What small green plants can be placed on an office desk? An old gardener tells you
If you want to add a few touches of greenery to your work area, you will surely need to learn about the plant varieties suitable for growing in an office, and among them which small-sized green plants are suitable for placing on an office desk. Because the space where you usually move around is limited, small green plants can protect against computer radiation and also add a touch of greenery, so they are the first choice.
If you usually do not know much about this area, then let an old gardener tell you about these smaller, mainly foliage-type evergreen plant varieties, which take up no space when placed on an office desk and are also very aesthetically pleasing.
1. Mosquito-repellent geranium
The scientific name of mosquito-repellent geranium is Pelargonium graveolens, a perennial herbaceous shrub of the genus Pelargonium in the family Geraniaceae. In the wild it can grow to about 1 m. However, as a potted plant, it is petite, about 80-90 cm, with upright stems, grayish-green in color, woody at the base, fleshy in the upper part, densely covered with glossy soft hairs, and possessing a special fragrance. The leaves of mosquito-repellent geranium have long stalks, are broadly heart-shaped ovate, with leaves 5-7 palmately lobed, the lobes further divided, and the edges of the small lobes serrated. Mosquito-repellent geranium can produce very small flowers, with umbel inflorescences opposite the leaves, and the whole plant can be used to extract aromatic oil. This plant is suitable for planting in neutral and slightly acidic soil. It likes light, and except for shading needed in summer, it can receive full sunlight in the other three seasons. The suitable growing temperature is 10-25°C; below 7°C or above 32°C is unfavorable for growth. During the growing season, water once every 3-6 days, and do not let water accumulate in the pot. Also in this season, fertilizing once every 15-20 days gives the best results.
2. Pennywort
The Chinese scientific name of pennywort is Hydrocotyle chinensis, a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Hydrocotyle in the family Apiaceae. It is also known as Didanhua, Guoluhuang, and so on. It is commonly found throughout China. Its stems are slender, rooting at the nodes; the leaves are round or kidney-shaped, dark green, densely covered on the underside with appressed T-shaped hairs, and the leaf margins are entire and wavy. It can produce small yellow flowers with bell-shaped corollas; the flowers are bisexual, the flowering period is April, the fruiting period is July, and its capsule is nearly spherical. Pennywort likes a warm, mild, and moist growing environment. As for light, it can accept full sunlight and also tolerates partial shade. It has strong adaptability, tolerates both moisture and drought, and can be grown both in water and on land. However, its only drawback is that it fears cold, so in winter it needs to be kept indoors in a sunny place. For planting pennywort, ordinary garden soil can be used, mixed with an appropriate amount of river sand and a small amount of organic fertilizer as base fertilizer. During the growing period, topdressing once every 2-3 weeks is enough. In spring and summer, it needs sufficient watering, but the pot must not be flooded; in winter, water must be controlled. There are not many other cultivation points.
3. Ruyi
Ruyi, also known as Ruyi Huanghou, colorful evergreen, painted-leaf Chinese evergreen, silver queen aglaonema, and so on, is a perennial herbaceous plant variety. Ruyi has thick, long leaf stalks and kidney-shaped leaves covered with irregular yellow-white spots, making it highly ornamental. Autumn is its flowering period, when it can produce eye-catching yellow flowers. This plant likes a warm growing environment. The most suitable temperature for growing it is 13-18°C, and in winter it can withstand a low temperature of minus 5°C. It likes light and also tolerates partial shade, but it is best not to receive direct sunlight. It is suitable for growing in areas covered by diffused light, especially needing shade in summer. Ruyi likes moisture but can also tolerate drought. During the growing period it needs sufficient watering, but the potting soil must not become waterlogged; in winter, water must be controlled, keeping the soil slightly moist. As for fertilizer, during the growing period it is enough to apply potassium fertilizer once every half month, and it is best to apply less nitrogen fertilizer.
4. Maidenhair fern
Maidenhair fern is a perennial evergreen herbaceous plant of the genus Adiantum in the family Pteridaceae. It is also known as Tiesicao, maiden's hair, and so on. Its plants are usually 15-40 cm tall. Its leaf stalks are glossy black, and because they resemble iron wire, it is called maidenhair fern. The leaves are light green and thin in texture, with entire margins, turning brown when old, looking delicate and full of beauty. Maidenhair fern likes loose, breathable, fertile calcareous soil. When potted, the growing medium can be made by mixing loam, leaf mold, and river sand. This plant likes bright diffused light and avoids direct sunlight. If the light is too strong, the leaves will turn yellow and may even die. Maidenhair fern likes warmth and also tolerates cold. The suitable growing temperature is 13-22°C, and in winter it can accept a room temperature above 5°C. During the growing season it needs sufficient watering, and in summer water can also be sprayed around it to increase humidity. During the growing period, apply liquid fertilizer once a week to ensure the nutrients needed for its growth.
In short, if you are still troubled by wanting to add a bit of greenery to the desktop of your office area but not knowing which plants to choose, the four plants introduced to you by the old gardener all quite meet your expectations, and no matter which one of them you choose, it can satisfy your needs.
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