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A Plant Service that says NO to Boring Office Plants

August 26, 2013 by Miko Morita Leave a Comment

I’m tired of going to offices and seeing the same boring interior plants. The easiest way to create an motivating environment for your employees without spending a lot of money is to invest in interior plants and an interior plant service! But I beg you, please don’t hire a tired interior landscaper that only uses the same Draceanas, Pothos, and Kentia Palms that have been around for the last 30+ years. I want every office in Orange County to demand a unique interior plant design because indoor plants have come a long way and your office deserves better! Botanists have been working hard to find interesting plant hybrids and varieties that will grow and thrive inside. Take advantage of this and let us create an environment that will make your employees feel creative, enlivened and look forward to coming to work! Here are a few of my favorite unique interior plants for your office:

Zamioculcas zamiifolia aka ZZ Plant ~ Probably my favorite plant for it’s versatility, ease of care and interesting form. The ZZ Plant has dark green, very glossy succulent leaves and stems. It can handle moderate to bright light and does fantastic in an office! ZZ Plants can grow as large as 3-4 feet and as small as 6-12 inches. It’s unique form and beautiful foliage will definitely catch your eye and let your clients know that you are a unique company worthy of their business.

Draceana ‘Limelight’ ~ A new introduction for the interior plant world is this beautiful and stunning Draceana with lime-green foliage! The color stands out and will brighten any room especially when it’s pared with other darker green plants. The chartreuse leaves pair perfectly with modern design and it’s definitely one of the must-have plants today!

Draceana limelight usually comes as small as 8 inches to as tall as 5 feet. It likes medium to bright light and moderate to low water. It’s a great alternative to the common Draceana craigii plant.

Philodendron Cordatum ‘Brazil’ ~ Since lime-green is such a popular color right now, I have to mention one of my favorite hanging plants, Cordatum ‘Brazil’. This plant has heart-shaped leaves with a stripe of lime-green through each leaf in a random pattern. This plant is a perfect alternative for the very common Philodendron Pothos hanging plant.

Sanseveria ‘Moonshine’ aka Snake Plant ~ These spiky plants are perfect your your modern office decor. They can handle low to medium light and are easy to care for. I absolutely love ALL of the different Sanseveria varieties, some as small as 4 inches and others as tall as 4 feet. This one, Sanseveria ‘Moonshine’, caught my eye because of it’s stunning grey-green foliage. The new foliage emerges more grey and the mature foliage is more green, each with a dark-green stripe along the edge. It’s grows only 2 feet tall and has thicker leaves than it’s cousins. Overwatering is the kiss of death.

Ficus lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig ~ This spectacular plant has huge dark green, glossy leaves that are fiddle shaped and about 12 inches long. It’s a moderately fast grower and loves bright light. Place it near a window and it will become a wonderful character in you office. It makes a great specimen plant as a stand alone, but also can be purchased as small as 3-4 feet.

Ficus lyrata plants come in two forms. The picture you see to the left is called a ‘Column Form’. This type has leaves that start at the very bottom of the stem and they usually go straight up in a column shape. The other form is called a ‘Standard’. This type usually has a trunk and looks more like a tree with a wider group of leaves all at the top of the plant. Both forms are beautiful depending on the space you are looking to fill.

Ming Aralia ~ We have been experimenting with this incredibly unique interior plant and have had good luck! Ming Aralias have delicate fern-like leaves that remind me of an evergreen in a forest, but only a miniature version of this. They are lush and beautiful and thrive in bright indirect light to moderate office light. They are usually between 2 feet to 7 feet tall and grow as a narrow column.

The only draw-back to this spectacular plant is that they are not always available. My plant vendors definitely have these in abundance at times or not at all. So, my recommendation is to buy them up when you see them!

