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A self-taught artist for more than 40 years, Lou works with everything from leather to mosaic tile, metal, wood and plants. At Amlings, he's part of the creative team that turns ambitious design ideas into reality. And when something breaks, needs rebuilding or seems downright impossible to make? That's usually when someone calls Lou.

We caught up with Lou to talk about the art of figuring things out and why he has such a hard time parting with his artwork.

You've been making art for more than 40 years. How did it all start?

I was always building things as a kid. I would build apartments with furniture for my Star Wars figures, or make my own Ghostbusters equipment. I wasn't really thinking of it as art back then, I just liked figuring out how to make stuff. My dad is a mechanic and a welder, and I grew up watching him make his own tools, and make rusted antique tractors run again.

As an adult, I got into realism painting and drawing. I learned screen printing by working in T-shirt and garment shops. At another job I learned how to tile showers and kitchens, and from there, I got obsessed with tile and mosaics. I learned leatherworking for fun, made purses and wallets and belts. And more recently, my dad taught me to solder and weld so now I'm sculpting with metal.

Visual art is my life and gives me purpose. It's a large part of what I do at work, and it's basically all I do when I'm not at work.

So how does someone with that kind of artistic background end up working with plants?

I've always been interested in plants and nature. I grew up on a farm, and my Grandma once told me that as a toddler, I was so fascinated with the tiny buds on her flowers that I would pick them off before they had a chance to bloom! In college I took courses in general horticulture and plant taxonomy, where we got to dissect flowers under a microscope, make technical drawings of their structures and learn all their Latin names. I can’t always remember the name of someone I met at a party two hours ago, but I can tell you the scientific and common name of nearly every tree on your street! That’s also when I started doing outdoor landscaping, working for the Parks and Recreation Department in Columbia, Missouri.

When I moved to Chicago in 2016, I figured outdoor landscaping year-round would be out of the question, so I searched the internet for “interior landscaping” and found a company that was hiring right away. This company was eventually acquired by Amlings, and I've been working here ever since. My job is an interesting combination of the things I love: plants, architecture, design and art.

What exactly do you do at Amlings?

I wear a few different hats…I order all of our blooming plants and orchids, make artificial and botanical arrangements, take care of live plants in the warehouse, and sometimes assist in the floral department. As part of the Creative Team, the designers come up with ideas, and I figure out how to make them happen. That can mean building props for seasonal displays, figuring out how to install something that doesn't have an obvious way of being installed, or reinforcing a prop to make it safer.

And then there's all the stuff that breaks.

They call me "Dr. Lou", and we have a “Hospital” for broken items…. I've repaired wooden rocking chairs, created a new eye out of leather and resin for an artificial elk, and made a new foot for a penguin. If something needs to be rebuilt, repaired or made more secure, I'm usually involved.

What's the strangest thing you've had to make?

I once made a red M&M’s Guy figurine for someone at Mars Wrigley. His round body was a peppermint candy Christmas ornament, covered in reindeer moss which I dyed red. His arms and legs were bendable foam tubes, and his hands and eyes were from a Mister Potato Head. I carved his little shoes out of wood. Recently I built a realistic-looking dock for a lake-themed holiday display, and a gravesite for a Halloween installation.

This week I’m building a “light curtain” that will hang on the side of an exterior building wall that’s about 23 feet long and 23 feet tall. The biggest challenge was finding a place to hang it in the shop so I could assemble it and make sure the whole thing is rigged safely. We do these things in advance so our guys installing it don’t have to worry about it from 23 feet above the ground!

It's a lot of problem-solving. That's what I enjoy.

When you’re making art outside of Amlings, what kind of work do you create?

All kinds, but I really enjoy studying plants and recreating them in different materials. I might take a small leaf sample from a plant or an artificial flower and study its shape and structure so I can reproduce it in metal. Recently I started making jewelry, like small pendants and brooches. They’re almost all based on real plants or botanical structures. Sometimes I’m integrating metal, wood and plants in one piece to hang on the wall.

Nature is full of design. So much of what we create as artists comes from patterns and forms that already exist in the natural world.

Do you sell your artwork?

Sometimes, but I tend to hoard it! I spend so much time creating these things that I don't necessarily want to part with them. But I used to sell my paintings to strangers on Etsy and eBay, and have art shows in small galleries and coffee shops.

Lately my wife Emily and I are selling our work at local craft fairs, and I did my first commissioned public art piece this year-an outdoor mosaic mural in our neighborhood of Hermosa. It’s her beadwork pattern translated into ceramic tile and metal, inside three empty window frames on the side of the building.

Sounds like creativity runs in the family.

It does now!

My wife is a visual artist, too, but we didn’t know it until a few years ago. Her background is in technical writing and music, but one day she started making these incredibly intricate beaded tapestries with different colors and patterns- with no planning or plotting them out first, they just come from her brain. She also makes jewelry, and we’re starting a small business together where we collaborate on these pieces.

