The 26 Best Office Plants To Spruce Up Your Desk
If you’re stuck in an office all day, it might seem like you’re miles away from nature.
But guess what? Bringing a bit of the great outdoors inside isn’t just possible–it’s also a great idea!
Having plants in your office isn’t just about making your space look more inviting–though they definitely help with that.
These leafy pals can also boost your mood, clean the air, and even improve productivity.
We’ve got all the deets on why they’re such a great addition to your workspace, which ones are the best picks (think: low maintenance and high impact), and how to care for ’em.
Whether you’ve got a window office or a cubicle, stick around–we’ve got the dirt on how to green up your workspace.
The Benefits of Having Plants in the Office
Even if you’re not a green thumb, there are lots of great reasons you need to spruce up the office with some plants.
Good for Your Mind and Body
First off, plants ain’t just pretty faces–they’ve got some serious health benefits, too.
Studies show that having plants around can lower your stress levels, boost your mood, and even improve your concentration and productivity.
And get this: Plants can even help clean the air!
That’s right, these leafy pals can filter out some of the nasties in the air, like formaldehyde and carbon dioxide.
So, not only are they a treat for your eyes, they’re also good for your lungs.
Aesthetics, Baby!
And let’s not forget about the aesthetic side of things.
A well-placed plant can take a drab office and turn it into a vibrant, welcoming space.
Think of them as your own little pieces of living art. Whether it’s a towering fiddle-leaf fig or a cute little succulent, there’s a plant for every office style and size.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Office Plants
So you’re sold on the idea of having plants in your office. But how do you choose the right ones?
There’s more to it than just picking the prettiest plant at the nursery.
Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Light Availability
You’ve gotta consider light availability.
Some plants are sun-lovers and need lots of bright, indirect light.
Others are happy in lower light conditions.
So, check out your office lighting before you choose your plant.
If you’re workin’ in a windowless office, you’ll want to look for plants that can handle low light.
Space
Space is another biggie.
Some plants, like the fiddle leaf fig, can grow pretty big, while others, like the snake plant, stay nice and compact.
So, you’ve got to think about how much space you’ve got to spare.
Do you have room for a large floor plant, or are you better off with a small desk plant?
Care Requirements
And let’s not forget about care requirements. Let’s be honest–some plants are just plain needy.
If you’re a busy bee (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), you’ll want to opt for low-maintenance plants that can handle a bit of neglect.
List of 26 Best Low-Maintenance Office Plants
You’re probably a busy person, and you need plants that can keep up with your hectic schedule.
You need plants that are tough as nails and can handle a bit of neglect.
So, without further ado, here’s a list of some of the best low-maintenance office plants:
Snake Plant
Also known as “Mother-in-law’s tongue,” this plant is as tough as they come.
It can survive low light and drought like a champ.
ZZ Plant
If you’re a serial plant killer, the ZZ plant is your new best friend.
This plant is nearly indestructible and can handle all kinds of light conditions.
Pothos
With its trailing vines, pothos can add a touch of jungle vibes to your office.
Plus, it’s super easy to care for.
Spider Plant
This plant is a classic for a reason.
It’s hardy, adaptable, and can even help clean the air in your office.
Rubber Plant
Want a plant with big, bold leaves? Look no further than the rubber plant.
Just make sure to give it plenty of bright, indirect light.
African Violet
Who says office plants can’t have flowers?
African violets are easy to care for and can bloom all year round.
Aloe
Aloe isn’t just for sunburns.
It’s also a great office plant that can handle dry conditions.
English Ivy
This classic vine is perfect for hanging baskets or letting trail off a bookshelf.
Just keep it out of direct sunlight, and it’ll be happy.
Philodendron
Philodendrons are easy to care for and come in lots of different shapes and sizes.
Tillandsia
Also known as air plants, tillandsias don’t even need soil to grow.
How’s that for low-maintenance?
Oxalis
Also known as shamrocks, these plants have beautiful, delicate leaves that move in response to light.
Rex Begonia
With its colorful foliage, rex begonia can add a pop of color to your office.
Lucky Bamboo
It’s easy to care for, and it might just bring you some good luck!
Cactus
If you’re really forgetful when it comes to watering, a cactus might be just the plant for you.
Peace Lily
Not only are peace lilies easy to care for, but they also produce beautiful white flowers.
Jade Plant
Jade plants are a type of succulent that can live for years with minimal care.
