10 Plants to Perk Up Your Workspace

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For many of us, working in a small space indoors can get a little… gray. But a couple experts have some plants and tips for County employees that can help perk up your workspace and make it a little more colorful.

Master Gardeners Laura Starr and Lisa Rini offered a list of plants that fare well indoors. They both note that no plant will do well indefinitely in an office environment, due to the lack of natural light and fresh air. But there are steps you can take to ensure the plants live as best as they can.

There is no Countywide policy regarding having plants at your desk, but be aware a department or site may have guidelines about bringing in something green.

Aside from making things more aesthetically pleasing, Starr said some of the plants below have been shown to clean the air. All are inexpensive and pretty easy to get.

 

1. Sansevieria

 

2. Dracaena

 

3. Golden Pothos

 

4. Bromeliad

 

5., Spider Plant

 

6. African Violet

 

7. Anthurium

 

8. Chrysanthemum

 

9. Phalaeonopsis Orchid

 

10. Peace Lily

 

Master Gardener Office Plant Tips:

  • All-things H2O: NEVER let a plant sit in water. Always have a drainage hole in the container to avoid overwatering. Rini said plants should be watered one time per week. Moisture meters can be purchased for about $6-$10 and can help you decide if your plant is thirsty or not. And remember, water only! No dumping soda or coffee into your plants.
  • Don’t over-fertilize: You need to follow your plant’s label carefully to ensure the plant doesn’t get burned by the fertilizer. There are many online articles that can offer up recommendations for fertilizer.
  • Scrub them down: Wash down the leaves periodically to rid the plants of dust and dead leaves.
  • Let there be light: The fluorescent lights in an office should provide enough light for these plants, but if possible, set the plant near a window.
  • Regulating temps: Air conditioning and heat can be drying to plants, especially the flowers, so make sure your plant is not placed directly in front of a vent.
  • Check for pests: Check your plant carefully every week and note any changes — webs, sticky substances, ants and insects. If the problem cannot be easily groomed off of the plant, it may be best to replace the plant.

If a plant is starting to decline, rotate it out of the office and into an outside, shaded garden. When it starts to flourish again, move it back onto your desk and repeat as needed.

Sounds like too much work?  There’s no shame in simply replacing the plants periodically (especially if you like flowering plants).

The Master Gardener program is overseen by the UC Cooperative Extension, which staffs the County’s Farm and Home Advisor Department. If you have questions about your office plant, please feel free to contact the Master Gardener hotline at 858-822-6910.