And my mom is an artist now, too. We didn’t know she could paint until one day, she took a Bob Ross painting class, and now she's doing craft shows and has her own studio where she makes all kinds of things.

Apparently, it's contagious.

What role do you see plants filling?

I think we're meant to be connected to nature, and having plants around us can help reduce stress and improve our mood and productivity. I've worked in buildings with absolutely no plants, and they can feel pretty depressing. And from an artistic standpoint, plants are endlessly entertaining. The repeating shapes and patterns, the way leaves are arranged on a stem- there's so much inspiration there.

With all that creativity, do you ever get tired of working with plants?

No, never.

Every month we make detailed arrangements with succulents and orchids, building them in a bowl with moss or a piece of wood. We try to keep things new and exciting, so the next month, we need to create something completely different with the same kinds of materials. I always love it when a client emails us about one of our arrangements, telling us how much everyone enjoys it in their space.

We have to ask: What does your own plant collection look like at home?

Our apartment is full of plants, art, and mood lighting. It's a pretty fun space.

As far as how many living plants I have right now, I’d say a dozen or maybe two…. But I looked around and realized, if you counted all the non-living plants I’ve collected and preserved- pressed, dried, preserved in glycerin or resin, you could say I have HUNDREDS of plants. And then if you count the plants in the furniture and art on the walls, paintings, drawings, prints, a few metal sculptures, plaster or resin casts, jewelry... maybe THOUSANDS of plants!

What's something about you that might surprise your coworkers?

I grew up in a small farming town in Missouri and wanted to get out and experience something different, so when I was in my 20s I moved to Seattle with whatever fit in my car, knowing just one person there. I ended up staying for 11 years. For most of those years, I managed apartment buildings. My favorite one was a 100-year-old, castle-like building on a cliff called the Ben Lomond. I helped restore it, and made a lot of the design decisions inside and out- doing tile work in the bathrooms and kitchens, re-painting walls historic colors, and repairing the landscaping.

I was so connected to it that everyone called me “Lou Lomond.” I loved that combination of history, architecture, and hands-on work. I even researched its history and wrote a little self-published book, or “zine”, about the building, which I gave to all my tenants when I left Seattle, and we sold it in a local book shop.

I also thought I’d be an archaeologist at one point, and spent 6 weeks on an archaeological dig in Israel in 1996.

Do you have the itch to travel still?

Well, my wife loves to travel, but I'm more of a homebody. I’ll go places, but you have to drag me out! But we do travel regularly, and we both pack our luggage with art supplies.

I prefer to be at home in my studio, surrounded by my art, my wife, my plants and my cats, making new stuff. My little world is big enough for me!

The best way to get rid of fungus gnats in office plants is to identify their source, correct overly damp growing conditions, monitor adult insects, and address larvae when necessary. Yellow sticky traps can help catch adult gnats, but traps alone rarely solve an ongoing infestation because the larvae develop in moist potting media.

For persistent infestations, Amlings also uses targeted treatments such as Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and beneficial nematodes, along with replacing the upper layer of moist growing medium when appropriate. These measures help address developing fungus gnats beneath the soil surface, not just the adults flying around the office.

For Chicago office managers and property managers, the goal is to resolve the issue without damaging the plants, disrupting employees, or turning one small complaint into a recurring building problem.

Heres what to look for, what actually works, and when professional plant care can help.

Key Takeaways

• Fungus gnats are usually more annoying than dangerous. Adults dont bite people and generally cause little direct harm to established office plants.
• Excessively damp growing media often contribute to infestations. However, proper watering depends on the plant and container.
• Sticky traps only address adult gnats. Amlings also uses Bti and beneficial nematodes to target larvae and typically replaces the upper layer of moist soil in affected planters when appropriate.
• Identify the source before treating. Small flying insects around a commercial building arent always coming from plants.
• Prevention depends on consistent care. Appropriate watering, clean containers, monitoring, and follow-up can help reduce recurring problems.

What Are Fungus Gnats in Office Plants?

Fungus gnats are small, dark-colored flies often found around the soil of indoor plants.

They belong to several groups of fungus-associated flies, with dark-winged fungus gnats in the family Sciaridae particularly common around potted plants.

The adults typically have slender bodies, long legs, and delicate wings. They can resemble tiny mosquitoes.

Youll often notice them moving around planters, walking across the surface of potting media, or flying near windows and light fixtures.

But heres the important part: the flying insects are only one stage of the problem.

Fungus gnats lay eggs in suitable moist growing media. Their larvae live within the substrate, where they feed primarily on fungi, microorganisms, and decaying organic material.

This explains why simply catching the adults may not resolve an established infestation.

