Let’s be honest here – corporate spaces look pretty dull. All you see are white walls, cubicle fixtures, and drab fluorescent lighting that don’t motivate your creativity.

Fortunately, there’s a way to create an inspiring work environment in your offices -indoor plants! Some offices sometimes want plants, but they are discouraged with the hassle of watering them regularly. A great solution to this is office succulents. Succulents are very easy to care for and also have a lot of health benefits, so they don’t only make your office look more sophisticated, but they also improve the overall atmosphere.

Improves Air Quality

Unlike most houseplants that stop releasing oxygen in the night, succulents continue to do so throughout the night. The added circulation will help everyone in your office breathe easier and have a clear head and a focused mind.

Succulents also purify toxins from indoor air. According to a study by the American Society for Horticultural Science, indoor plants remove harmful formaldehyde in the air. Formaldehyde is a toxin found in wood furniture and building materials such as hardwood plywood paneling, and fibre boards. It can cause skin and respiratory problems and headaches.

Keeps Your Office Healthy

High humidity inside the office can cause employees to feel tired and sluggish. It can also be a cause for dry skin, colds, sore throat, and dry cough, which can get dangerous, especially when you have a small office where viruses and bacteria can spread quickly. Having succulents inside your office can help lower the humidity and improve employees’ well-being, which will result in better work performance.

According to two separate studies conducted by the Agricultural University of Norway and environmental psychologist Tina Bringslimark, having plans in the office decreases the occurrence of sicknesses in the workplace, and employees who regularly see these plants take lesser sick days off from work.

Provides Better Concentration

Seeing greenery and nature in your workplace reduces your stress and anxiety and helps you feel more relax and calm. When employees experience minimal stress, they can focus more on their jobs. The green color of succulents also produces stability and boosts concentration, while its oxygenating abilities help strike a balance between oxygen and carbon dioxide, which results in better brain function.

Use the Proper Soil Mix

Succulents do not like sitting on wet soil for a long time, so it’s essential to use a well-draining soil for your plants. Heavy and dense soil does not dry fast enough for succulents’ liking. Because of the low light condition inside the office, your succulents must be planted in fast-draining soil. Constantly wet soil and poor lighting will immediately kill your succulents.

You can make your succulent soil by mixing equal parts of the cactus mix and perlite. To enhance the draining ability of your soil, you can add the same amount of coarse sand to your soil mix. If your budget permits, you can add gravel and pumice to the mix.

Give them Enough Light

One of the trickiest parts of growing a succulent is giving them enough sunlight. They generally need six hours of bright, indirect sunlight every day. Inside the office, you need to place your succulents somewhere that gets light all day.

First, determine where natural light is coming in. Choose the brightest window in your office. It will be easier to remedy too much sunlight on your succulents than insufficient light.

If you’re stuck in a windowless working space or if your cubicle is too far away from the window, you can still grow your succulents, but with more difficulty. Invest in artificial light or grow light that will supplement the lighting requirements of your plants.

Succulents are not very particular with where the light comes from. Natural sunlight contains the full spectrum of light, but succulents do not require all the color spectrums of light to live and grow. The bottom line is they need light to grow, so grow light can be a good alternative for your succulents if giving them natural sunlight is not feasible.

Choose the Right Pot

Succulents growing in low light conditions are prone to root rot, so your pots should have enough holes to allow excess water to drain. When using a pot without drainage holes, be careful with watering your plants. Succulents enjoy getting their roots soaked with water, but they don’t like to be watered frequently.

Give them a good drench when you water them, enough for the water to reach their roots, but wait until the soil completely dries out before you water them again. Watering succulents daily can kill them.

Pick the Right Succulent

Not all succulents can thrive indoors, so make sure to choose a variety that prefers low light or shade. Most succulents that come in bright colors like red, purple, and orange, do not do well as indoor plants. Green succulents are your best choice.

