Planter boxes are a creative way to seamlessly incorporate nature into the more mundane parts of your office. After all, why have a plain office storage unit when you could have one that is simultaneously a storage unit and a bold statement piece covered in luscious plants?
In addition to brightening up boring functional pieces of furniture, planter boxes on top of storage units and other flat spaces are great for stopping office clutter from piling up on empty furniture.
We’ve selected our five favourite plants to use in office planter boxes, all of which work perfectly well inside and in all light locations.
Sansevieria plants on a tambour planter
Also known as snake plants, sansevieria plants work well when potted as they can thrive in most light conditions. With its long and thin shape, it’s a very unique looking plant that is perfect for those who want an alternative-looking plant for their office planter box.
Zanzibar Gem
Popularly called the ZZ plant, the Zanzibar Gem consists of beautiful green and waxy foliage. The plant itself looks very different to other, more traditional indoor plants and can also grow to be quite tall when grown in a planter box. Another bonus of this plant is that it doesn’t need much water and is fairly tough, making it ideal for those who don’t have a particularly green thumb but still want stunning plants for the planter boxes in their office.
Kentia Palm
The Kentia Palm is the tallest plant that you could use on a storage unit, making it perfect for screening. As this plant is a palm, a Kentia Palm will do wonders when it comes to infusing your workspace with a tropical feel. You may even want to mix and match your Kentia Palms with a variety of hand painted containers to add to its bold looks.
Happy Plant
This eye-catching plant will grow happily in all conditions indoors, meaning it is a great option for your empty planter box for the office. A Happy Plant will generally have three or four trunks at different heights, which give it a lush, thick look.
Typically the Happy Plant starts at a medium height but you can expect it to continue to grow when properly cared for. This is great if you want thicker plants that will add a vertical accent on your units.
Aglaonema
With its deep red or light pink leaves, the Aglaonema or Chinese Evergreen plant is where you can get some colour into your installation. This is truly a beautiful plant that will add a natural yet vibrant dose of colour to your office planter boxes in a way that no other plant could.
Does my plant need to go into a plant box with drainage?
The answer to this question will depend on the type of plant and the conditions in which it is growing. Some plants, such as succulents and cacti, prefer well-draining soil and typically need a container with drainage holes to prevent water from sitting in the bottom and causing root rot. Other plants, such as ferns, prefer to have more moisture in the soil and may not require a container with drainage holes.
How do you use pots without drainage holes?
When using pots without drainage holes, it’s important to take extra care to not overwater the plant. Here are a few tips for using pots without drainage holes:
- Add a layer of gravel or rocks to the bottom of the pot before adding soil. This will help to improve drainage and prevent water from sitting in the bottom of the pot.
- Use a well-draining potting mix. A mix that contains ingredients such as perlite or vermiculite can help to improve drainage and prevent water from becoming trapped in the soil.
- Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again.
- Use a moisture meter or your finger to check the moisture level of the soil.
What type of plant containers should I use?
Unsure which container you should use for your commercial office plants? Here are the two best types of plant containers you should use.
Concrete Planters
Concrete or cement planters are ideal for outdoor spaces. They are better to be used on the floor than on shelves since they break easily when knocked over from an elevated space. Concrete planters can withstand wind and rain but are hard to move.
Pro Planting Tip: Some concrete planters have saucers which could leave the roots wet for a long time resulting in rotting. Choose saucers that can be detached to allow the soil to drain easily.
Plastic Planters
Lightweight plants that need a lot of moisture thrive well in plastic planters. Plastic planters are also an inexpensive option and safe for indoors as they will withstand being knocked about a bit. However, it’s best to keep your plastic planters away from extreme heat to avoid breakage. Similarly, we also don’t recommend using pesticide on plastic planters as they may react with the plastic.
Container Gardening Care
Here are a few tips for caring for your office planter boxes or containers:
- Regularly check for signs of damage or wear, such as cracks or holes, and replace or repair the container as needed.
- Keep the container clean by regularly wiping it down with a damp cloth or rinsing it off with water.
- When repotting your plants, be sure to use a fresh potting mix and clean the container thoroughly before adding the new soil.
- Be mindful of the size of the container in relation to the size of the plant. A container that is too small can restrict the growth of the plant, while a container that is too large can hold too much moisture and lead to root rot.
- Ceramic containers should not be watered after being exposed to extreme heat to avoid chips and cracks.
Taking care of plants requires a lot of time and work. However, it is possible to receive the benefits of stunning indoor plants and planter boxes without investing huge amounts of time and effort. The Plant Man offers a wide range of outdoor and indoor plant care services, ranging from maintenance to installation. Request a free quote today to find out how easy upgrading your office through the power of plants can be.
