Question
Dear Sir,

I am looking all over for a plant to fit a specific space in our office.  It's a lobby and receives very, very little natural light.  We are looking for a hardy plant that stands around 4 to 5 feet tall.  Due to unreliable,shoddy winter heating in the Office Building...it gets pretty hot and pretty dry at points (Ranges from 70 to a little over 80) I think we had a Corn Plant in the past.  The leaves and branches went limp and the leaves yellowed one weekend when the heat first kicked in.  The soil we had it potted in was probably crummy and old too.  

Through some research, I decided I like Snake Plants, but a local nursery owner tells me that they do not grow up to the height we desire (4 to 5 feet).  Some info on the Internet contradicts this.  We are also seeking out a plant that isn't all that bushy.  More spare and upright.  Do you have any suggestions?  I thank you for your time.

-Adam

Answer
Hi Adam,

Let's start with the light, which is the most important
factor in selecting plants. "Very, very little natural light" is not enough for any plant to survive for a long time. However, if there is overhead fluorescent lighting above the plant, then then there will be enough light for low light plants.

Assuming that the latter is the case, then proper care is the next most important issue. The temperature range and the dry air are not important considerations as long as the plant is watered properly. If you avoid repotting and keep the plant in the soil that it was grown in, then soil quality will not be a problem.

Unless you don't have overhead lighting and/or you repotted your corn plant, then its demise was due to improper watering. A corn plant is a tried and true low light plant. However, it should not be repotted and you should allow the soil to dry down a quarter of the way from the top before you water.

There may be some snake plant varieties that grow to 4 feet, but you are not likely to find them. Snake plants are over-rated as low light plants. They may last for a year or two in low light, but they will deteriorate irrevocably after that. I don't recommend one for your situation.

A Dracaena 'Janet Craig' or a Dracaena 'Lisa' are two excellent low light plants that come in the 4-5 foot range. The 'Lisa' has a more slender profile, but is also more expensive.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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