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Anybody have a plant on their desk at work?

Ive been kicking around the idea for a couple months to get a plant for my desk at work. Then I read the below and thought, OK why not? I'll give it a shot...

In an article published in a recent issue of Horticultural Science, researchers at Texas State University in San Marcos found that workers who had at least one plant in their offices rated themselves as happier in their work and more satisfied with life in general than those without a plant. Those working alongside greenery were happier even than workers who had a window but no greenery.

Happiest of all were those with windows and greenery. But remarkably, even these lucky few were not significantly more content in their work than the windowless who enjoyed the company of plants.

The findings, which controlled for factors such as income, education level and job position, come from an Internet-based survey of 450 office workers in Texas, Kansas and Missouri. They follow research that suggests that indoor plants help purify the air, provide a calming visual cue for the troubled and create a link to humans' evolutionary past.

"It is more important to have a plant than a window," says Tina Marie Waliczek Cade, author of the study and the happy steward of a variegated philodendron and an ivy geranium in her office at Texas State University's Agriculture Department. "It was pleasantly surprising for a horticulturist."

SO - any green thumbers out there? If you were allowed to have a small plant on your desktop what would you go for? Im not a big fan of cactus's

Any ideas?

(and yeah, it's ok with corporate to have plants on our desks)

created by billy on Aug 10, 2008 at 04:45:40 pm     Comments: 18

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Comments ... #

I use to have a small bamboo plant on top of my desk. Wasn't much but was nice to see something not grey/beige/silver in my work area. So I agree even if only a little it made working nicer.

I also kept a family picture of my girlfriend, myself and my dog from a camping trip to hocking hills next to my monitor. So it's the little things :)

posted by jshriver on Aug 10, 2008 at 05:24:17 pm     #



I kill plants. But I bought one of those aquabulb things that water your plants for you for up to two weeks, and it actually works. All I have to do now is remember to fill it with water when its empty.
The picture of my kids at my desks brings me much joy. Cant kill a picture. :)

posted by swantucky on Aug 10, 2008 at 05:47:28 pm     #



From a plant website:

Finding a plant that will proivide color in the way of flowers on a consistant basis for an office interior is tough. While african violets ar often considered long term flowering plants for interiors they do need very bright light to flower consistantly While fourescent lighting seems bright to us to the violet it is not enough. You may have to go with plants that offer long term bloom and when they are done look for a replacement if you are wanting flower color. some that offer long term bloom would include members of the bromeliad family, kalanchoe, cyclamen. Some of these can maintain bloom for several months before they need replacing.

Chinese evergreens are pretty much indestructible, as are one of my personal favorites, the Peace Lily. These grow pretty slow, but the leaves and flowers get bigger and bigger, and eventually after repotting it several times, you're going to have a floor plant in a huge pot. I think the flowers are worth it, though.

posted by Darkseid on Aug 10, 2008 at 06:36:33 pm     #



In a large office environment a few years ago, I had no less than 16~20 plants all around my desk, with some being almost 5' 'tree' size', along with a 'fountain' and a 5gal fish tank.

Employees 'belonging' to other supervisors would come and sit near my desk. "Can I help you?" I'd ask. After a sigh, they'd say "No, just visiting to get some peace."

Employees not knowing me and needing scheduling changes would ask someone where I sat. "Just look for the plants!" they'd say.

Was quite a 'hit'!

posted by GraphicsGuy on Aug 10, 2008 at 06:37:06 pm     #



Peace Lily and Chinese evergreens are two of the old-fashioned 'hotel' plants, where they went for something with low maintenance. another from that group would be mother-in law toungues or 'snake plant, which also get huge eventually. Bromaliads are seen a places like Kroger and collect their water in the 'cup' that the leaves form at the center. The flower comes up on a long stalk, and the colors are varied and endless, they look like peacocks or big feathers most times. Only thing about them is, I think they only flower once a year.

posted by Darkseid on Aug 10, 2008 at 06:41:46 pm     #



The old 'Cast Iron Plant' is another one that's tough, hence the name.

posted by Darkseid on Aug 10, 2008 at 06:54:37 pm     #



HA! I couldn't grow a weed in a field. I prefer my Virtual Plant desktop wallpaper. If you act fast you can restore it to full bloom before anybody notices that YOU KILLED IT!

posted by KraZyKat on Aug 10, 2008 at 07:49:38 pm     #



I'm fine with "A" plant, but I've seen people get greenhouse-crazy. We had a woman who's area looked like a jungle. Every time I walked by I asked her about her monkey.

posted by justareviewer on Aug 10, 2008 at 08:10:42 pm     #



Wow! Now there's an obvious case of sexual harassment in the work place! I don't think her monkey is any of your business!

posted by GraphicsGuy on Aug 10, 2008 at 08:15:48 pm     #



Yep...I have a plant. Not sure of the name, but its dark green and pretty much looks like the top part of a pineapple. lol

Actually, I have 2 small ones. But I have an extremely large l-shaped desk that has lots of bare space anyhow.

I'd say that at least half the people on my floor have a plant or two in their office.

(And I even have a window with a decent view of the river and the I-280 bridge...though I hope never to be there late enough to see the bridge lit up. lol)

posted by mom2 on Aug 10, 2008 at 09:14:32 pm     #



What is the light situation? There are plants for low light or for bright light.

posted by holland on Aug 10, 2008 at 09:47:21 pm     #



That's quite a dangerous undertaking. You might want to consult the appropriate regulatory agency with your query.

posted by charlatan on Aug 10, 2008 at 09:59:13 pm     #



I work at a wholesale florist...and we have fresh cut flowers everywhere.

=)

I consider myself a happy person most of the day ...however there are a few people with gray clouds over their heads.

posted by stooks on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:06:07 am     #



Tommy Chong got into trouble when he kept a "plant" at his desk. Guess it depends on your definition of plant.

posted by hockeyfan on Aug 11, 2008 at 01:44:04 pm     #



Where is "Plantman" Now that we need him? LOL Probably is here under an alias.

posted by Darkseid on Aug 13, 2008 at 08:55:59 am     #



Darkseid: the Plantman we all knew and loved wouldn't do that....would he?

posted by GraphicsGuy on Aug 14, 2008 at 12:23:35 am     #



LOL Suspicions confirmed. ;^D

posted by Darkseid on Aug 14, 2008 at 12:21:49 pm     #



Cane, felt hat ring a bell?

posted by GraphicsGuy on Aug 14, 2008 at 02:10:51 pm     #