CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- I work in a cubicle. No windows. No natural light. When I want to know what's going on weather-wise, I go to a Web cam on the Internet to see if it's sunny or raining.

This is difficult for a plant person. Some co-workers have plants on their desks, but I've been reluctant to bring in one of my babies from home and subject them to this dark place. The ones that seem to survive are the philodendrons or pothos -- those ubiquitous vines that come in most florists' mixed planters.

But I want more! And it seems I'm not alone.

Researchers at Texas State University-San Marcos found that people who had a plant in their offices rated themselves as more satisfied with life and work than did those without them. Tina Marie Cade, associate professor of horticulture, helped with the study, and said the results are absolute: With a greater number of people working longer hours, the research has shown that plants have a calming, pleasing effect on individuals who, in turn, felt better about their jobs and the work they performed.

Lots of research has been done on the topic of people/plant interactions, green space, office environments and horticultural therapy. In one study, workers' blood pressure, emotions and reaction times were measured as participants performed stressful tasks on the computer. The researchers concluded that the presence of plants in the windowless office environments helped reduce mental fatigue, increased attentiveness, lowered blood pressure and increased productivity of participants. Additional studies show that the presence of live plants, windows and views of natural surroundings can have a positive influence on individuals' perceptions of their environment and personal well-being.

All of that said, what's a plant lover to do in a dark, windowless space?

There are several factors to consider, light being only one of them. Where will the plant go? In addition to being in a dark room, my space is limited. While I'd love to have something green on the desk, my messy piles of paper will have to find other homes to accommodate something alive. Also, one plant that was recommended must be "misted." Now that could be a mess, couldn't it?

Watering must be taken into consideration. We're lucky to have Sue in the newsroom, who tends to the plants like she tends to the people -- quite well indeed. But in offices without a Sue, be sure to check the soil before you water the plant.

Most plants die from over-watering rather than under-watering. Too much love can kill your plants, so stick your finger in the dirt before you water to see if it's already moist. Most plants (with the exception of succulents like jade plants or hens and chicks) need water about once a week. Succulents need water about once a month.

The rule of thumb is that the thicker the leaves, the more water they will hold and the less often the plant will require water. Thin leaves and plants in bloom (African violets) need more frequent watering. Use room-temperature water and don't let it drip on the floor. Empty the dish you have placed under the plant to prevent spillage after the plant has drained. A good flushing once a month will keep mineral deposits from poisoning your plants.

Many companies hire plant-care experts who roam from office to office, watering and pruning. There's even an organization, the Plantscape Industry Alliance, for people who design, install and maintain plants in the interior environment. "Dedicated to bringing nature indoors, we advocate the use of living plants in interior landscapes to enhance human well-being"; the group hosts seminars and trade shows and gives out awards for members who are top-notch "interiorscapers."

That's probably not going to happen here. So I'm on the hunt for the perfect plant for my dark little space.

A few suggestions for appropriate plants for the office (even if they don't work in mine!) include:

Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum): They are usually variegated (striped) and they do well in most any light conditions.

Mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria): I've called this "Old Doctor's Office Plant," as that's where you always see it. This tall, spiky plant will live forever and needs little light, little water and likes to be pot-bound (crowded roots).

Arrowhead plant (Syngonium podophyllum): This one can live in moderate to low light, and it can be grown in a container of water, so you don't need to worry about if you've over-watered!

Cast-iron plant (Aspidistra elatior): A perfect plant for a cool office (referring to temperature, not hipness), this one will tolerate very low light. It's shiny, dark green leaves grow 24 inches long and it tolerates dust, wet soil and neglect as well.

Fig trees (Ficus): These are always in offices, but they never look healthy. It's because they should be placed 2 to 4 feet from a window to give them adequate lighting. They are sensitive to drafty areas and sudden temperature changes, and the root ball must always be moist.

If a ficus is dropping yellow leaves, it means it's too dry. If it drops green leaves, it is too wet or it doesn't have enough light to support the amount of leaves that it has.

Dracaena (Dracaena marginata): According to www.plant-care.com, members of the Dracaena family (Liliaceae) provide some of the most durable plants used indoors in offices building, hotels and malls. Dracaena marginata is probably the most versatile of all the Dracaenas. Some confuse this houseplant with a palm. Although it may look palmlike as a larger specimen, it is in the same family as the popular yucca plant.

By the way, the Texas State University study also found that in a "Life Satisfaction Inventory" gardeners received higher mean scores, indicating more positive feelings than nongardeners. I didn't need a scientific survey to know that -- my gardening friends are a happy bunch, to say the least.

Scat cats!

A reader writes: "I would be grateful if you could name some plants disliked by cats. I hear there is a coleus that will help keep them out of the flowerbeds."

The plant she's referring to is Coleus canina. The leaves are succulentlike, so it doesn't need much water and will take full sun. Dogs and bunnies don't like it either, and it's not smelly to humans unless it's touched. Cats don't like geraniums, marigolds, petunias or lavender, either. My husband is quite cat-allergic (alas!), so I don't have the problem, but I know lots of gardeners who do.

Reach Sara Busse at sara.bu...@wvgazette.com or 304-348-1249.