There are many more interesting plants to choose from that would make your office noteworthy. Creative designs are what I live for! If you need a professional opinion and are in the Orange County area, please call us today! (949) 354-3344 We would love to make your environment somewhere you love to be!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Green Plants, Healthy, Interior Design, Interior Plant Maintenance, Interior Plants, low light, Maintenance, Modern, Modern Design, Office Plant Maintenance, Office Plants, Orange County, Plant Care, Plant Service, Style

60’s Style Houseplants for your Modern Interiors Today!

August 12, 2013 by Miko Morita 6 Comments

1960’s Era Interior Design is huge right now and I’m loving it! Especially, since my house was built in the 70’s, which was really a carryover from the 60’s. Plus, my brother recently purchased an Eichler Home in Orange, it’s GORGEOUS and was the inspiration for this article. Eichler design is impeccable and he obviously had nature on his mind when designing these homes.

So, with 60’s architecture, comes 60’s Era Interior Plants. The first style of plants I think of are long drapping vines, most commonly used, Pothos Plants (Epipremnum aureum). These plants are easy to care for and will hang and climb as much as you let them. You would often see them climbing along walls or down bookshelves. I think it must have correlated with the free spirit of the 60’s lifestyle.

Some more modern uses of Pothos while still keeping that 1960’s vibe would be to use them in a more uniform manner along a wall or as a window covering. I love both of these Pothos pictures, because of their simplicity and I think this technique will differentiate the use of Pothos from the 60’s-frumpier-style to today’s-more-modern-take.

The next 60’s style plant I love is the Split Leaf Philodendron (Monstera deliciosa). This plant’s leaves almost epitomize a 60’s icon, also known as the Swiss Cheese Plant. You don’t see them often right now, but with the recent revival of 60’s design, I imagine they will become increasingly popular in the Interior Plant Industry! Their finger or hand shaped leaves are irresistible and best of all they are super easy to maintain. They thrive on neglect, need little water and medium light. When they are thirsty, they will tell you by drooping their leaves and that’s usually the best time to water because overwatering is a sure kiss-of-death for these dark green beauties.

Your Split Leaf Philodendron looks best planted in a container on it’s own. It’s unique and organic shape should be showcased alone, so you can make out the detail in the leaves, funky stems and aerial roots. I like the way these look in a tall container raised off the ground and preferably in an area that isn’t going to get a lot of traffic so you don’t damage the sprawling leaves.

Living in a 60’s style interior you were often surrounded by plants! One plant that does a great job at giving you that jungle feeling while still remaining modern is the Ficus Lyrata aka Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. This is a very popular plant right now and I absolutely love it’s massive leaves, shaped like Fiddles, hence the name. It’s related to the Rubber Tree, Ficus elastica which was even more popular in the 60’s, but I prefer the look of it’s cousin Ficus Lyrata. You often purchase them at a nursery in the shape of a tree or a column. You can keep them like this by pruning regularly, but naturally they’ll want to seek the light and create their own unique form (as seen in the photo above).

A classic 60’s plant that you don’t see much of any more is the Peperomia Plant. Just like the Split Leaf Philodendron, I believe that this little gem should be having a come back any day now. It’s unique 60’s appearance is just begging to be re-born in our Modern 60’s Re-do! Peperomia makes a perfect desk plant, it’s the type of plant you’d also put on your dining room table or coffee table so you can get up close and personal. The detail on the leaves and different textures of different varieties will make your guests want to reach out and touch these precious greens.

Also easy to care for, these little gems have succulent leaves and stems, so you need to be careful not to overwater. They will wilt a bit when thirsty and that’s usually the best time to water them. They like bright light, but don’t want direct sun, so place them in a window and fall in love!

Other 60’s style Interior Plants for your Modern Home: Spider Plant, Boston Fern, Sansevieria (Snake Plant), Rubber Plant.

