Few things make a workspace feel more inviting than a little touch of green. 🪴
Whether it’s a leafy fern next to your monitor or a tiny succulent soaking up fluorescent lighting, office desk plants instantly make any space feel calmer, fresher, and more alive.
Plus, science says they can even boost focus and air quality — and who doesn’t want that during back-to-back meetings?
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The best part? You don’t need a sunny window or a green thumb to enjoy them. Many desk plants thrive in low light, indirect light, and even under standard office lighting.
From low-maintenance snake plants to small, sculptural succulents, these picks are proof that even the busiest workdays can benefit from a little plant therapy.
Below, I’ve rounded up 24 of the best office plants for every space, from minimal-care options to statement greenery that makes your desk feel like an oasis.
Why Plants Belong on Every Desk
A few well-chosen indoor plants do more than just look pretty. They help purify the air, regulate humidity, and give your eyes a much-needed break from the screen.
According to a study by the University of Exeter, plants in the workplace can improve productivity by up to 15% — not bad for something that asks for little more than occasional water and light.
And let’s be real: it’s also about mood. Small plants with green leaves just make the office feel a little less… office-y.
24 Best Desk Plants for the Office
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
If I could only recommend one office desk plant, this would be it — beautiful, sturdy, and impossible to kill.
- Thrives in low light and indirect light.
- Tolerates fluorescent lighting perfectly.
- Needs minimal water — once every few weeks is plenty.
- Grows tall with sleek green leaves that add instant polish to your workspace.
2. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
The ultimate “I forgot to water it” plant — Pothos forgives everything.
- Great for low-light offices.
- Trailing vines look beautiful on shelves or hanging near your desk.
- Excellent for improving air quality.
- Easy to propagate, so you can grow more plants for free.
3. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The sleek, glossy leaves make this indoor plant look more expensive than it is.
- Survives low light and even total neglect.
- Needs watering only once the soil is completely dry.
- Perfect for offices with fluorescent lighting or limited windows.
- A go-to for anyone who wants a low-maintenance desk plant.
4. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Elegant and calming, this one instantly softens a sterile office corner.
- Prefers indirect light but adapts to lower levels.
- Blooms delicate white flowers throughout the year.
- Known for improving indoor air quality.
- Keep soil lightly moist, but not soggy.
5. Cast Iron Plant (Aspidistra elatior)
True to its name — this one’s tough as nails.
- Handles low light, dry air, and occasional forgetfulness.
- Deep green leaves that stay glossy year-round.
- Great for offices that get little to no natural light.
- Minimal care required, making it perfect for beginners.
6. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Fun, fast-growing, and beginner-proof.
- Loves indirect light and regular watering.
- Produces “pups” — baby plants you can re-pot or gift.
- Improves air quality by removing toxins.
- A great option for adding movement and texture to your office desk.
7. Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
If you want something pretty that practically takes care of itself, this is it.
- Thrives in medium to low light.
- Has stunning, patterned green leaves with silver or pink tones.
- Low water needs — once every 1–2 weeks.
- Tolerates fluorescent lighting like a pro.
8. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Symbolic and stylish, this desk plant brings good energy.
- Grows well in indirect light or even low light.
- Grows in water — no soil or mess.
- Often shaped into twists or spirals for visual interest.
- Compact enough for small office desks.
9. Philodendron (Heartleaf or Brasil)
Soft, trailing vines make this a beautiful, effortless choice.
- Thrives in medium to low light.
- Grows quickly — easy to prune and shape.
- Great for hanging planters or trailing off shelves.
- Requires minimal care and water.
10. Aloe Vera
Pretty, practical, and perfect for minimal care.
- Prefers bright, indirect light but tolerates medium light.
- Store water in its thick green leaves — very drought-tolerant.
- Purifies air and soothes minor burns (bonus).
- Ideal for sunny office windows.
11. Succulents (Various Varieties)
A must for modern desks — small, structured, and stylish.
- Perfect for fluorescent lighting or bright indirect light.
- Minimal watering (once a month works).
- Great for small spaces or grouped in clusters.
