Can Succulents Grow in Low-Light Office Environments?

Succulent Varieties

• Aloe vera, which grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 10 to 12, prefers full sunlight, but will grow slowly in low light. It won't flower unless it receives full sunlight, but you can still enjoy the foliage. Pony tail palms (Beaucarnea recurvata, USDA zones 9 through 12) also usually grow in full sun, reaching heights of 20 feet or more. If you grow them in an office with minimal light, the plants remain much smaller and better suited to container culture. Another family of succulents suitable for low-light areas are the Haworthia genus, which grow in USDA zones 9 through 11. They naturally thrive in shade so suffer minimal stress in a dark office.

Light Concerns

• Many succulents will survive under fluorescent office lighting, but they may suffer on weekends or extended vacations if the lights are left off. Moving the plants to a window or bringing them home during extended breaks can prevent damage. If the plant begins to suffer from lack of light, such as turning yellow, you may need to provide supplemental lighting. Setting the plant 6 inches below a fluorescent bulb, such as a small desk lamp, during the day may provide just enough light for the succulent to thrive.

Basic Care

• A little water and light fertilization is all most succulents need to thrive. The majority of the succulent varieties require infrequent watering, which makes them especially well-suited to the office where they may go several days without care. Water succulents when the soil begins to dry out, providing just enough to lightly moisten the soil. Succulents need to be fertilized only during spring and summer when they are actively growing. Applying 1/4 teaspoon of a 24-8-16 houseplant fertilizer, dissolved in 1 gallon of water, every four to eight weeks provides ample nutrients for continued healthy growth.

Problems

• Few problems affect indoor-grown succulents. Over-watering, especially in a low-light environment, is the primary problem. An over-watered succulent may develop rot in the roots or around the base of the leaves. Empty any drained water from the drip tray promptly after watering so the soil doesn't become soggy. Mites and scale insects may also infest indoor-grown succulents. Dab these pests with a cotton ball dipped in rubbing alcohol to kill them.