The University of Minnesota Extension explains that fungus gnats prefer damp potting soil and are generally nuisance pests in established houseplants.

Are Fungus Gnats Harmful to Office Plants?

Usually, the biggest issue is their presence.

Adult fungus gnats dont bite and dont directly feed on people.

In typical established indoor plant arrangements, they are generally more of a nuisance than a major source of plant damage.

However, high populations of larvae can sometimes damage tender roots, particularly in young or vulnerable plants.

If an office plant is yellowing, wilting, or dropping leaves, dont automatically assume the gnats are responsible.

The plant may be experiencing excessive moisture, inadequate light, poor drainage, or another issue that needs investigation.

Why Do Fungus Gnats Appear in Office Plants?

The most common contributing condition is persistently moist growing soil and environment..

Fungus gnat larvae benefit from the fungi and organic material associated with damp conditions.

That doesnt mean every affected plant was improperly watered.

An infestation may also be introduced through new plants or contaminated potting media.

And some commercial plant containers retain moisture longer than expected because of their size, drainage arrangements, or location.

Overwatering Can Create Favorable Conditions

Its easy to assume that watering an office plant regularly is the safest approach.

But plants dont all need water at the same frequency.

A large tropical specimen near a bright window may use water differently from a similar plant in a dim interior conference room.

If both receive identical amounts on the same schedule, one may remain wetter than appropriate.

Repeated overwatering can encourage the conditions fungus gnats prefer.

Poor Drainage Can Keep Growing Plants Too Wet

Decorative commercial planters sometimes use interior grow pots, liners, drainage trays, or other arrangements to protect surrounding surfaces.

These systems need to be managed correctly.

If excess irrigation water remains in a container, the plants root environment may stay too wet.

That can contribute to both fungus gnat activity and plant-health concerns.

The right solution depends on how the planting system is constructed.

New Plants May Introduce Pests

An office may have an excellent maintenance routine and still encounter pests after introducing new plants.

Fungus gnats can travel with plants and growing media.

Inspecting new material before it joins an established interior landscape is a useful preventive measure.

Existing Moisture Problems May Go Unnoticed

Sometimes a plant looks perfectly acceptable above the surface while the growing medium remains excessively wet below.

Thats why visual inspection alone doesnt reveal everything about the plants condition.

A horticultural evaluation may need to include moisture assessment, drainage, and the physical condition of the root environment.

How to Get Rid of Fungus Gnats in Office Plants: Five Steps

If employees are noticing small insects around a lobby planter or conference room plant, theres no need to panic.

The most productive response is organized and focused on the source.

Step 1: Confirm Youre Dealing With Fungus Gnats

Before applying treatments, establish what kind of insect youre seeing.

Fungus gnats are commonly confused with fruit flies and drain flies.

These insects have different breeding environments, so their management can differ.

Check whether activity is concentrated near potted plants, the soil surface, or nearby windows.

If possible, document the insects with a clear photograph.

A qualified horticultural technician or pest-management professional can help with identification.

Step 2: Find the Affected Containers

Start with the plants nearest the reported activity.

Look for adults moving around the growing medium.

Consider placing yellow sticky monitoring cards near the suspected containers, away from areas where people or clothing could contact the adhesive.

The University of Minnesota Extension recommends yellow sticky cards as a way to detect and capture adult fungus gnats.

Monitoring can help determine which plants are involved and whether the number of adults is changing.

Dont assume every plant in the building is infested just because insects appear in one area.

Step 3: Review Watering and Drainage

Once a suspected source is identified, investigate moisture conditions.

Is the growing medium staying wet between maintenance visits?

Does the container drain appropriately?

Is excess water collecting in an interior liner?

Are employees adding water independently of the regular maintenance schedule?

These questions matter because an effective solution should address the conditions supporting the insect population.

The objective is not to withhold water until the plant suffers.

Its to maintain moisture levels suitable for the particular plant while avoiding unnecessary saturation.

Step 4: Determine Whether Additional Treatment Is Necessary

Correcting growing conditions and monitoring adults may be sufficient for a minor problem. Persistent infestations may require additional treatment directed at larvae.

Amlings uses Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti) and beneficial nematodes to target fungus gnat larvae in the growing medium. Our team also typically replaces the top few inches of moist soil, where fungus gnats commonly lay eggs, when appropriate for the plant.

These methods work alongside proper watering and drainage to help control infestations and reduce recurring problems.

Biological treatments should be selected and applied by qualified personnel according to product instructions and applicable building requirements.

Step 5: Monitor for Recurring Activity

Even after the visible population declines, monitoring remains important.

Fungus gnats develop through multiple life stages, and overlapping generations can occur in indoor conditions.

If the underlying moisture problem persists, adult insects may continue emerging.

Monitor suspected plants, review watering practices, and investigate any renewed activity.

Successful management means addressing the source—not simply making the insects disappear for a day.

