The ultimate Mars survival guide for office plants
We all know the one: that sad little plant in the corner that started out fresh and green, but now drops a dry leaf every week. They’re always there, but rarely top of mind the plants that quietly try to survive the modern office routine. Time for action. In this guide, you’ll learn how to help your plants (and maybe even your team) thrive, with practical tips and a touch of Mars magic.
1. Light = Life
Office plants are a lot like people: they function better with natural light. And just like you, they’re not happy being stuck in a dark corner or next to the printer, where even the fluorescent light has given up hope. Yet somehow, that’s often where they end up the only spot left, far from a window.
But light isn’t optional. Without enough of it, plants wear out. They stop growing, droop, and lose their colour. And that’s a shame, because with just a little attention, they can do the opposite: perk up and bring energy back into your office.
Mars tip: take a walk around your workspace and see where the light hits in the morning, afternoon and evening. Most plants prefer indirect, diffused light over direct sun. So not right on the windowsill, but also not in the darkest spot of the room. Find the sweet spot and both you and your plant will thank you for it.
2. Water, but with moderation
The number one cause of death among office plants? Love. Or rather: too much of it. Well-meaning colleagues take turns giving water without coordination. The result? Soaked roots, saggy leaves, and eventually, a plant that just gives up.
Plants appreciate care, but what they really need is consistency. A regular watering routine is better than enthusiastic chaos.
Mars tip: assign a ‘plant officer’ one person responsible for watering, on a fixed day each week. No team meeting needed, just set a Slack reminder. Simple and effective.
3. Pick plants that match your schedule
We get it. You’re hopping from call to call, forgetting where you left your coffee, and sometimes eating lunch at your desk. You need plants that can handle the pace and luckily, plenty can.
Not all plants are needy. Some are incredibly resilient and can deal with low light, irregular care and busy offices. That makes them perfect for shared workspaces and hectic schedules.
Mars tip: go for plants that are low-maintenance, forgiving, and easy to find at your local garden centre or DIY store. These are our top three office-proof favourites:
– Sansevieria (Snake plant): nearly indestructible, needs very little water
– ZZ plant (Zamioculcas): grows well in low light, stores water in its roots
– Scindapsus (Pothos): fast-growing, cheerful and tolerant of forgetfulness
They’re not just easy to care for they’re also stylish and widely available. With these green colleagues, you’ll be just fine, even during your busiest week.
4. What plants do for your brain
Plants don’t just look nice they actually do something for you. Studies show that a green workspace reduces stress, improves focus and boosts creativity. No fluff, just science. A few well-placed plants can make more of a difference than you’d expect.
Mars tip: show your office jungle a little love. A few plants can bring calm, atmosphere and maybe even a bit of pride to your workspace.
Bonus: Fake plants done right
No natural light? No time? No problem. A good artificial plant is still better than a crispy real one. Just make sure it’s a nice one not something that looks like it came from a waiting room in 2004. And don’t forget: even fake plants deserve the occasional dust-off.
