Office Garden Etiquette: How to Share Your Green Space with Colleagues

An office garden is more than just a collection of plants; it is a shared breath of fresh air. At Plantjoys.com, we believe that gardening together can strengthen a team, reduce workplace stress, and make the office feel like a second home.

However, when multiple people are involved, questions often arise: Who watered the Monstera today? Why is the soil in the Peace Lily soaking wet? Is it okay to take a cutting from my coworker's desk plant?

To keep your office garden (and your professional relationships) thriving, here is the ultimate guide to Office Garden Etiquette.

1. The Golden Rule: Communication is Key

The biggest threat to office plants isn't lack of light—it’s overwatering. If three different people "help out" by watering the same plant on a Monday morning, the roots will drown.

• The Solution: Use a simple Watering Log or a small "I’ve been watered" tag. A small whiteboard in the breakroom or a shared digital calendar can help coordinate duties.

• The Signage: If you have a personal plant on your desk that you prefer to care for yourself, a polite note saying "I’m a thirsty plant, but my owner feeds me! Please don't water" works wonders.

2. Respect Personal Boundaries

In a shared workspace, some plants belong to the company, while others are "personal property."

• Ask Before You Clip: Never take a cutting or propagate a plant from a colleague’s desk without asking. To a plant lover, that plant is a project they’ve spent months or years growing!

• Space Management: Ensure your plants aren't "invading" your neighbor's desk. Trailing vines like Pothos are beautiful, but they shouldn't be tangling with your coworker’s computer cables.

  
  

3. Be Mindful of Shared Health

Plants are living things, and sometimes they bring guests (pests).

• The Quarantine Rule: If you see "mealybugs" (white fluffy spots) or "gnats" (tiny flying flies) on a shared plant, speak up immediately! Move the plant away from others to prevent an office-wide infestation.

• Allergy Awareness: Avoid plants with very strong scents or heavy pollen (like some lilies) if you work in a tight space with colleagues who have allergies.

  
  

4. Coordinate the "Holiday Plan"

The saddest time for an office garden is after a long holiday or a long weekend.

• The Watering Rota: Before a long break, designate one "Plant Captain" who is responsible for a final deep water, or set up self-watering glass bulbs.

• Share the Joy: If someone is going on vacation, offer to be their "Plant Sitter." It’s a great way to build trust with your team. `