Do Sticky Traps Really Work for Fungus Gnats?

Yes, but they serve a specific purpose.

Yellow sticky traps attract and capture adult fungus gnats.

They can be useful for monitoring activity and reducing the number of adults in an area.

However, larvae remain in the growing medium.

This means sticky traps alone may not eliminate an established population.

The Colorado State University Extension guide to fungus gnats explains why adult monitoring and larval management play different roles.

The Difference Between Adult and Larval Control

Management method	What it addresses	Important limitation
Yellow sticky cards	Adult monitoring and capture	Doesnt directly control larvae in the soil
Appropriate moisture management	Conditions supporting larval development	Must respect the plants watering needs
Drainage corrections	Excessive moisture in containers	May require changes to the planting system
Beneficial nematodes	Fungus gnat larvae living in moist growing media	Require appropriate handling, application conditions and moisture to remain effective
Surface soil replacement	Removes upper growing medium where fungus gnat eggs and larvae may be present	Does not guarantee complete removal; must avoid damaging plant roots
Properly labeled Bti treatment	Susceptible fungus gnat larvae	Doesnt control adults; label directions govern use
Ongoing inspections	New or recurring activity	Requires follow-through and source identification

For a commercial property, effective fungus gnat management may involve combining adult monitoring, moisture and drainage corrections, biological larval treatments, and targeted replacement of affected surface soil. The appropriate combination depends on the infestation and the growing conditions of the plants.

Office Plant Pest Control: What Should Property Managers Do?

The horticultural response is only part of the equation.

When insects are appearing around a corporate lobby or shared workspace, theres also a practical communication problem to solve.

The office manager needs to know whats happening and whos responsible for addressing it.

Employees may report insects without knowing where theyre coming from.

A tenant might notice several flies near a conference room window and assume the building has a larger pest problem.

And a well-meaning staff member may try spraying the area before anyone identifies the insects.

Thats why a simple response framework is so useful.

Office Managers Fungus Gnat Response Checklist

1. Record the location. Note the room, floor, and nearby plants.
2. Document the concern. Take photographs or describe where the insects appear.
3. Contact the appropriate provider. Ask the plant maintenance team or building pest professional to identify the source.
4. Review recent changes. Mention new plants, watering changes, renovations, or altered HVAC conditions.
5. Request a corrective plan. Confirm what will be inspected and which actions are recommended.
6. Coordinate treatment. Verify building access, approvals, and any occupant communication requirements.
7. Schedule follow-up. Confirm that someone will assess whether the issue has actually improved.

This approach also creates a record if a problem keeps recurring.

Mid-Article CTA: Dealing With Recurring Office Plant Problems?

A few fungus gnats may not seem like a major issue—until the same concern keeps appearing in different rooms or your facilities team spends time chasing updates.

Amlings provides commercial interior plant maintenance for Chicago-area properties, including ongoing horticultural care and proactive attention to plant health.

If your existing plant program is creating repeated concerns, Amlings can discuss the installation, environmental conditions, and appropriate ongoing care.

CTA Button: Discuss Your Plant Care Concerns

Explore Amlings commercial plant maintenance services.

What If the Insects Arent Coming From the Plants?

This is worth checking before treating an entire office plant collection.

Not every small fly around a workplace is a fungus gnat.

Fruit flies can be associated with fermenting food or organic material.

Drain flies typically develop in moist organic buildup associated with drains.

Certain fungus-associated flies may also develop in other persistently damp locations within buildings.

The University of Maryland Extensions fungus gnat guidance recommends determining whether insects are emerging from plants or another moisture source.

If insects are appearing near break-room drains, plumbing fixtures, or mechanical equipment rather than around planters, the buildings pest-management or facilities team may need to investigate.

Dont replace healthy office plants simply because insects are present somewhere nearby.

The first step is confirming the source.

How Can Commercial Properties Prevent Fungus Gnats?

Prevention is largely about making the environment less favorable for reproduction while keeping plants healthy.

That takes consistent attention rather than a dramatic intervention.

Use Plant-Specific Watering Practices

Plants should be watered according to their needs, not simply because its a scheduled service day.

Appropriate watering depends on plant species, growing medium, container size, light, temperature, and other conditions.

The goal is to supply enough moisture without keeping the growing medium unnecessarily saturated.

Keep Growing Media and Containers Clean

Remove accumulated dead leaves and plant debris as appropriate.

Inspect container liners and drainage areas.

Address standing water or persistent moisture conditions.

Clean, well-maintained plant installations are also more attractive in high-visibility commercial spaces.

Inspect New Plants Before Installation

New plants deserve attention before theyre introduced to an established collection.

Inspecting foliage and growing media can help identify pests or suspicious conditions.

Where appropriate, plants may be monitored separately before installation.