Haworthias

Haworthias make for the perfect office plants because of their size. They’re cute and small and resemble aloe plants. Haworthias can tolerate low light conditions and will look best when given bright, filtered light. The leaves of Haworthias are long and green with pointy edges and white spots.

Aloe Verat

Some species of aloe vera do not grow too large, especially if they are indoors, which makes them excellent office plants. They will do well indoors as long as they get enough sunlight. You’ll know when they’re not getting enough light when their leaves start to droop downwards.

Christmas Cactus

The Christmas cactus or schlumbergera produces flowers around Christmas, hence their name. Their beautiful blooms come in red, pink, cream, orange, or purple. These succulents are native to the rainforests of Brazil, so you can plant them in regular container soil. Water them once a week because they prefer a more humid environment compared to other succulents. The Christmas cactus prefers partial shade and will do well on your desk even if it’s not near the window.

Jade Plant

Jade plants stay small even if you prune them, so they’re great to keep on your desk. They do well in low light conditions, so you don’t need to purchase a grow light to keep them thriving. Jade plants look like little trees with woody stems and glossy leaves, which makes them an exciting addition to a drab-looking workspace.

Snake Plant

If you want to improve the quality and circulation of air inside your office, snake plants are your best choice. These succulents are proven to remove harmful chemicals from the air. Snake plants have green leaves that stand tall, with some varieties having colorful leaf edges. They prefer filtered light and don’t do well in full sun.

It’s a great idea to grow succulents in your office. They are low-maintenance, and there are a lot of benefits you can get from them. It can be tricky, but doable if you follow the tips above.

What succulent do you plan to grow in your office? If you still need help deciding, leave us a comment, and we’ll share our favorites!

Many succulent growers like checking on their plant first thing in the morning with their coffee in one hand. It’s a comforting habit similar to checking your social media feeds to update yourself on the things that you might have missed overnight. However, like seeing bad news on social media, there are also some unpleasant things you might encounter while inspecting your plants in the morning, and that is finding that part of your plant is missing.

You’re jolted from your half-awake state, not because of the coffee but because you discovered that your succulents that looked so gorgeous yesterday were munched on as you had your good night’s rest. It’s also far from comforting to see that the flower buds you’ve been patiently and eagerly waiting to blossom are gone.

Unfortunately, there are a number of animals out there that feed on your succulents. It may not be part of their natural diet, but these animals love your water-filled succulent leaves.

So, what’s eating your beloved succulents? The list varies depending on where you live, but the most common animals that succulent growers complain of are squirrels, possums, cats, and birds.

Signs of Infestation

You’ll easily recognize when you’re facing a squirrel problem. These animals are known for chewing and digging their way through gardens. If you see chewed up leaves, uprooted plants, and holes with a variety of squirrel food, there’s no second-guessing who or what ravaged your garden.

The damage incurred by squirrels on your succulents is relatively easy to recognize. Unlike other insects, squirrels take big chunks out of your succulent leaves. They also leave jagged tear marks and deep wounds on the leaves. They usually don’t eat the whole leaves, so there will be evidence left around.

Treatment

We recommend that you take measures to keep your squirrels off your garden because it will be easier than shooing them off once they discover your precious succulents.

Squirrels are naturally scared of their predators, so you can exploit this fear to prevent them from scavenging in your garden. Dogs and cats love to chase squirrels, so you can use this simple tactic by adopting furry friends in your home. These domestic pets don’t even need to be actively on patrol to keep squirrels out of the yard because the mere scent of their urine is enough to scare off those tenacious critters.

If you’re not comfortable with sharing your home with furry creatures, there is predator urine you can buy from your local garden center or garden equipment store. It sounds a bit strange but spraying your garden with animal urine is a proven way to make squirrels keep their distance from your yard.

Repellents are also an excellent way to discourage squirrels from scavenging in your garden. Peppermint is an effective natural repellant because squirrels do not like the scent of peppermint. You can place a peppermint plant beside your succulents, or you can sprinkle peppermint oil around your garden.

