Floorstanding Plants

Green Walls

Outdoor Plants

Ceiling Raft

Furniture Planting

Design

Installation

Maintenance

Floristry

Live Plants

Preserved Plants

Replica Plants 

Our Team

Contact Us

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Slavery and Human Trafficking Statement

Vacancies Home

Locations

Case Studies Root

Biophilic Playlist

CPD Presentations

Transform your workplace with expertly designed office planting

Stunning planting schemes for restaurants, bars, and hotels.

Boosting property value with nature-led designs

Bringing natural appeal to your properties

Innovative biophilic designs that inspire

Services to enhance & maintain your greenery

Helping preserve your budget and cashflow

Custom plant designs tailored to your needs

Professional installation of plants and systems

Regular plant care and maintenance services

Discover all of our plant-related services

Solutions to bring greenery into any environment

Versatile plant arrangements for any space

Vertical gardens to enhance your environment

Hanging greenery for ceilings and open spaces

Integrated planting solutions for furniture

Explore our full range of planting systems

Fresh, living plants to breathe life into spaces

Realistic artificial plants for effortless beauty

Corporate floral arrangements for visual impact

See our work in action with real-world examples

Expert insights, tools, and guides for your projects

Helpful guides, videos, and inspiration for plant lovers

Insightful conversations on biophilic design

Calculators & interactive tools to support your projects

Calculate the return on your planting investment 

Engage with fun quizzes and detailed surveys

Learn and earn qualifications in biophilic design

Explore trends, tips, and stories in biophilic design

Blog Home

Have another question? Our expert team is on-hand to answer any and all questions you might have!

Learn why over 100 hospitality chains trust us to Plant for them

Some of the questions that we here are Plant Plan are most frequently asked! This collection explores plant care, office and commercial planting questions, and more!

Introduction

What is a preserved planting green wall?

What are the benefits of preserved planting walls and moss walls?

Do preserved planting and moss walls need maintenance?

How long do preserved planting and moss walls last?

Where are preserved planting and moss walls best used?

Preserved vs. living walls: which is right for me?

How much do preserved planting and moss walls cost?

Can preserved planting and moss walls be customised?

Who installs preserved planting and moss walls in the UK?

Final thoughts

Looking for a way to bring greenery into your space without the upkeep of a living wall? Preserved planting walls and moss walls could be your perfect solution...

Looking for a way to bring greenery into your space without the upkeep of a living wall? Preserved planting walls and moss walls could be your perfect solution.

All your questions about preserved planting and moss walls answered

Everything you need to know to start your office plant journey: answering questions about plant costs, how many plants you'll need, and more.

Whether you're an office manager in charge of organising plants or an interior designer doing research for a client, this collection of articles will help you get started with indoor planting.

Everything you need to know to get started with office plants.

Office Plants 101

All your questions about preserved planting & moss walls answered

Preserved Green and Moss Walls: The Plant Plan Complete Guide

What is plant rental?

How does the plant rental process work?

Who looks after the rented plants?

What types of plants can I rent?

Is plant rental suitable for any business?

What are the benefits of renting rather than buying?

How can I get started?

Looking to add greenery to your space without the upfront investment? Renting living plants is a flexible and affordable way to enjoy the beauty of lush, natural displays while keeping costs under control.

Discover how plant rental works with Plant Plan. from design and installation to ongoing care. Enjoy beautiful live planting without the maintenance. Perfect for offices, hotels, and commercial interiors across the UK.

All Your Questions About Renting Plants for Your Office or Commercial Space Answered

Everything You Need to Know About Renting Office Plants

What does “low light” actually mean?

Can office plants really survive in low light?

What are the best low light plants for offices and interiors?

How do you care for low light plants?

Do low light plants still improve air quality and wellbeing?

Can artificial lighting replace natural light for plants?

How can you best plan your planting space for low light?

Conclusion: Thriving in the Shade

Introduction
It’s not uncommon that the projects that we work on rely on carefully curated species selection, industry leading lighting solutions, and special maintenance schedules to make sure that the biophilic schemes that we install deliver not just impact, but lasting impact in low light spaces.

Light is one of the most important factors in plant success. Too little of it, and even the hardiest species, those adapted to life on the shaded rainforest floor, can begin to struggle.

To help you make the most of your greenery, our experts have answered some of the most common questions we receive about caring for plants in lower light offices. We have also shared a few of our favourite species for these environments, which you can explore below.

If you would like to see our full list of suggested plants, you can head to our blog on the six best office plants plants for low light.

What does “low light” actually mean?
Put simply, “low light” means the places where your plants just don’t get much natural sunlight. These are the corners and corridors that most low light indoor plants call home.

Typically, when we refer to “low light,” we’re talking about low levels of natural light. As you move further away from a window, light levels drop exponentially. Combine this with the already sun-starved climate here in the UK, and light levels in the deeper areas of office spaces, which often lack daylight anyway, can be surprisingly low.

The inverse square law of light explains this drop. For a plant just a few metres from a window, it may receive only a fraction of the light it would get directly from the sun. This is why plants for dark offices need to be chosen carefully, thriving in places where light is a luxury rather than a guarantee.

