Working at a desk all day can feel a bit dull without a little greenery nearby. I have found that adding a plant to my workspace makes the day feel much brighter.
These thirteen stylish plants look great on any desk or shelf.
They will help you stay focused and make your office feel more like a home.
Snake Plant
The Snake Plant is a classic choice for a busy office. I think its tall, sharp leaves look very professional and modern on a desk.
It is famous for being almost indestructible. It does not mind the dry air from office heaters or the fact that it only gets artificial light. You only need to water it once in a while, so it will stay perfectly happy even if you go away for a long weekend.
ZZ Plant
I highly recommend the ZZ Plant for offices that do not have any windows. Its leaves are so glossy and green that they reflect the overhead lights beautifully.
It grows very slowly, which means it will not take over your workspace or need a bigger pot for a long time. It is very patient and can go weeks without water. It is the perfect low-stress companion for a high-stress job.
Pothos (Devil’s Ivy)
Pothos is a great way to add some life to a boring office shelf. Its vines trail down gracefully, which I find very relaxing to look at while I am thinking.
It is very easy to grow and can handle the dim light often found in cubicles. If it gets too long, you can simply snip the ends off. It is a very forgiving plant that makes any workspace feel a bit more cozy and creative.
Peace Lily
The Peace Lily adds a touch of elegance to any meeting room or reception area. I love its dark, shiny leaves and the occasional white flower that pops up.
It is great for offices because it actually cleans the air while you work. It will let you know when it is thirsty by drooping its leaves slightly, so you never have to guess. It prefers indirect light and adds a very calm vibe to the room.
Spider Plant
The Spider Plant is a fun and energetic choice for your office. I enjoy seeing the little baby plants hang down from the long, arching leaves.
It is very hardy and can handle the fluctuating temperatures of an office building. It is also known for removing toxins from the air, which helps keep your workspace feeling fresh. It looks wonderful in a hanging basket or sitting high up on a file cabinet.
Chinese Evergreen
The Chinese Evergreen is a very sturdy plant that comes in beautiful shades of green and silver. I like how it stays full and bushy without needing a lot of maintenance.
It thrives in low light, so it is perfect for those inner offices that do not get much sun. It is a very reliable plant that does not drop leaves easily. It adds a nice, soft texture to a room full of computers and screens.
Rubber Plant
If you have a bit of extra floor space, the Rubber Plant is a stylish choice. It has large, thick leaves that look very bold and impressive.
I find that its dark colors add a sophisticated look to a professional setting. It likes bright, indirect light but is quite adaptable. You just need to wipe the broad leaves with a damp cloth every now and then to keep them shiny and free of office dust.
Dracaena Marginata
The Dracaena Marginata looks like a small, spiky tree. I think its narrow leaves with red edges add a very cool, architectural look to a workspace.
It is very easy to care for and can grow quite tall over time. It handles low light and dry air very well. It is a great plant for filling a corner and making the office feel more like a designer space without much effort at all.
Philodendron
The Philodendron is a sweet, heart-shaped plant that is very popular for a reason. I love how it can either climb up a pole or trail down from a bookshelf.
It is very fast-growing and stays green all year round. It is not picky about light and is very hard to kill. Having one on your desk feels like having a friendly little piece of the jungle right next to your computer.
Parlor Palm
The Parlor Palm is a classic indoor plant that has been loved for a very long time. I like its feathery fronds because they make a room feel soft and peaceful.
It stays relatively small, so it fits perfectly on a side table or a desk. It prefers the dim light of an office over bright sunshine. It is a slow grower that brings a sense of tradition and calm to your busy workday.
Areca Palm
The Areca Palm is a beautiful way to add a tropical feel to a large office. Its long, bright green leaves can act as a natural screen between desks.
It is an excellent air purifier and adds moisture to dry office air. It likes a bit of bright light, so it is best placed near a window. Seeing its lush leaves always makes me feel like I am in a much more natural and healthy environment.
Cast Iron Plant
The Cast Iron Plant is the ultimate plant for someone who thinks they cannot keep anything alive. I have seen these survive in the darkest, driest corners of office buildings.
It has very simple, elegant leaves that stay green no matter what. It does not need much water or any special attention. It is a very dependable plant that provides a touch of nature without adding anything to your to-do list.
Lucky Bamboo
Lucky Bamboo is a very popular office plant because it is so small and neat. I love that you can grow it in just a little bit of water and some decorative stones.
It takes up very little space, so it is perfect for a crowded desk. It is said to bring good luck, which is always nice to have at work. It is very easy to maintain and looks great in modern glass containers.
Tips for a Better Office Garden
Dealing with Artificial Light
Many offices do not have much natural sunlight, but most of these plants are happy with regular overhead lights. I try to keep my plants as close to the light source as possible.
If you notice your plant looks a bit pale, you can try moving it to a brighter area for a few days. Most of these choices are very flexible and will adapt to your workspace.
Office Watering Habits
It can be easy to forget your plants during a busy week, or accidentally water them twice. I find it helps to pick one specific day, like Monday, to check the soil.
Since offices are often cool and have less sun, the plants usually need less water than they would at home. Always feel the soil first to make sure it is dry before you add more water.
