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Time of India
17-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
10 best small plants for your office desk
Adding small office desk plants to your workspace is a simple way to make it look better and feel healthier. Plants like Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, and Pothos help clean the air by removing harmful chemicals such as formaldehyde and benzene. They also help reduce stress and boost productivity, just looking at plants for a few minutes can make you feel calmer and more focused. These plants are easy to care for and do well even in low light, making them perfect for busy professionals. A little greenery can go a long way in creating a peaceful and refreshing work environment Small and easy to care office desk plants including snake plant, peace lily, and others 1. Snake plant: Known for its air-purifying qualities and ability to thrive in low light conditions. It's also great for busy people, as it can survive with infrequent watering. 2. Zamioculas plant: A low-maintenance plant that can tolerate neglect and low light. Its shiny leaves also add a touch of modern style to any office space. 3. Pothos: A versatile and adaptable plant that can thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. It's also easy to propagate and can be trained to climb or trail. 4. Spider plant: Excellent at removing common indoor air pollutants like formaldehyde and xylene. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo It's also easy to care for and produces cute white flowers. 5. Succulents: These plants come in various shapes and sizes, requiring minimal care and adding a modern touch to your desk. They're perfect for people who tend to forget to water their plants. 6. Aloe vera: Known for its air-purifying qualities and soothing properties. It's also great for skin care, as the gel inside the leaves can be used to soothe burns and cuts. 7. Peace lily: Effective in removing pollutants and toxins from the air, while also adding a touch of elegance with its white flowers. It's also known to help reduce stress and anxiety. 8. Dracaena: A popular office plant that can thrive in low light conditions and requires minimal care. It's also known to grow quite tall, making it a great option for offices with high ceilings. 9. Philodendron: A versatile and adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of lighting conditions. It's also great for air purification and can be trained to climb or trail. 10. Bamboo palm: A compact and low-maintenance plant that can thrive in low light conditions. It's also known for its feathery leaves and ability to add a tropical touch to any office space.
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Plant expert shares the house plants that will survive while you're on holiday
If you're wondering how your house plants will fare while you're off on holiday, this plant expert has revealed the top five plants that can thrive without constant care - and the ones that can't Now that summer is here, holidays, weekend breaks, and extended getaways are filling up our calendars. But for plant owners, setting off can come with a pang of guilt. Will your array of indoor plants survive while you're away, basking in the sun? The great news: you don't have to choose between your passion for travel and your love of greenery. Whether you're jetting off to the seaside for a week or exploring a new city, there are plenty of hardy houseplants that flourish with minimal care. Plant enthusiast, Beards & Daisies, unveils the ultimate summer guide to plants that won't mind being left behind. 1. Snake Plant Shop here for £13.58 down from £16.99 This architectural plant is practically indestructible. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant. They can go up to two or three weeks without water while also tolerating low light, making them ideal for apartments or offices. 2. Satin Pothos Shop here for £12.97 Another sustainable plant that can thrive in an indoor environment is the Pothos. With vine-like leaves that cascade down from hanging baskets or shelves, the Satin Pothos requires watering only when the soil is dry to the touch, and it can make itself comfortable in low-light settings, making it ideal for placing in corners of your workspace or home. Plus, its fast growing even without constant care, so you yield a lovely, flourishing plant with minimal effort. 3. ZZ Plant Shop here for £16.99 The ZZ Plant is touted as a favourite for frequent travellers, as it boasts waxy, oval-shaped leaves that store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments. Even if forgotten for a month, the ZZ will still look healthy and full while requiring little care and watering. 4. Spider Plant Shop here from £13.99 Needing watering only every two weeks, the Spider Plant is a resilient grower that's known for its long, arching leaves and baby 'spiderettes" that spread and multiply without much maintenance. It can handle short periods of drought and bounce back quickly after neglect, making it a great household plant to have when you plan weekends away or family trips abroad. 5. Peace Lily Shop here for £9.99 While appreciating regular watering, the Peace Lily is another forgiving plant that can still thrive when forgotten now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to track when it needs care, and it quickly and noticeably perks back up after a drink, ensuring it doesn't die if left alone for periods of time. Some of the hardest plants to keep alive include Orchids, Fiddle Leaf Figs, and Gardenias. All of these are highly sensitive to overwatering and need regular and specific care. They are also very susceptible to environmental change or a change in routine, making them temperamental and not capable of flourishing when left alone for days on end.
