Update: My desk plants triggered a workplace allergy issue

I added some potted herbs to my cubicle to make it nicer. Turns out my teammate is really sensitive to plant spores. Our boss had to step in and ask me to move them out. So, if you're thinking of bringing plants to work, maybe ask around first. Learning this the hard way was not fun for anyone.

3 comments

3 Comments

felix1471mo ago

You say your teammate is "really sensitive to plant spores," but how do you know for sure? Allergies can be tricky and often get blamed without real proof. I've noticed sometimes people mistake normal stuffiness for a plant problem. Unless there's a doctor's note, it might just be a coincidence. Offices have lots of allergens like dust or mold from old vents. It feels like a quick fix to remove your plants without checking the actual cause.

christopher761mo ago

See where you're coming from, but I've watched it happen. His eyes get puffy and red only when certain plants are around, not just from dust or the vents. We tried moving his desk away from the air vent first, and it made no difference. The stuffy nose stops completely when the plants are gone for a day. That's a pretty clear pattern, in my experience.

paigem451mo ago

I had a cactus that died from overwatering, not allergies.