Thank you for the inspirational photos from the following websites: Birch Box Blog, Mint Six Home Blog, The Brick House Blog, Elephantine Blog

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: 60's houseplants, 60's style, Architectural Plants, Green Plants, Healthy, Houseplants, indoor succulents, Interior Design, Interior Plants, Maintenance, Modern, Modern Design, Orange County, Plant Care, Style, Tips

more succulents indoors.

August 8, 2013 by Miko Morita 1 Comment

I just can’t get enough of these indoor succulents! I’m pretty sure it’s become an obsession. I was on my route today and with succulents on my mind, I spotted this little guy and knew he needed to be mentioned. To be honest I don’t know his name, but I really should because I’ve used him many times before. I’ve even used this guy in low light homes and he’s pretty bullet proof. If you see him, snatch him up because not only is he a keeper and loyal, but he’s not always easy find. And a shout out to my client Kathy H. who is an amazing Home Stager, she had the eye to find this guy and placed him in the perfect spot on this entry table.So, last night I was doing my nightly Pinterest browsing and came across this gorgeous Indoor Agave!!! Love love love! It made me realize that I haven’t played around with this beautiful species enough. It’s on my to-do list, but I imagine since they meet my #1 rule of Indoor Succulent Success ~SLOW GROWERS ONLY~ they would work in your interior space. One tip on Agaves though, they usually have spiky tips, so place accordingly (ie not in your bathroom, lol).

If you look closely, you’ll see that there’s also a tall slender Euphorbia ingens in the picture by the stairs along with a Pencil Cactus (Euphorbia tirucalli), which by now hopefully you know is my favorite indoor succulent. Euphorbias in general should do well indoors and that’s why I love this photo so much. It represents 3 large specimen succulent plants that you can easily use in your interior spaces, home or office. Impress your friends and your plant maintenance would also be a breeze! Do we concur, succulents are the best!

And last but not least, I can’t forget about my Tillandsia obsession. These Air Plants are indeed succulents. They can handle low to medium light and need little care. I usually soak mine in water for 3-8 hours every two weeks to keep them fresh, but everyone has a different method depending on the weather and humidity levels. I’ve been playing around a lot with this cute Tillandsia Terrariums. For more pictures, please check out my Living Decor Gallery!

You you didn’t read the original article, check it out here. There’s a lot more information on using Succulents Indoors in your Home and Office!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Architectural Plants, Green Plants, Healthy, Houseplants, indoor succulents, Interior Design, Interior Plants, low light, Maintenance, Modern, Modern Design, Office Plants, Orange County, Plant Care, Plant Service, Style

Orange County Plant Service Company goes gaga over Succulents Indoors!

August 6, 2013 by Miko Morita 16 Comments

So, everyone knows that succulents are the new ‘it plant’. You see them popping up in front yards everywhere you look. They are a wonderful choice in Southern California and Orange County from the inland desert areas to coastal regions. They are drought tolerant, have interesting textures and shapes, and magnificent colors year-round! I am a definite proponent of the

Pencil Cactus as Art!

succulent movement! Plus, you pretty much just pop them into the ground, avoid over-watering and Voila, a garden transformation is made!

All that sounds fun and easy, because it is, but running a primarily

Pencil Cactus

Interior Plant Design and Maintenance Company we have not always been so successful with succulents when growing indoors with mostly low light. For as easy as they grow in the exterior, in the interior they do the complete opposite and become bug infested, rotten and leggy overnight. But the artist inside of me wouldn’t give up and I have become determined to grow succulents indoors! Through a lot of trial and decease, I have had a few breakthrough plants I would love to share with you.

Snake Plant

Succulents come in so many interesting shapes and forms, they add to a space, just like a beautiful piece of art enlivens a room. My all time favorite Succulent Indoors would have to be the Pencil Cactus, Euphorbia tirucalli. This plant has proven to me that it can handle lower light while keeping its gorgeous architectural form. It will always need some natural light, but I’ve really tested this plant and as long as you don’t over water, it can be put in a medium light room with ease.