- Tons of product options available in shops year-round.
12. Ferns (Boston, Maidenhair, or Bird’s Nest)
Lush and leafy, these add softness to your workspace.
- Love indirect light and moisture.
- Need more regular water care than most office plants.
- Excellent for improving air quality.
- Perfect for offices with slightly higher humidity.
13. Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)
A bold, structured plant that makes a design statement.
- Grows well in medium light.
- Keep soil slightly moist — not too wet.
- Large, glossy leaves that polish any space.
- Great for offices with a bit more room or medium-sized desks.
14. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
The no-fuss plant everyone can keep alive.
- Needs no soil — just mist or soak weekly.
- Thrives in bright, indirect light.
- Compact size suits small desks and shelves.
- Ideal for creative displays or hanging decor.
15. Mini Cactus
Tiny but full of personality — and basically unkillable.
- Loves bright light and dry conditions.
- Extremely low maintenance (water monthly).
- Works beautifully in small pots or as a desk trio.
- Great for gifting — especially paired with gift cards.
16. Dracaena (Lemon Lime or Janet Craig)
Structured, vertical, and quietly dramatic.
- Tolerates low light and fluorescent lighting.
- Water only when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Adds height and clean lines to an office corner.
17. English Ivy (Hedera helix)
Soft, trailing vines that feel effortlessly elegant.
- Prefers indirect light and moderate water.
- Great for hanging planters or bookcase displays.
- Improves air quality naturally.
18. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Petite and colorful, perfect for a small office desk.
- Thrives in low to medium light.
- Keep soil lightly moist.
- Comes in striking patterns of pink, green, or silver.
- Ideal for adding a subtle pop of color.
19. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
A symbol of luck and longevity (and a great office gift).
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Store water in thick, glossy leaves — drought-tolerant.
- Minimal care, just occasional pruning.
- Looks best in neutral ceramic planters.
20. Money Tree (Pachira aquatica)
A favorite for its braided trunk and lush green leaves.
- Grows well in medium light.
- Water regularly, but let the topsoil dry between sessions.
- Symbolic of prosperity — ideal for workspaces.
- Works well as a medium-sized desk plant.
21. Parlor Palm (Chamaedorea elegans)
Classic and timeless — the ultimate softening touch.
- Loves low light and humid air.
- Compact enough for desks or shelves.
- Non-toxic and pet-safe.
- Perfect for old-school charm in modern offices.
22. Bird’s Nest Fern
Sculptural with bold, wavy green leaves.
- Thrives in indirect light and light moisture.
- Great for mid-sized pots or office shelves.
- Adds texture and volume to minimalist setups.
23. Calathea (Prayer Plant)
A real showstopper with movement and color.
- Prefers indirect light and consistent moisture.
- Leaves fold at night — yes, it actually “prays.”
- Gorgeous in modern pots with gold or neutral tones.
24. Mini Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Elegant, bright, and perfect for an office refresh.
- Prefers bright, indirect light.
- Water weekly — just enough to moisten roots.
- Adds a soft, luxury touch to your desk.
- Blooms can last for weeks with minimal care.
Quick Plant Care Tips for the Office
- Light: Most office plants thrive in indirect light or even under fluorescent lighting.
- Water: Less is more. Overwatering is the fastest way to lose your plant.
- Care: Wipe leaves regularly to keep them dust-free and photosynthesizing.
- Products: Use small planters or pots with drainage holes — ceramic or clay help regulate moisture.
- Placement: Rotate plants occasionally so all sides get light evenly.
If you’re new to plant care, start with a snake plant or ZZ plant — they truly thrive on neglect.
Where to Shop for Office Plants
Many online plant shops now make it easy to browse small plants and low-maintenance indoor plants by light level, size, or care needs.
Look for new arrivals if you want something unique, and check if they offer gift cards (because plants can make the best gifts).
A few trusted places to shop:
- The Sill – great office plant selection with transparent product care info.
- Bloomscape – delivers medium and large plants ready to display.
- Patch Plants – chic office desk plant options, and you can filter by light and maintenance level.