This article showcases our top picks for the
Best Plants For Desk. We reached out to industry leaders and experts who have contributed the suggestions within this article (they have been credited for their contributions below).
We are keen to hear your feedback on all of our content and our comment section is a moderated space to express your thoughts and feelings related (or not) to this article
This list is in no particular order.
This product was recommended by Liz Will from Learn To Grow Gardens
The snake plant, also known as Sansevieria, is the perfect plant for the home office. Not only is the snake plant a hardy little plant, holding its own against mild neglect, it’s also great in low light conditions. Drought tolerant and slow growing, Sansevieria is a perfect plant for beginners and those too busy for fussy plants. It’s also an interesting looking specimen, and will look right at home on your desk.
This product was recommended by Liz Will from Learn To Grow Gardens
Lucky Bamboo is a fun choice for brightening up an office setting. Not actually true bamboo, Dracaena sanderiana is related to the corn plant. It does well in low light conditions, and can be grown without soil by submerging the stems in water. With its ability to be grown in fun shapes, such as weaves or spirals, it’s a unique plant for sprucing up your desk.
This product was recommended by Michael East from Griddle King
You can never go wrong with a good cactus, especially when it comes to keeping a plant on your desk. These sharp beauties are typically found in dry deserts which means that they absolutely adore neglectful conditions whilst still remaining stunning. If you’re a forgetful individual then this is probably the best plant for you.
This product was recommended by Cat Ekkelboom-White from Less Work More Adventure
I love Maranta as a desk plant for a couple of reasons. Firstly, they have some of the most striking foliage of all houseplants. Whether you want green on green or some splashes of color such as vibrant pinks, you’ll have a number of varieties to choose from. But the other reason I love them is related to the alternative name you may hear them being called – prayer plants. During the day their leaves lay flat, but as the light starts to fade, their leaves start to fold up. When I see my prayer plant folding up at the end of the day, I know that it’s a sign that it’s time for me to also call it a day and stop working.
This product was recommended by Lindsey Hyland from Urban Organic Yield
The CEWOR Set of 4 Artificial Plants is the best plants for desk because they are a great way to add some life to a space while also providing some decoration. Additionally, these plants are small and easy to take care of, making them perfect for busy people or those who don’t have a lot of time to take care of plants. Finally, these artificial plants come in various colors, which means that you can find the perfect plant to match your decor.
This product was recommended by Stacy Lewis from Eternity Modern
Snake plants are tough plants that don’t require a lot of watering. When buying a snake plant for your desk, avoid tall varieties and look for dwarf selection like Future Superba or Whitney.
This product was recommended by Kevin Harris from NANBF
My wife purchased me a small, love heart shaped plant for Valentine’s Day, and it has remained a mainstay of my desk ever since – always reminding me of my family (even when I am deep into the small business bookkeeping). It has stayed small, making it ideal for even the busiest, messiest of desks, and requires very little upkeep (only ¼ a cup of water every two weeks).
This product was recommended by Sharon Sanders from Philadelphia Weekly
Work can be stressful at times, so having a live plant on your desk can really relieve some of these stresses. Lavender is known to have a relaxing effect on people so having a lavender plant on your desk can help reduce your stress and anxieties. Aside from that, once the plant blooms, it will add a splash of color to your desk. This can further increase the release of your happy hormones, making you happier. With that, this is a good plant for your desk.
This product was recommended by Ziga Breznik from Public Finance International
I personally have a Bromeliad which I love. They’re pretty low maintenance- after they bloom, anyway- just needing the odd watering, and they add a beautiful splash of color into my otherwise dull and rather formal workspace. They need a little work put into them to bloom, which can take a while, but after that they are the perfect desk plant, and also more colorful than most.
This product was recommended by Stefan Mitrovic from Stream Mentor
Cacti are one of the most easy plants to take care of. They thrive off of little attention and require little water. Place these particular ones in a sunlit area of your desk.
This product was recommended by Stefan Mitrovic from Stream Mentor
Spider plants are not only refreshing to look at but have also been proven to improve focus. They don’t require much light (can easily be kept in partially lighted areas) or much water.
This product was recommended by Anthony Martin from Choice Mutual
This seemingly impossible pot is the perfect way to spruce up your desk. It can turn any small indoor plant, such as a snake plant or peace lily, into a piece of modern art. The white pot and dark wood grain base will match with almost any aesthetic. It is sure to be a conversation piece with every newcomer who visits your office.
This product was recommended by Maria Shriver from MOSH
ZZ plants are hearty plants that thrive in most office environments. Having the botanical name of Zamioculcas Zamiifolia, ZZ plants require little watering as their thick stalks and bulging roots store a considerable amount of water. They typically do well in moderate to brighter light environments but can tolerate prolonged periods of low light, as many office spaces have in winter. People prize ZZs for their glossy green foliage and small cream-colored flowers hidden under the base of the leaves. And because they’re resistant to most pests, these plants are perfect to have sitting atop your desk all year long. However, ZZs are toxic if consumed, so be sure to keep them out of reach of children and pets.