Artificial plants by Plant Plan
Sansevieria zeylanica

Can office plants really survive in low light?
Certainly they can!

Many of the indoor plants used in office environments are naturally adapted to low light conditions.

Most of the species we use in commercial spaces come from rainforest habitats, where the climate is steady and sunlight filters through dense layers of canopy. These plants have evolved to thrive in the shade, growing lower down where light is limited but consistent.

Adapted species often have broader leaves, slower growth, and incredibly efficient photosynthesis. In fact, too much sunlight can actually harm them. In the softer, filtered light of an office, these plants don’t just survive, they flourish.

Modern office space with a potted plant, exposed brick wall, wooden floor, and a colorful abstract painting partially visible on the left.
A Chinese Evergreen in a low light corner.

What are the best low light plants for offices and interiors?
Sansevieria (snake plant), Aglaonema, and Pothos are among the most well-known choices, and they also happen to be some of the best low maintenance plants around.

These species perform well in lower light because they are naturally hardy. Plants like Pothos and Aglaonema often climb existing vegetation or grow along the forest floor, which means they are perfectly adapted to thrive in the shade.

There are also occasions where replica or preserved planting can be the ideal choice. These options can create a striking visual impact in darker areas, though they do lose some of the air-purifying benefits that living plants provide.

A modern shelf with books, a speaker, decorative items, a potted plant, and a lamp against a textured wall.
How do you care for low light plants?
Caring for low light plants is all about balance and consistency.

Because these plants grow more slowly and use less energy, they do not need watering as often as those that love the sun. Check the soil regularly and water only when the top layer feels dry to the touch.

Overwatering is the most common mistake. When water lingers around the roots, it can cause rot and lead to wilting. Aim for light but regular watering to keep the soil evenly moist without becoming waterlogged.

Dust and grime can block valuable light, so gently wipe leaves every few weeks to help them absorb what light they receive. Rotating your plants occasionally will also keep their growth even, ensuring every leaf gets its fair share!

gails
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

Do low light plants still improve air quality and wellbeing?
Yes, they do! Even in dim spaces, low light plants make a noticeable difference.

Shade-tolerant plants continue to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, subtly improving indoor air quality. Beyond that, any greenery, whether living, preserved, or replica, supports wellbeing by bringing a sense of calm, reducing stress, and improving focus.

These benefits are at the heart of biophilic design, which connects people with nature through thoughtful interiors. At Plant Plan, we apply these principles across all our projects, helping workplaces feel healthier and more balanced.


Very low lighting planting for the Tate Britain.

Can artificial lighting replace natural light for plants?
Yes, artificial lighting can help plants thrive where natural light is limited.

Modern LED grow lights can provide the specific wavelengths that plants need to photosynthesise and stay healthy. It is important to understand the difference between decorative lighting and horticultural lighting. Decorative lighting enhances ambience, while grow lights are designed to replicate the quality of sunlight that plants rely on.

Plant Plan design schemes can integrate both, ensuring that every plant receives the light it needs, even those tucked away from windows.


Ficus in dark corners

How can you best plan your planting space for low light?
Start by understanding your space and how light moves through it. Even in a low light office, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your planting while keeping your chosen species healthy and thriving.

The best low light planting schemes begin with careful observation. Knowing where natural light reaches and where it fades helps ensure that every plant is perfectly placed. For your home office space however, don't worry too much! So long as you choose one of the low light loving plant species we've mentioned, you should be just fine!

For larger offices, it may be worth considering a professionally designed planting scheme. A specialist can assess light levels, recommend suitable species, and create a design that thrives in your space year-round.

Conclusion: Thriving in the Shade
Low light doesn’t mean lifeless. With the right mix of species, lighting, and care, even the dimmest corners can become lush, uplifting spaces that feel alive. The secret lies in thoughtful design, understanding how light moves, and selecting plants that are perfectly suited to their environment.

At Plant Plan, we’ve spent years creating planting schemes all across the UK that thrive where sunlight is scarce. Whether it’s through living, preserved, or replica planting, our team knows how to bring biophilic design to every space, bright or shaded.

If your office could use a little green inspiration, get in touch with our design team. We’ll help you create a low light planting scheme that not only survives but truly flourishes.

Sansevieria (Snake Plant)

Philodendron

Pothos

Spider Plant

Peace Lily

Bamboo Palm

FAQs

Here at Plant Plan, we’re used to working with low light levels.

So, we thought we’d dive into our treasure trove of biophilic expertise to answer some of the questions we’re most often asked about low light planting.

Discover the best low light office plants and expert tips from Plant Plan on how to help your greenery thrive in shaded spaces through smart biophilic design.

Best Plants for Low Light Spaces: FAQs from Our Planting Experts

Understand what makes an amazing plant design, from architecture to aftercare.

Frequently Asked Questions

All your questions about preserved planting & moss walls answered

All Your Questions About Renting Plants for Your Office or Commercial Space Answered

Best Plants for Low Light Spaces: FAQs from Our Planting Experts

Planting Systems

Services

Plant Types

Company

Resources