Avoid Uncoordinated Employee Watering

This is an easily overlooked issue in commercial offices.

A plant may already be receiving professional maintenance when an employee decides it looks thirsty and adds water.

Multiply that by several helpful people, and the growing medium may become wetter than intended.

Clear responsibilities can help avoid conflicting care.

Review Repeat Trouble Spots

If fungus gnats keep appearing around the same planter, theres a reason to investigate.

Is the container draining properly?

Does the location receive less light than expected?

Is there a moisture problem unrelated to plant watering?

Repeatedly treating the visible insects without evaluating those conditions may allow the problem to continue.

Why Chicago Office Conditions Can Complicate Plant Care

Indoor plant care doesnt stop changing just because the plants are indoors.

Commercial buildings respond to seasonal weather, occupancy, and operational demands.

During Chicago winters, reduced daylight and changing heating conditions may influence how quickly certain plants use water.

For plants receiving less usable light, growth and water demand may decline.

If irrigation isnt adjusted appropriately, the growing medium may remain moist longer.

The solution isnt automatically to water less across the entire building.

Its to evaluate the actual conditions for each installation.

Large commercial properties may also have different growing environments from one floor to another.

A bright lobby, dim corridor, and interior conference room can all require different care.

Professional maintenance should account for those differences.

When Should You Call a Professional About Fungus Gnats?

A small, isolated issue may be manageable by confirming the source and adjusting appropriate care.

But some situations deserve additional professional attention.

Consider involving a horticultural or pest-management specialist when insects appear repeatedly, multiple planters are affected, plants show unexplained decline, or the origin of the insects is unclear.

A professional evaluation can help distinguish a routine plant-care issue from a situation requiring broader building investigation.

What Should You Ask Your Plant Maintenance Provider?

Consider asking:

• Have the insects been positively identified?
• Which plants or moisture sources appear to be involved?
• Are the plants receiving appropriate watering?
• Does the container drainage need attention?
• Is any treatment recommended, and who will authorize it?
• What follow-up is needed?
• How can the issue be less likely to recur?

These questions help move the conversation beyond a quick spray or a replacement sticky trap.

They also help property managers evaluate the quality of ongoing service.

How Amlings Supports Professional Office Plant Care

Amlings published commercial services include interior plant design, installation, and ongoing horticultural maintenance throughout the Chicago area. The company emphasizes selecting plants suited to their surroundings and providing continued care after installation.

Its documented maintenance offering includes watering, grooming, and proactive plant-health attention. These capabilities are directly relevant to preventing common growing-condition problems and recognizing when an installation needs attention.

When fungus gnats become a problem, Amlings combines horticultural knowledge with targeted treatment methods to address the infestation.

Our team uses Bti and beneficial nematodes to target fungus gnat larvae in the growing medium. We also typically replace the top few inches of moist soil when appropriate, helping remove material where eggs and developing larvae may be present.

These treatments complement the broader plant-care practices that help prevent recurring infestations, including monitoring soil moisture, evaluating drainage, and adjusting watering according to each plants needs.

For Chicago property managers and facilities teams, this approach means looking beyond the flying insects to address the conditions contributing to the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fungus Gnats in Office Plants

1. Do fungus gnats bite employees or office visitors?

No. Adult fungus gnats do not bite people.

Theyre generally considered nuisance insects rather than a biting pest.

However, the presence of flying insects can understandably cause concern in a shared workplace.

2. Are fungus gnats the same as fruit flies?

No.

They can appear similar at first glance, but fungus gnats are commonly associated with damp soil, while fruit flies are often associated with fermenting organic material.

Identification matters because the source and appropriate management can differ.

3. Can fungus gnats spread between office plants?

Yes.

Adult fungus gnats can move between nearby containers and lay eggs in suitable moist growing media.

This is one reason to inspect adjacent plants when an infestation is discovered.

4. Should an infested office plant be thrown away?

Not automatically.

Many infestations can be managed by correcting environmental conditions and using appropriate control measures.

Replacement may be considered if the plant is severely declining, the growing medium is unsuitable, or repeated interventions are unsuccessful.

The decision should account for both plant health and the needs of the property.

5. How long does it take to eliminate fungus gnats?

There is no reliable universal timeline.

Results depend on the extent of the infestation, environmental conditions, treatment approach, and whether the underlying source has been corrected.

Because multiple life stages may be present at once, monitoring after initial treatment is important.

6. Can fungus gnats come from drains or other damp building areas?

Some fungus gnats can develop in suitable moist organic material outside plant containers.

Other small flies, including drain flies, may also be involved.

If the source is uncertain, a qualified pest-management or building professional should investigate rather than assuming the office plants are responsible.

7. Can employees use insect spray to get rid of fungus gnats?

Employees should not apply pesticides in shared commercial spaces without appropriate authorization.