ZZ Plant

Two stand out plants, more common in the interior world, but definitely worth a mention for their versatility and hardiness. First, is Sansevieria ‘Snake Plant’ (comes in a lot of different varieties, some growing only 6 inches, others as tall as 4 feet). Second, is the Zamioculcas zamiifolia ‘ZZ Plant. Both of these plants can be used in a modern design and take very little care. The big bonus to these succulents are they can take medium to low light!

Aloe

So, the key to finding succulents that will grow and thrive indoors is to find plants that grow SLOW! I’m still continuing to experiment, but I have had good luck with Aloe varieties, Haworthia varieties, Agaves, Euphorbias and Kalanchoe ‘Flap Jack’.

And if you just have a brown thumb, you can always resort to replica succulents! I’m not shy to use these in low light situations

Haworthia species on left with Replica Succulents on right

and they look great when combined with living plants!

If you’ve had luck with growing succulents indoors please leave me a comment and tell me what you’re growing! Let’s share the knowledge and continue to grow together!

If you can’t get enough, click here for a few more awesome succulents in your home!

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Architectural Plants, Healthy, Houseplants, indoor succulents, Interior Design, Interior Plants, low light, Maintenance, Modern Design, Orange County, Plant Care, Plant Service, Style

Benefits of Interior Plants in your Home and Office

July 22, 2013 by Miko Morita Leave a Comment

When you decide to add plants to your home or office you are not just adding beautiful greenery. These living organisms interact with your body, mind and home in ways that enhance your quality of life!

A Natural Air Filter

Plants are proven to remove toxins from air – up to 87 percent of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) every 24 hours, according to NASA research. VOCs include substances like formaldehyde (present in rugs, vinyl, cigarette smoke and grocery bags), benzene and trichloroethylene (both found in man-made fibers, inks, solvents and paint). Benzene is commonly found in books and printed papers abound.

We are Less Stressed and More Productive Around Plants

Plants significantly lower workplace stress and enhance worker productivity. In a research study common interior plants were used in a computer laboratory with 27 computer workstations. A computer program to test productivity and induce stress was specifically designed for these experiments. Participants working in an environment with plants present were 12 percent more productive and less stressed than those who worked in an environment without plants.

Plants Reduce Sick Leave!

In another study by the Agricultural University of Norway, sickness rates fell by more than 60 percent in offices with plants.

The Dutch Product Board for Horticulture commissioned a workplace study that discovered that adding plants to office settings decreases fatigue, colds, headaches, coughs, sore throats and flu-like symptoms.

Other Benefits of Interior Plants

Increased positive feelings and reduced feelings of anxiety, anger and sadness.
Reduction of sound levels
Reduction of stress levels
Control of humidity to the within the optimum levels for human health
Cooling effect
Absorption of carbon dioxide and emission of oxygen refreshing the air
Improved concentration levels leading to improved productivity particularly with those working with computers
Reduction of absenteeism in the workplace
Faster recovery from mental tiredness
Interiors feel spacious, looked after and clean
People prefer to occupy rooms that contain plants
Improved image – interiors are perceived as “more expensive”
Increase in creativity

Conclusion: Love your environments!

Our need for nature was identified by the American biologist, Edward O Wilson, who developed a hypothesis called Biophilia, which he defined as “the innate affiliation people seek with other organisms and especially the natural world.”

Wilson’s research shows that, when given freedom to choose the characteristics of their ideal environment, people gravitate towards a location that combines three major features: positioned at height, overlooking the landscape, and being close to open water. Effectively, what has been described is the landscape of our distant ancestors from the African plains, and that is the sort of landscape where we instinctively feel at home and safe: Humanity’s natural habitat. So, by incorporating interior plants into your home or office it should be possible to make significant improvements to employee and human well-being.

For more information and facts go to: http://www.greenplantsforgreenbuildings.org

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Benefits, Green Plants, Healthy, Houseplants, Interior Plants, Office Plants