Mothballs are another repellent used by many gardeners because squirrels detest the odor. Repel these animals by placing mothball beside your succulents. However, use mothballs sparingly and carefully as they can be toxic to squirrels and other wildlife.

Squirrels are not very fond of spicy food, so spraying your garden with pepper spray or sprinkling it with dried spices will cause these animals to lose interest in your succulents.

Make sure to reapply repellents periodically on your plants or garden especially after you water them or after a rainfall.

One of the easiest ways to keep squirrels out of your garden is to build a barricade that they cannot cross. But keep in mind that squirrels are highly intelligent scavengers, so make sure to use chew-proof materials for your net and fence. Squirrels are also excellent differs, so extend your fencing a few more inches below the ground.

Signs of Infestation

If you have possums in the area and your succulents that are within their reach are missing significant portions from their leaves, these animals are likely the culprit.

Treatment

To possum-proof your succulents, place them in high tables with smooth and shiny legs that possums can’t grip and climb. You can also plant spiky plants around the perimeter of your succulent garden to act as barriers.

One natural and cheap way to ward off possums from your garden is by using garlic on your plants. Mix two tablespoon of chopped garlic in two litres of boiling water, then let the mixture infuse overnight. Spray the mixture directly on your succulents and reapply every four days, or after heavy watering.

Treatment

The most common remedy to this problem is to put your succulent in a cage or metal crate. Make sure that the cage or crate allow sun and air in so your plants still get the proper nutrients they need while being protected. Place the cage in your windowsill or hang them from the ceiling to ensure that they are safe from your cat’s playful paws, and take them down whenever they need watering.

If possible, place your succulents where your cats cannot reach them. You can put your plants in a room that has sufficient light pouring in.

Fortunately, there are natural cat-repellent sprays sold over-the-counter that you can use on your succulents. These are made from non-toxic ingredients and are specifically designed for houseplants. Alternatively, you can make your own repellant by mixing one part vinegar with three parts of water. Spray the mixture directly on the leaves of your succulents. The mixture won’t hurt your plants, and it will effectively ward off your feline friends.

There will always be animals interested in your succulents, but before you go and transform your garden into a biohazard by using synthetic pesticides, try to approach the problem in an eco-friendlier way. Discourage and ward off these animals instead of killing them.

Have you witnessed other animals eating your succulents? What did you do to keep them off your plants? Please share your experience in the comments below.

Eco-friendly products are the trend nowadays. You can see labels such as “green”, “organic”, and “environmental-friendly” on almost every item, including gardening products. While some companies are not genuinely eco-friendly and are merely doing it for sales, some are going the extra mile to be genuinely ethical in their products and services. There is a high demand for sustainable products nowadays, so we will continue to see them in the market as companies supply this high demand.

Sustainable and eco-friendly are often used interchangeably, and they can be loosely defined as anything that is not harmful to the environment. These products or services contribute to the conservation of resources like water and energy and reduces ecological/environmental footprint, which refers to the effect that an entity has on the environment. Eco-friendly gardening is one of the ways to reduce our environmental footprint.

Inorganic fertilizers contain artificial materials and synthetic chemicals. The main goal of using inorganic fertilizers is to provide high concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium directly to the plants. This kind of fertilizer does not enrich the soil and may leave substances that will build up over time and eventually harm your plant.

Choosing which type of fertilizer to use depends on your budget and the nutritional needs of your succulent, but also consider the environmental impact of your preferences and the long-term effect it can have on the ecosystem.

Another way of providing nutrients to your plants in a natural way is by using composted materials. The process involves running your kitchen scraps and other garden materials into decomposed materials that aid in the growth of beneficial microbes in your plant soil. These decomposed materials turn into soul supplements that are filled with nutrients and are regarded by gardeners as “black gold”.