Not all products are suitable for occupied environments, and treating adult insects alone may fail to resolve larvae in the growing medium.

Building-approved procedures and product-label requirements should guide any treatment.

Keep the Plants. Lose the Recurring Problems.

Office plants should make your property look more inviting—not create another problem for the facilities team to manage.

When fungus gnats appear, the most important step is understanding why.

Sometimes the solution involves correcting moisture conditions.

Sometimes additional pest management is appropriate.

And sometimes the real source isnt the plants at all.

The goal is to identify the problem, take the appropriate action, and prevent unnecessary disruption.

Amlings works with Chicago-area commercial properties to design, install, and maintain interior plant displays.

If youre dealing with recurring plant-health concerns or wondering whether your existing maintenance arrangement is delivering the care your property needs, Amlings can help you explore your options.

A conversation can clarify your current installation, recurring trouble spots, environmental conditions, and what a suitable ongoing care program could involve.

Ready to discuss a better approach to caring for your office plants?

Beautiful office plants can completely change how a workplace feels. But before choosing a statement tree for the lobby or greenery for a conference room, theres one important question: Does the space have enough light to keep those plants healthy?

Office plant lighting determines which plants can thrive in different areas of a commercial building. The right approach is to assess natural and artificial light, match plants to those conditions, and plan for changes throughout the year.

For Chicago offices, hotels, and commercial properties, understanding lighting before installation can help prevent struggling plants, unnecessary replacements, and disappointing results.

Key Takeaways

• Start with the space, not the plant. Evaluate lighting before selecting greenery.
• Low-light tolerant doesnt mean no light. Even adaptable plants need sufficient light to survive.
• Office lighting isnt always plant lighting. Fixtures designed for people may not provide adequate light for plant growth.
• Placement matters. Window direction, obstructions, HVAC conditions, and furniture layouts affect plant performance.
• Plan for the long term. A successful plant installation should look beautiful on opening day and remain attractive through ongoing care.

Why Does Office Plant Lighting Matter?

Plants need light for photosynthesis, the process that allows them to produce the energy required for growth and survival.

When plants receive insufficient light, their growth may slow, stems can become elongated, leaves may yellow, and foliage can thin out. Too much direct sunlight can cause scorching or discoloration.

The University of Minnesota Extensions indoor lighting guide explains why matching plant requirements to available light is essential for healthy indoor growth.

For commercial properties, the consequences go beyond plant health.

Imagine a beautifully renovated office lobby with an impressive collection of plants. Everything looks wonderful at installation. A few months later, some plants begin losing leaves while others become sparse and uneven.

The original design may have been attractive, but the planting locations werent appropriate for the available light.

Now the property manager has another issue to resolve.

This is why lighting deserves attention during the design process rather than after problems appear.

A successful installation considers how the plants will look today, how theyll grow, and what will be required to maintain the original design.

What Types of Lighting Do Office Plants Need?

Office plant lighting generally falls into three categories: low, medium, and high light.

These describe the amount of usable light available to plants, not simply how bright a room looks to the human eye.

Low-Light Office Plants

Low-light areas may include interior corridors, offices with north-facing windows, or spaces far from direct daylight.

Plants adapted to lower light levels often grow more slowly and require less frequent watering than they would in brighter conditions.

Examples worth considering include:

• ZZ plants (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
• Snake plants (Dracaena trifasciata)
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema)
• Cast iron plants (Aspidistra elatior)
• Certain pothos varieties (Epipremnum aureum)

These plants are commonly recommended for lower-light indoor environments, but their performance still depends on receiving sufficient usable light.

Low light is not the same as darkness.

A windowless conference room with lights that remain off for most of the day may not support live plants without supplemental lighting.

Medium-Light Office Plants

Medium-light environments often include spaces near windows with indirect daylight or offices with suitable artificial illumination.

Depending on the actual light levels, possibilities may include:

• Rubber plants
• Certain philodendrons
• Monstera
• Some dracaena varieties
• Selected ferns

Medium-light conditions can provide flexibility for interior designers because they accommodate a variety of foliage shapes, heights, and textures.

However, two locations in the same office can have very different growing conditions.

A plant beside a window may receive substantially more usable light than another plant across the room.

High-Light Office Plants

High-light locations typically receive strong natural illumination, often near unobstructed south- or west-facing windows.

Certain flowering plants, succulents, and other sun-adapted species may perform well in these conditions.

But bright windows can create their own challenges.

Direct sunlight may overheat foliage, while large expanses of glass can create temperature fluctuations.

A plant that tolerates strong light may still struggle beside an HVAC vent or against cold glass during a Chicago winter.

The goal isnt simply to find the brightest location.

Its to find a location that provides the right combination of light, temperature, airflow, and maintenance access.

Office Plant Lighting: How to Evaluate Your Space

Before selecting plants, walk through the property and consider how lighting changes from one area to another.

