Interiorscape firm picks favorite office plants

Interiorscape plants can be marketed with an environmentally conscious angle, said Kenneth Brewer, national technical and health and safety manager at Initial Tropical Plants in Riverwoods, Ill.

“Green plants bring us many benefits, both physiological and psychological. For some, just getting plants to live for the long term indoors is a challenge. Here are seven plants whose requirements are simply to satisfy,” he said.

Brewer’s top office plants include:

* Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ plant): The ZZ plant has thick fleshy leaves and naturally glossy leaves. It produces 2- to 3-foot-long pointed spears lined with alternating shiny, dark leaves.

* Scindapsus aureus (golden pothos): Golden pothos is a low-growing vine that typically doesn’t grow taller than 18 inches tall, unless grown on a pole. It can be kept virtually anywhere in the home or office.

* Sansevieria (snake plant): It can be used as an accent plant or en masse. It grows in high light or deep shade, and it tolerates low humidity, low water and low feeding.

* Aglaonema (Chinese evergreen): Chinese evergreens are available with dark-green leaves and some are variegated. They tolerate a wide range of light, as well as neglect, and are relatively resistant to pests.

* Spathiphyllum wallisi (peace lily): The peace lily is a herbaceous perennial. Its long-lasting flowers start out pale-green and slowly turn creamy-white as they open.

* Dracaena Janet Craig: It’s available in bush and cane form and as a braided tree.

* Aspidistra elatior (cast iron plant): The cast iron plant grows well in a container or in the landscape.

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For more: Kenneth Brewer, Initial Tropical Plants, (847) 634-4250; kcb@initialplants.com.

April 2008