Styling a Desk With One Good Plant

A single well-chosen plant does more for a workspace than a crowded windowsill ever will. Most of it comes down to paying attention: a plant tells you what it needs well before it is in trouble.

Water deeply, then let it drain

A small splash every day wets the surface and leaves the roots dry. Water until it runs from the drainage hole, let the pot empty fully, and do not leave it standing in a saucer of water.

Feed in the growing season

From spring to late summer, when a plant is putting out new leaves, a weak liquid feed once a month is plenty. In winter most plants rest, and feeding them then does more harm than good.

Have a plant that is puzzling you? Write and tell us about it -- the best questions become the next guide in the care library.