Daily Mirror
19-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Gardeners urged to keep 7 houseplants that survive without water for weeks
While it's nice to have houseplants, it can be hard to look after them all, especially if you are going on holiday or lead a busy life - so here are some pretty low-maintenance and forgiving plants If you love having houseplants but don't have the time to tend to them regularly - here are seven plants that don't mind if you forget about them. Houseplants can bring happiness to a home as well as making it look pretty, but they do require some looking after every now and then. Even going on holiday can cause havoc to your potted greens if they aren't able to be watered as much as they need. The good news is there are a few that will let you off with not watering for a few weeks and the experts at Beards & Daisies have revealed the ultimate summer guide to plants that won't mind being left behind. Snake Plant Also known as "Mother-in-Law's Tongue," this architectural plant is practically indestructible, which is perfect for those who aren't great at keeping plants alive. Snake plants store water in their thick, upright leaves, making them drought-resistant and it means they can go two to three weeks without water and tolerate low light. They are ideal for apartments or offices and an added bonus is that they help purify indoor air. ZZ Plant The ZZ Plant is a favourite among frequent travellers due to being such low maintenance. Its waxy, oval-shaped leaves store moisture, and it thrives in low-light environments, and you only have to water it once a month for it to still look healthy and full. This plan seriously tolerates neglect like a champion. Pothos Pothos is not only a pretty looking plant, it's also very forgiving too. With cascading vines and heart-shaped leaves, this plant is extremely adaptable and can survive with inconsistent watering and can thrive in bright and low light. It's fast growing and easy to maintain, but if you are going away - just give it a good soak beforehand. Spider Plant Spider plants are renowned for being resilient with it's long arching leaves and baby 'spiderettes.' It can handle short periods of drought and bounces back quickly from neglect. It needs watering every one to two weeks and can grow in bright indirect light as well as low light. Cast Iron Plant It's called cast iron for a name - as it's nearly unkillable. This plant is native to the forest floors of Japan and Taiwan, it thrives in low light and poor soil, and it's not fussy about watering. It's great for dim corners and needs a watering every two to three weeks. Succulents and Cacti One of the most obvious and popular low maintenance plants are succulents and cacti. They're nature's desert dwellers and store water in their leaves or stems and can go weeks without a drink. Just be sure they're in well-draining soil and placed near a bright window. Peace Lily Peace Lily's are very forgiving if you forget every so often to water, but they do appreciate regular hydrating. You will know when it's thirsty as it will dramatically droop - making it easy to read, and will perk up again once watered. They have beautiful white blooms and have good air-purifying qualities. While it appreciates regular watering, the Peace Lily is forgiving if you forget now and then. It droops dramatically when thirsty, making it easy to read, and perks back up after a drink. Pro plant parent tips before you travel according to the experts: Hydrate Before You Go: Water your plants thoroughly a day before departure. Use Self-Watering Systems: Options range from DIY bottle spikes to stylish ceramic globes. Group for Humidity: Cluster plants together to create a micro-humidity zone. Mulch the Soil: A layer of pebbles or moss helps retain moisture. Move Them Out of Direct Sunlight: Reduces the water evaporation rate.
Straits Times
13-06-2025
- General
- Straits Times
Root Awakening: Calabash Tree produces inedible fruit
Calabash Tree is ornamental This plant's fruit looks like a pomelo. I understand from a Google search that the plant is a Calabash Tree. Are the fruit edible? Thomas Wan The plant is indeed the Calabash Tree (Crescentia cujete). Its fruit are inedible. When dried, the mature fruit's hard shells can be made into musical instruments and other receptacles. The tree is grown in local parks and gardens as an ornamental plant. 'Shade-tolerant' plants still need sunlight I have been unsuccessful in growing popular indoor plants, such as the Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, Money Plant and Peace Lily. They wilt after a few weeks. I keep them in the corridor of an HDB flat with indirect sunlight. I water every few days with rainwater or tap water that has been left in a pail for 24 hours. When my moisture meter shows that some parts of the soil are dry and others are wet, I spray the soil's surface lightly. I add liquid fertiliser to the water, as I find that damp compost attracts pests. Am I watering too much or too little? Is it better to water in the morning or evening? How can I save a wilting plant? Chris Yap The plants you mentioned are often touted as 'shade-tolerant plants'. Although they tolerate shade, they will not thrive in dim areas. A lack of light will cause them to decline over time, with sluggish growth, etiolated (stretched) stems and susceptibility to pests and diseases. Most need at least four hours a day of filtered sunlight. Check that the sunlight of your growing area casts a shadow with a fuzzy edge. Consider installing grow lights if the area is not bright enough. Watering is best done in the morning before the day gets hot and plants need more water. Avoid watering at night, especially if the plants are in the shade and lack air circulation, as this may lead to disease. Moisture meters may not be reliable. When you water, do so until excess liquid trickles out from the pot's drainage holes. Remove the excess liquid, as a pot sitting in standing water can cause a waterlogged root zone and lead to mosquito breeding. After watering, the growing mix should feel moist. Let it dry out before watering again. Stick your finger below the soil surface and feel for moisture, and water when it is dry. Plants in sunnier, windier areas will dry out faster. Monitor the intervals between watering sessions and establish a regimen. When a plant wilts due to lack of water, its survival will depend on the extent of root damage. If the roots have dried out, the plant will not recover. Depending on