Care Guide
Office Plant Care Guide
We make plant care simple. Here's everything you need to know to keep your office plants looking their best — even if nobody remembers to water them on Fridays.
Light
Getting light right is the single most important thing you can do for your office plants. The good news: most popular office plants are remarkably adaptable, as long as you match them to the conditions you actually have.
Bright, indirect light is ideal — Most office plants do best near a window but not in direct sun. A spot with sheer blinds or a few feet back from the glass is perfect.
Low-light plants for interior spaces — Snake Plants, ZZ Plants, and Pothos tolerate spots away from windows. They won't thrive in a cupboard, but they'll handle a corridor or inner office just fine.
Watch out for vents and radiators — Avoid placing plants directly under air conditioning vents or next to radiators. Both dry out leaves and stress the plant.
No natural light? — If your office has no windows at all, choose from our Low Maintenance collection — plants selected specifically for tolerance of artificial lighting.
Tip: Rotate plants every couple of weeks so all sides get even exposure. This prevents lopsided growth.
Watering
The number one mistake in office plant care is overwatering. It's understandable — people want to help. But most indoor plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings, and a regular schedule beats enthusiasm every time.
Check the soil first — Poke your finger about 2–3cm into the soil. If it's still moist, wait. If it's dry, it's time to water. This simple check prevents most watering problems.
Let them dry out — Most office plants prefer to dry out slightly between waterings. This encourages healthy root growth and prevents the soggy conditions that lead to root rot.
Water less in winter — Reduce watering in winter when plant growth slows down. Many plants need roughly half as much water during colder months.
When in doubt, less is more — If you're unsure whether a plant needs water, it's almost always better to underwater than overwater. Most office plants recover quickly from being slightly dry.
Tip: Set a weekly calendar reminder for the office. Consistency matters more than precision — and it shares the responsibility across the team.
Placement
Where you put a plant matters as much as which plant you choose. The right plant in the right spot can soften a hard corner, frame an entrance, or bring life to an empty shelf. Here's what works where.
Reception — Tall, statement plants like Dragon Trees or Kentia Palms create an immediate sense of warmth and professionalism. This is where first impressions are made.
Meeting rooms — Desk-friendly plants like Peace Lilies or Snake Plants add calm without taking up table space or obstructing sightlines.
Open-plan offices — Medium-sized plants that don't block sightlines work best. Pothos on shelves, ZZ Plants between desks — green without getting in the way.
Executive offices — Premium specimens like Ficus lyrata (Fiddle Leaf Fig) or large Monstera make a confident, design-led statement.
Avoid high-traffic corridors — Plants in busy thoroughfares get bumped, brushed, and eventually damaged. Place them where they can be appreciated, not where they're in the way.
Tip: If you're unsure about placement, our Custom Office Plan service can recommend the right plants for every room.
Common Issues & Fixes
Don't panic — most plant problems are easy to fix once you know what to look for.
Yellowing Leaves
Cause: Overwatering is the most common culprit. The roots can't breathe and the leaves turn yellow.
Fix: Let the soil dry out completely before watering again. Ensure the pot has drainage holes. Remove affected leaves to encourage new growth.
Drooping or Wilting
Cause: Usually underwatering, but can also be a sign of root rot from overwatering. Check the soil moisture to tell the difference.
Fix: If the soil is bone dry, give the plant a thorough watering. If it's soggy, let it dry out and consider repotting with fresh soil.
Brown Leaf Tips
Cause: Low humidity or inconsistent watering. Offices with air conditioning can be particularly dry.
Fix: Mist the leaves occasionally or place a tray of water nearby. Trim brown tips with scissors — they won't heal but the plant will look better.
Leggy or Stretched Growth
Cause: The plant isn't getting enough light and is stretching towards the nearest light source.
Fix: Move the plant closer to a window or brighter area. If that's not possible, consider rotating it regularly or switching to a plant that tolerates lower light.
Ready to find plants that practically care for themselves?
Browse our curated selection of low-maintenance plants chosen specifically for real office conditions.
Browse Low-Maintenance Plants