This product was recommended by Jen Stark from Happy DIY Home
Fittonia, also known as the nerve plant or mosaic plant, can thrive in fluorescent light and thus works well on your desk. It can clean and purify the air, and its foliage is so beautiful that it will definitely brighten your day. Fittoni is also regarded as one of the best plants for increasing productivity in the office or at home.
This product was recommended by Jen Stark from Happy DIY Home
Better known as pothos, this plant is an evergreen vine. The leaves are very large and heart-shaped, and they come in a range of light and dark coloring. It can survive in low-light offices or brighter ones, and it needs little water or attention for it to grow and spill off of your desk.
This product was recommended by Jen Stark from Happy DIY Home
Philodendron has been a very popular indoor plant for years, and some cultivars are selectively bred to give you lush, large, deep green leaves. The leaves come with a glossy coating and can keep the sleek look in an office environment. They prefer lower humidity and temperatures that range from 65 to 68°F, and they have a history of being used in larger displays in office corners. They’ll lend a very tropical, lush feel to the space.
This product was recommended by Daniel Tejada from Straight Up Growth
Jades are long-living plants requiring little care. These tree-like plants thrive in larger pots placed near sunny, south-facing windows. They require watering once every 2 or 3 weeks but may need more if the leaves develop brown spots or appear shriveled and start to drop. Jades may go dormant in fall and winter, causing them to slow or pause growth entirely, so be sure to allow the soil to dry out thoroughly between waterings. With leaves resembling coins, Jade is known in Feng Shui as the Money Plant. Its nourishing chi produces positive energy, bringing prosperity and success, which makes it an excellent plant for anyone’s desktop.
This product was recommended by Huzaifa Ahsan from FindPeopleFirst
Lemon balm is a fabulous, versatile edible herb that’s easily grown and enjoyed for its lemon-scented foliage and fresh flavor. Minty and refreshing, lemon balm is the perfect addition to your desk. Grow lemon balm as a low-maintenance way to add a burst of flavor and a familiar smell without all the chemicals and toxins found in conventional, commercially grown plants.
This product was recommended by Robert Hoffman from Cheap RV
Standing in at just 6-7 inches, the bonsai tree is a perfect desk plant as it provides the aesthetic we are looking for without needing too much space. And the Live Dwarf Bonsai Tree is a perfect choice as it also comes with an ultra cute ceramic panda statue. Sturdy and rigid, we have never had any issues with this bonsai tree moving around while we drive or work and the calming nature of the bonsai tree makes it a natural choice for any home desk setup.
This product was recommended by Lana Morris from The Good Pad
These are great plants for a desk for a few reasons. The first reason being that they’re so vibrant, so they really give what is often a dull space some life. I also love these plants because they’re so hardy, and require minimal maintenance. They’re also great because they’re able to thrive in low light areas, and grow at a nice pace.
This product was recommended by Alice Eve from Cicinia FR
Modern African violet hybrids flourish in environments with typical humidity and temperature levels, just like people do. African violets aren’t fussy about the source of their light, therefore a fluorescent lamp pointed at the plant is okay even if sufficient light is required for flowers.
This product was recommended by Alice Eve from Cicinia FR
Aloe plants are simple to grow if given one crucial component: an abundance of strong sunshine. Place the plant near a window that gets plenty of sunlight and leave it; these succulents just require occasional watering.
This product was recommended by Joseph Greene from Trinidad Birding
The Weeping Fig is a great plant to have on your desk, if not for the weird little look the plant has, having the aesthetics of a mini tree sitting on your desk, but it is also very easy to maintain. With the Weeping Fig, you only have to water it if you see that the top layer of soil is dry, which is perfect if you see the plant every day at work. The only thing you need to be cautious of is if you are near a drafty window as the Weeping Fig doesn’t like cold drafts.
This product was recommended by Sean Byers from Healthreportlive
A Blooming Peace lily would be a gorgeous flowering plant in your office foyer. The dark leaves of this plant are a treat for the eyes. Imagine the white spathes of your plant accentuating your desk. You can pull off a minimalist look with this beauty or decorate it with other indoor plants. To create a centerpiece for your desk, place the lily on top of a stack of books. The dark leaves of this plant are a treat for the eyes. Your desk will turn into a pleasure center. To produce flowers, they will need to be under bright light. But you can still enjoy this plant in moderate or medium light. The peace lilies will easily limp if they go completely dry. You should water this plant regularly. Perhaps on your last day of the workweek as a form of self-care and celebration.
This product was recommended by Jennifer Jones from Beginner Guitar HQ
I chose this because it is a 6 pack, they are easy to care for, and they are pleasing to the eye. They also come pre-potted and fully rooted in 2 inches of soil. There is no need for extra purchase, just a little water every now and then.
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