Question
Hi will,

I work in an office with florescent lighting and I have a 5' wall with a top shelf next to my desk.  I have tried to put a couple of differnt types of decorative plants on it but none have done to well.  I am thinking it is the florescent lighting.  Are there any plants that will do well in this type of lighting.  On the shelf they are about 3 feet from the ceiling.

Thank you for any help you can provide me.
Sincerely,
Susan


Answer
Hi Susan,

I care for hundreds of plants in offices like yours that have no windows and just overhead fluorescent lighting. There are many low-light plants that do well under just fluorescent light, as long as the lights are on for about 8 hours per day, 5 days per week. If you travel frequently or go on vacation, you will need to have someone turn on your office lights while you are away.

The best low-light plant for a shelf is a Pothos. It is not very tall and it trails down over the shelf. It can be kept pruned if you don't want it to trail too much. It comes in 6 and 8-inch diameter pots and Pothos usually do fine with a weekly watering. They do not need repotting or fertilizer and they will last for years.

If you prefer a more upright plant that will slowly grow taller, then I recommend a Chinese evergreen. Its care is similar to the Pothos.

A Parlor Palm is another option, but it is much more particular about proper watering and it is very prone to spider mite problems.

Small Rhapis palms do well in low light, but they are harder to find and are quite expensive. They also become quite tall after several years. Otherwise they are a good choice if you prefer that look.

I don't know what plants you have tried previously. If they were plants that required more light, then you had no chance of keeping them alive. If they were low light plants, then they may have deteriorated due to improper watering.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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