A reception desk, interior hallway, and executive conference room may all require different planting strategies.

1. Identify Natural Light Sources

Start with the windows.

Consider their direction, size, and distance from proposed plant locations.

North-facing windows generally provide less direct sunlight than south-facing windows in Chicago. East-facing windows often receive morning sunlight, while west-facing windows can produce stronger afternoon exposure.

Nearby buildings, exterior overhangs, tinted glass, and window coverings can change those conditions considerably.

A south-facing window surrounded by taller buildings may provide less useful light than expected.

2. Evaluate Artificial Lighting

Artificial lighting can supplement daylight and may be necessary in interior spaces.

However, lighting intended for employee comfort doesnt automatically meet a plants requirements.

Consider:

• Fixture type and placement
• Hours of operation
• Distance between the fixture and foliage
• Light output appropriate for plant growth
• Whether lights remain on during weekends and holidays

A conference room illuminated only during meetings may receive very little consistent light.

In contrast, a workspace with suitable lighting operating on a predictable schedule may provide better growing conditions.

3. Consider Seasonal Changes

Chicagos seasons can significantly change indoor daylight availability.

Shorter winter days, lower sun angles, and changing window exposure can affect plants that performed well during summer.

Plants near windows also need protection from uncomfortable temperature extremes and drafts.

4. Check the Surrounding Environment

Light is only part of the picture.

Plants also respond to temperature, moisture, airflow, and the conditions around their containers.

A plant placed directly beneath an HVAC supply vent may experience additional stress.

A large container positioned in a busy corridor may create maintenance and circulation challenges.

Consider how the entire location functions before finalizing the design.

5. Measure Light When the Answer Isnt Obvious

Visual inspection provides a starting point, but measurements can help when plant performance is uncertain.

A horticultural professional can assess the amount and duration of available light and compare those conditions with the needs of proposed plants.

For technically demanding projects, photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) and daily light integral (DLI) can provide more useful plant-growth information than a general impression of brightness.

A Practical Office Plant Lighting Decision Guide

Use this framework when planning a new installation or evaluating an existing commercial plantscape.

Office location	Likely lighting challenge	Recommended approach
Windowless conference room	Inconsistent or insufficient light	Evaluate supplemental lighting or artificial greenery
Interior corridor	Limited natural daylight	Consider low-light-tolerant plants only if sufficient artificial light is available
Open office near windows	Uneven light across the floor	Match plant selections to individual locations
South-facing lobby	Strong sunlight and potential heat	Evaluate high-light plants, shading, and temperature
Glass-walled meeting room	Changing sun exposure	Check light intensity and duration before selecting plants
Reception area	Appearance must remain consistent	Prioritize suitable plants, appropriate containers, and ongoing care

These are starting recommendations, not guarantees. Actual plant selection should follow an evaluation of site conditions.

Which Office Plants Work Best in Low Light?

When a building has limited natural daylight, plant selection becomes especially important.

A few popular options deserve consideration.

ZZ Plants

ZZ plants have glossy foliage and a strong architectural appearance.

Their upright growth can complement contemporary interiors, making them useful candidates for reception areas and professional workspaces.

They tolerate relatively low light, although they still need enough illumination for sustained growth.

Snake Plants

Snake plants have distinctive vertical foliage that works well in narrow spaces or modern planters.

Their shape can make them attractive in corridors and other areas where a compact footprint matters.

They tolerate lower light conditions but generally grow more slowly there.

Chinese Evergreen

Chinese evergreen varieties offer attractive foliage patterns and different shades of green.

They can be useful when a designer wants more visual interest without relying on flowering plants.

Individual cultivars may have different lighting requirements, particularly those with colorful variegation.

Cast Iron Plants

Cast iron plants are known for their tolerance of relatively challenging indoor environments.

Their broad, dark-green leaves can work well in understated commercial designs.

Like other shade-tolerant species, they still require appropriate care and adequate light.

When Low-Light Plants Arent Enough

Sometimes the right answer is not another low-light plant.

If a space receives almost no usable light, the practical choices are to improve the lighting, relocate the plants, or consider high-quality artificial greenery.

Trying to force a live plant into an unsuitable location often creates ongoing frustration.

The most successful design is one that respects the space rather than fighting it.

Can Office Plants Grow Without Natural Sunlight?

Yes. Some office plants can grow without natural sunlight when appropriate artificial lighting supplies enough usable light for photosynthesis.

The important distinction is between no natural light and no usable light.

For an interior office, supplemental grow lighting may make live greenery possible.

However, successful artificial lighting requires more than installing an ordinary lamp beside a plant.

The lighting must provide suitable intensity, spectrum, duration, and coverage.

Fixture placement also matters.

A light mounted too far from the foliage may deliver insufficient energy, even when the room appears brightly illuminated.

