts, or direct heat sources like radiators or space heaters, as these can cause stress on the plant.
4. Lack of Proper Drainage: Plants need good drainage to thrive. If a plant’s pot does not have drainage holes, excess water cannot escape and can accumulate in the bottom of the pot, leading to root rot. Even if you’re careful with watering, a lack of drainage can still be fatal. Be sure to use pots with drainage holes, and place a saucer beneath them to catch any excess water. If you notice that water is not draining properly, consider repotting the plant into a container with better drainage.
5. Pests and Diseases: Pests can invade your office plants, often causing damage before you even notice they’re there. Common pests that attack office plants include aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. These pests suck the sap from leaves and stems, weakening the plant. Symptoms of a pest infestation include yellowing leaves, sticky residue on the plant, and visible insects. To prevent pests, regularly inspect your plants and gently wipe down their leaves with a damp cloth. If pests are found, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fungal and bacterial diseases, which can result from poor air circulation or overwatering, can also kill plants. Ensure good hygiene and avoid crowding plants together to improve airflow.
6. Improper Fertilization: Plants need nutrients to grow, but overfertilizing or under-fertilizing can harm the plant. Overfertilizing can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can burn roots and cause the plant to die. Under-fertilizing, on the other hand, leads to stunted growth and pale leaves. It’s important to use the correct fertilizer for your plant species and follow the recommended feeding schedule. During the growing season (typically spring and summer), feed plants regularly.
7. Stress and Neglect: Plants, like people, can get stressed out. Factors like frequent moving, changes in light exposure, sudden temperature shifts, or insufficient care can all stress out a plant, causing it to struggle or die. Office workers often forget to tend to their plants, neglecting them for long periods. Forgetting to prune dead leaves, remove dust from the leaves, or re-pot as the plant grows can weaken it over time. Taking time to care for your plant, including regular watering, checking for pests, and removing dead or yellowing leaves, can go a long way in keeping your plant healthy.

Plant Leasing and Maintenance: The Best Way to Care for Your Office Plants

An office plant can be a beautiful addition to your workspace, but it requires care and attention to thrive. The best way to ensure that you install the right plants for your space and that they stay healthy and vibrant is to enlist professional help.

The professionals at Tropex will help to design your office plant setup and develop a maintenance plant executed by our experts. Don’t risk your investment – call Tropex today.