There is something about the idea of a windowless office space that seems to inspire people to find ways for plants to grow there. Although it might seem impossible at first glance, several species of indoor plants will actually survive and flourish in rooms lacking natural light sources.
Of course, you’ll have to consider what type of lighting your workspace receives before adding any new vegetation to its interior. If you don’t receive adequate sunlight or if a work area has poor ventilation, artificial lighting may be sufficient enough to sustain some types of plants. But these conditions should still be taken into consideration when deciding which plants to add to an office space.
In addition, whether or not a particular plant will thrive in a given environment depends on numerous factors including location, size, humidity levels, soil composition, water quality, temperature control, and more.
So how do certain plants manage to survive in spaces devoid of windows or even daylight? Read on to discover the secret behind this phenomenon.
Can A Plant Survive In A Room Without Windows?
Although you won’t see much greenery in an office with no windows, there are several houseplants that can thrive in low-light environments thanks to specific adaptations. For example, vandas (ficus trees) produce leaves only within their branches, while succulents like aloe and cacti rely on having a surface where they can collect moisture from. In other words, when placed in an appropriate container, most houseplants can adjust to living inside dark, cramped areas.
Other plants that can survive with little to no exposure to outside sunshine include ferns, mosses, herbs, and small flowers. Most of these plants require little maintenance beyond watering and feeding — although some need regular pruning.
However, keep in mind that not all houseplants are created equal. Some, such as orchids and azaleas, require high amounts of care. Other plants, like mint and basil, prefer lower temperatures than the average home setting so make sure to provide them with an ideal growing medium and place them near an air conditioner unit (or another cooling source). Plants like peace lilies and African violet also require special attention because they’re prone to developing powdery mildew, mold, or bacterial infections.
If you’re interested in learning more about keeping plants alive in places without access to sunlight, read on to learn about some popular options.
What Plant Can Live In An Office Without Windows?
When considering which houseplant to purchase for use in a nonwindow office, try to select one with long roots and a large canopy. This type of plant requires ample space to spread out and therefore works well in smaller office areas, whereas taller plants often work best in larger spaces since they typically take up more vertical space.
Many popular selections fall into this category, including bamboo palms, rubber plants, Chinese evergreens, elephant ears, dracaena, philodendrons, and peace lilies. Of course, you could always opt for a miniature version of any of these popular choices. Some examples include dwarf bamboo palm, dwarf rubber tree, mini peace lily, and miniature elephant ear plant.
To ensure long-term success with a particular houseplant, remember to feed it regularly and pay close attention to its needs. Also, never overwater your new flora. Keeping their roots too wet promotes rotting, while allowing their essential nutrients to escape causes leaf discoloration and eventually death.
Sustaining Healthy Plants In Low-light Settings
One way to get around the lack of sunlight in your office would be to install solar lights for desk lamps. These devices convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells, just as conventional light bulbs do. However, unlike traditional bulbs, these lights usually come equipped with sensors that automatically turn off whenever direct sunlight isn’t present. You can also purchase plug-in solar lights that attach directly to electrical outlets. While these units aren’t quite as durable as standard incandescent bulbs, they’re generally cheaper and more efficient.
But the easiest solution is probably to simply buy a few plants. Not only does this allow you to enjoy some nature indoors, but it’s also good for business morale by creating a positive working environment. After all, plants help filter chemicals from the air, improve employee productivity, and reduce stress levels. With this in mind, give your employees the gift of green thumbs!
Planting a garden in a confined space such as an apartment or condo might sound like a challenge, but it doesn’t have to be. To maximize freshness, choose varieties of food crops that mature quickly, such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce, radishes, onions, beans, peas, and squash. And don’t forget herbs, spices, and other culinary delights that need very little time to reach peak flavor. Container gardening is also an attractive option for urban dwellers who want to beautify their homes with color and fragrance.