Before installing supplemental lighting, consider its appearance, energy use, maintenance needs, and compatibility with the interior design.

For a highly visible commercial property, the solution should support both plant health and the desired aesthetic.

Why Do Office Plants Struggle Even When the Room Looks Bright?

A room that looks bright to employees may still provide inadequate growing conditions.

Human vision and plant growth have different requirements.

Our eyes adapt to changing brightness, making it difficult to judge whether a location provides sufficient light for photosynthesis.

Other common issues include:

Plants positioned too far from windows. Light availability can change considerably across a room.

Insufficient lighting duration. A plant may receive adequate illumination for only a small portion of the day.

Unexpected shading. Furniture, interior partitions, neighboring buildings, and window treatments may block light.

Seasonal changes. Winter conditions can reduce available daylight.

Incorrect watering. Plants growing in lower light often use water more slowly, increasing the importance of checking moisture before watering.

These issues can overlap.

For example, a plant experiencing low light may also be overwatered because its soil remains moist longer than expected.

That makes diagnosing plant problems more complicated than simply looking at the leaves.

When Should You Ask a Professional to Evaluate Office Plant Lighting?

A professional assessment can be useful when a property is planning a major installation, redesigning an existing space, or experiencing repeated plant problems.

Its especially valuable when:

• Plants repeatedly decline in the same location.
• The building has large areas with limited daylight.
• The property needs a consistent appearance across multiple floors.
• A renovation changes window access or interior lighting.
• The design includes large specimen plants or prominent displays.
• Facility staff want fewer unexpected maintenance problems.

For a commercial property, the goal isnt just keeping plants alive.

Its creating an environment that continues to look intentional, welcoming, and professionally maintained.

Make Your Plant Design Work With Your Building

Not sure whether your lobby, conference rooms, or shared spaces have the right conditions for live plants?

Amlings works with Chicago-area commercial properties on interior plant design, installation, and ongoing horticultural care.

A conversation with the Amlings team can help you explore plant selections, appropriate placement, container styles, and maintenance considerations for your particular space.

Talk to an Amlings Plant Designer

Contact Amlings

How Can Better Plant Placement Support a Commercial Property?

Good plant placement balances appearance with long-term practicality.

A statement plant can create a focal point in a lobby. Smaller groupings can soften a conference area. Thoughtfully positioned greenery can complement architectural finishes and furnishings.

But these visual improvements depend on choosing plants that suit their environment.

When plant selection and lighting conditions work together, a property has a better foundation for maintaining a consistent appearance.

That matters for the people responsible for the building.

Property managers want their lobbies to make a positive first impression. Office managers want attractive workspaces without constant plant-related problems. Designers want their original vision to hold up after installation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Office Plant Lighting

1. How many hours of light do office plants need?

It depends on the species, light intensity, and growing environment. Some indoor foliage plants benefit from approximately 12–14 hours of suitable artificial lighting, but that isnt a universal requirement. Evaluate the total light received rather than relying on hours alone.

2. Can fluorescent or LED office lights keep plants alive?

They can, provided the plants receive adequate light intensity, spectrum, and duration. Ordinary office fixtures may work for some species in certain locations, but their suitability should be evaluated rather than assumed.

3. Are low-light office plants maintenance-free?

No. Low-light-tolerant plants still require appropriate watering, cleaning, inspection, and occasional corrective care. Their slower growth in reduced light may also change watering needs.

4. Can a plant survive in a windowless office?

Yes, if appropriate artificial lighting supplies enough usable light. Without sufficient artificial or natural illumination, live plants will eventually decline.

5. Why do plants lose leaves after being moved?

Relocation can change light, temperature, humidity, and watering conditions. Some plants respond by dropping leaves or slowing growth. Persistent decline warrants a review of the new environment.

6. Should office plants be placed directly beside windows?

Not always. Direct sunlight, temperature extremes, and drafts can create problems. The ideal distance depends on the plant species, window orientation, glass characteristics, and surrounding conditions.

7. How often should office lighting conditions be reassessed?

Reassessment is useful after major furniture changes, renovations, lighting upgrades, repeated plant decline, or significant seasonal changes. Properties with stable conditions may not require frequent formal reassessment.

Create an Office Plantscape That Looks Beautiful Beyond Installation Day

The right office plants can make a commercial property feel more welcoming, polished, and thoughtfully designed.

But lasting results begin with understanding the space.

Lighting, plant selection, placement, containers, and maintenance should work together rather than being treated as separate decisions.

Thats where an experienced commercial plant design partner can make a difference.

Amlings works with Chicago-area property managers, designers, and businesses to create interior landscapes that complement their buildings and support long-term presentation.

Whether youre planning a new installation, refreshing an existing plantscape, or trying to solve recurring plant problems, the Amlings team can help you explore a practical approach.