The process of composting may seem like a daunting task, but it has many benefits to your plant and our environment. Compost materials enhance the quality of the soil and improve the appearance and growth of your succulents. Not only does it make for a good and cheap alternative to chemical fertilizers and supplements other organic fertilizers, but it also reduces the wastes that come from our homes.

Most garden stores sell organic compost, but you can also make your own. Organic compost contains three main ingredients. The first is the browns, and they include dry leaves, branches and twigs, and even shredded newspapers. Next is the greens, or materials like vegetable and fruit scraps, grass clippings, coffee grounds, tea bags, and eggshells. Lastly, make sure to add the right amount of water to your compost pile.

Start by putting your browns at the bottom of your compost bin. Add a layer of greens on top of your browns. Alternate the layers and water the compost regularly to keep it moist. The water also helps in breaking down the organic matter of your compost pile. Cover the compost bin with a material that will help maintain the moisture and heat of your compost pile. Every two to three weeks, mix the compost using a garden fork. The composting process can take up to two months the least, depending on how much compost you want to produce.

We recommend using compost bins for your composting to make sure that the process is sanitary and that your compost pile is secure. Compost bins are readily available in most hardware stores.

Gardeners use rooting hormones to stimulate the growth of new roots. They also protect plant cuttings from fungus and other diseases. Synthetic rooting hormones come in the form of liquid, powder, or gel, but there are natural alternatives that you can probably find in your home.

Cinnamon powder

Cinnamon powder is a rooting hormone commonly used by succulent growers. Dip the cuttings in cinnamon powder or sprinkle the powder in the soil. Cinnamon powder also repairs any wound in the cuttings and prevents the growth of fungus in the soil.

Honey

Honey is a popular rooting ingredient for succulents because of its antifungal and antibacterial properties. Mix a tablespoon of raw honey to two cups of boiled water. Let the mixture cool, then store it in an airtight container. Keep it away from light. The mixture will last for about two weeks. To use it as a rooting hormone, dip the cuttings in the solution.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Gardeners commonly use apple cider vinegar as an organic weed killer because of its pesticidal properties. Beware of using too much apple cider on your plants because they may kill your plants. To use apple cider as a rooting hormone, mix ½ teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to 8 cups of water. Dip the ends of the cuttings on the mixture then stick the cuttings directly in the soil.

Pesticides and Insecticides

Using pesticides and insecticides helps get rid of pests in your plants, but they can also kill predators that your plants need. Pesticides can destroy your plant’s health and reproduction and can also cause an imbalance in its ecosystem. Instead of pesticides, there are natural alternatives you can use that are safe for your plants and are less harmful to our environment.

Neem oil

Dilute one teaspoon of neem oil in 8 cups of water and mix it well. Spray the mixture to in the infested parts of the plant. We recommend spraying neem oil on your plants at night to prevent your plant from being sunburned.

Rubbing alcohol

Create a solution of ½ water and ½ rubbing alcohol. Dab or spray the solution directly on the pests.

Essential oils

Spraying diluted citrus oil can help you get rid of pests and harmful insects in your plants. Similarly, sprinkling eucalyptus oil directly on the pests can deter them.

Soapy Water

Mix a few drops of soap to 2 cups of water. Spray the solution directly on the infested areas.

Ladybugs

Ladybugs are beneficial insects that feed on the harmful insects on your succulents. You can get these beneficial insects from your local nursery, gardening stores, or shops that sell farming equipment.

Your best choice for eco-friendly pots and containers are those made from biodegradable materials like coconut fibers and bamboo. You can also reduce your ecological footprint by recycling or reusing your plastic containers and repurposing them as plant containers. Tin cans and old toys make for suitable plant containers for your succulents.

Sustainable gardening doesn’t need to be costly and tedious. A little creativity and research can help you find eco-friendly ways of growing your succulents that you will also enjoy. If you have other ideas on how to practice sustainability in growing succulents, please do share it with us in the comment box below. We’d love to hear from you!