the plant species, you may be able to salvage a cutting from above the roots and propagate it in water. Some gardeners use soil-less media, such as semi-hydroponics, if they find soil difficult to handle indoors. However, not all plants thrive in such mixes. Succulent leaves look scorched The plant may have been burned by a sudden change in light intensity. PHOTO: JAVIER CHEW My succulent has brown spots and patches on its leaves. It is near a window that gets sunlight for about half of the day. What is wrong and how can I rescue my plant? Javier Chew The leaves seem to be sunburnt. Has the plant been in that spot for a long time? If it was grown under less intense light previously, such as under grow lights or elsewhere in your home, the sudden change in light intensity may have scorched the leaves. Alternatively, a chemical – such as a pesticide – or fertiliser administered in too high a dose or under strong light may cause similar symptoms. Unfortunately, the marks are permanent. The good news is that the new leaves look fine and new growth will eventually replace those that are damaged. Gradually adapt the plant to higher light levels and lower the dosage of any fertiliser or other chemicals. Substances could be pest-related The white masses could be a scale insect or mealy bug. PHOTO: SOH KENG HON The black dots could be pest eggs or a sign of fungal disease. PHOTO: SOH KENG HON My curry plant has a sticky white substance that kills the leaves it is on and drips down to other leaves and plants. There are also black dots on the plant. What are these and how do I get rid of them? I have pruned the entire plant several times, but the problems persist. Soh Keng Hon The white masses could be scale insects or mealy bugs . These sap-sucking pests can be removed via a strong jet of water. You can also spray the plant thoroughly with a pesticide, such as summer oil, that will suffocate them. Repeated applications are often necessary to eradicate the pests. Inspect your plant regularly and act promptly to prevent such issues. Are you able to scrape the black spots off easily? If you can, they could be a pest's eggs. If you cannot, they could be signs of a fungal disease. Pruneaffected leaves and discard them. Do not compost them. Grow your Curry Tree in a sunny spot to improve its health and make sure it gets enough air circulation. Bush Grape fruit are inedible This tree's fruit contain calcium oxalate crystals that can injure the mouth and throat. PHOTO: LEO CHIN KWANG This creeping plant's fruit start off small and green, then turn yellow and finally orange when mature. Are the fruit edible? Leo Chin Kwang This climbing vine is the Bush Grape (Cayratia mollissima). Its fruit are not edible, as they contain calcium oxalate crystals that can injure the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat. Answers by Dr Wilson Wong, an NParks-certified practising horticulturist and parks manager. He is the founder of Green Culture Singapore and an adjunct assistant professor (Food Science & Technology) at the National University of Singapore. Have a gardening query? E-mail it with clear, high-resolution pictures of at least 1MB, if any, and your full name to stlife@ We reserve the right to edit and reject questions. 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The Independent
28-01-2025
- General
- The Independent
Office plants add warmth to the workplace. Only some will thrive
Lush, green plants have the power to transform a space, imparting character, warmth and charm. And there is no space I can think of that could benefit more from a little character, warmth and charm than your average office cubicle. But growing plants in windowless spaces can be challenging, to say the least, no matter how green your thumb is. Fortunately, there are several 'low-light' houseplants that will not only survive but thrive under the overhead fluorescent light fixtures common in commercial office spaces. These plants also have low water needs, which means they won't miss you when you take a weeklong vacation. And they're all easy to care for, making them perfect for new houseplant owners. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) A vining plant with waxy, heart-shaped leaves that can grow up to 8 feet long. Hang a pot from a hook or place it on an overhead storage unit and allow its long stems to hang over the edge. There are many varieties, with golden, jade and satin among the best for low-light conditions. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia) Glossy foliage and an upright habit that can reach 3 feet tall. Its narrow profile makes it perfect for placing on the floor beside your desk. Consider the green-leaved standard, the speckled variegated or trendy black Raven varieties. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema) Smooth, glossy, sometimes variegated or mottled leaves. Consider a variety whose green leaves have vibrant red or orange striations for a pop of color, a cream or creamy-pink variety for elegance or a speckled or blotchy one for a touch of whimsy. Snake Plant (Dracaena trifasciata, formerly Sansevieria) The common name is one of two bestowed on this old-time favorite with upward-growing, sharp, pointy leaves (the other is mother-in-law's tongue). Opt for the standard green variety. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior) A shade-loving tropical plant that actually prefers artificial lighting over sunlight. The plant is as strong as its name implies. Its sword-shaped green leaves can also handle the too-warm or too-cool temperatures often spewed by finicky office thermostats without wilting. Air Plant (Tillandsia) Grows well under fluorescent lighting without natural sunlight. It also grows without a pot or soil. You can even glue one to a frame to create a living portrait. As far as care goes, just mist it with water every couple of days or give it a good soaking every week or two (more often if the air is dry). Air Fern (Sertularia argentea) Not to be confused with air plants, air ferns are marketed as plants that don't require any sunlight or water. Sound too good to be true? It is. Air ferns aren't actually plants at all. They're not even alive. The dried skeletal remains of marine hydrozoans are dyed green and sold as no-maintenance "houseplants." ___ Jessica Damiano writes weekly gardening columns for the AP and publishes the award-winning Weekly Dirt Newsletter. You can sign up here for weekly gardening tips and advice. ___ For more AP gardening stories, go to
