So I have this new job and I’m very happy, but the office is very beige and grey. Beige walls, grey rugs, beige counters, grey file drawers, beige computer, grey artwork… So I was thinking it needs some sprucing up or coloring up or something. I was thinking about maybe a plant. It would have to be something small, though, that I could shove into a corner when I need the desk space, and something sort of hardy that could get through a couple of days without me -long weekends and all. Something that wouldn’t grow too quick or get out of control.
I was thinking about getting a cactus because they don’t require too much care, but they do require sunlight. It’s light enough here, but there is no actual natural light reaching my desk. Then I was thinking maybe a pot of fragrant herbs but I don’t know what smells good. Catnip, I know, smells nice and minty, but why have catnip in the office? And lavendar might make me fall asleep…
Then I was thinking about flowering plants but I didn’t know how delicate they are or how much light they require…
So, it’s light, but no direct natural light, and it’s usually around 70 in here, with the occasional draft when the door opens (though it would be protected by the counter, likely). Any thoughts on something that might work for me?
Thanks!

Elexina, I'm terrible with plants at home, but I had a great plant on my desk. It's called a Closet Plant, or Peace Lily.

Here's a link:

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/greenhouse/nursery/guides/ornamentals/flowers/closetplant.html

All I did was keep it on the corner of my desk where it got some indirect light from the front windows. I also had one in my boss's office that only got fluorescent light, and it did well too.

Water it good on Friday before you leave the office and that should be all the water it needs.

Thanks, Cyndi, that's really pretty -though from the description it looks a little larger than what I have room for... Thank you, though! I will look into it.

try spider plants as well.
if they get to big, prune them back.
they are hardy beyond belief, and grow well under fluorescent lights.

or, as a last resort, get a fake plant. the only upkeep on them is dusting.

Thanks for your information, Cyndi! I spotted one in a grocery store that I shop at, and purchased it immediately! It's a lovely "peace lily" and will work beautifully to brighten up some areas that are low in light!

Great suggestion and thanks again!

I found this Celtic catalogue that sells four-leaf clover seeds. How do you think they would do in an office environment? I would plant them in my yard if they got too big, of course, but what do you all think?

I personally would never plant clover on purpose. It grows all over here and I consider it a weed. You cannot get rid of it. Another good house or office plant is a pothos.

Pothos

Pothos plants need little attention and survive well without much natural sunlight. Just trim their dead leaves and that will keep it happy. You can keep it short and bushy or let it grow long vines. It's entirely up to you. They are incredibly easy to start as well. Just take a trimming of an existing plant, place in it water, and in no time it will root.

THIS site is rather informative regarding office plants.

I know of two things that you could grow in a semi dark office, requiring not much beyond water.

check out http://www.thegardenhelper.com/avocado.html

and

http://www.tcsiam.com/tcsiam/lucky_bamboo_care_of.htm

Both of my avocado and lucky bamboo sit in the dark corner of the room - both are suspended n water enriched with compost tea - both are growing very well.

Cheers

David