Weeping Fig
This plant can grow quite tall and is perfect for adding some height to your office decor.
Spiderwort
Spiderwort is a hardy plant that can survive in a variety of light conditions.
Parlor Palm (Parlour Palm)
Want to add some tropical vibes to your office?
Go for a parlor palm.
Nerve Plant
This plant has beautifully patterned leaves that can add some visual interest to your office.
Ponytail Palm
Despite its name, this plant isn’t actually a palm. It’s a type of succulent and is super easy to care for.
Prayer Plant
This plant got its name because its leaves fold up at night, like hands in prayer.
It’s a bit more finicky than some of the others on this list, but it’s worth it for its beautiful leaves.
Peperomia
There are many types of peperomia, and most of them are quite easy to care for.
Cast-Iron Plant
This plant got its name from its ability to survive in less-than-ideal conditions.
This is a large one though that won’t fit on your desk.
Chinese Evergreen
This plant can handle low light and infrequent watering.
And that makes it a great choice for the office.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Want a plant that can make a statement?
The dwarf umbrella tree can grow quite tall and is relatively easy to care for.
Just keep in mind that even low-maintenance plants need some care, so you gotta do your homework on each plant’s specific needs before you bring it to the office.
Caring for Your Office Plants
Once you’ve picked out your new leafy pals you gotta know how to keep your new green buddies alive and thriving.
Here’s the skinny on general care tips for your office plants:
- Water Wisely: Don’t drown your green buddies. Most plants don’t like to sit in water. Wait until the top inch of the soil is dry before giving ’em a drink.
- Light Up Their Life: Most office plants are low-light lovers, but that doesn’t mean they want to be in the dark. Keep your plants near a window if you can, but out of direct sunlight.
- Keep It Cool: Plants aren’t too different from us. They generally prefer the same temperatures we do. So, if you’re comfortable, chances are, your plants are too.
- Humidity is Key: A lot of office plants come from tropical climates, which means they love a bit of humidity. If your office air is on the dry side, consider getting a humidifier or misting your plants occasionally.
- Don’t Forget to Feed: Plants need food too! During the growing season (usually spring and summer), feed your plants with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
- Keep ‘Em Clean: Dust can block light from reaching your plant’s leaves. So, every now and then, give your plant a gentle wipe down with a damp cloth.
- Keep an Eye Out for Pests: Even office plants can get bugs. If you notice any spots, discoloration, or creepy crawlies, your plant might have pests. Most pests can be taken care of with a bit of insecticidal soap.
Dealing with Common Office Plant Problems
Okie dokie, you’ve got your office jungle started, but sometimes things go awry.
Here’s what I can tell ya about some common office plant problems and how to fix ’em up:
- Yellow Leaves: If your plant’s leaves are turning yellow, it might be getting too much water. Try cutting back on your watering schedule and make sure the pot has good drainage.
- Brown Leaf Tips: This could be a sign that the air in your office is too dry. Try misting your plant or putting a humidifier nearby.
- Droopy Leaves: If your plant looks a bit sad and droopy, it might need more water. Check the soil and see if it’s dry.
- Leggy and Thin: Is your plant reaching for the stars and looking a bit thin? It might not be getting enough light. Try moving it to a brighter location.
- Pests: If you notice little bugs or spots on your plant, it might have pests. Try treating it with a bit of insecticidal soap.
- Slow Growth: If your plant seems to be in a bit of a growth slump, it might need some fertilizer. Give it a feed with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
Creative Ways to Incorporate Plants in Your Office
Just ’cause it’s a stuffy, boring old office doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun with our green buddies.
Here are a few fab ways to display plants in your workspace:
- Vertical Gardens: Short on space? No prob. Go vertical! Wall-mounted planters or a living wall can be a super cool way to bring some green into your space without eating up desk real estate.
- Hanging Planters: Got some ceiling or shelf space? Hang your plants! Not only does it look rad, it’s also a great way to keep your plants away from curious pets.
- Terrariums: These little ecosystems in a jar are a great conversation starter and a fab way to bring a little bit of nature indoors. Plus, they’re super fun to set up.
- Plant Shelves: If you’ve got a bunch of plants, why not give ’em their own shelf? It’s like a little stage for your green buddies to show off on.
- Desk Planters: There are some really nifty desk planters out there with space for your pens and stuff, too. Talk about functional!
- Window Sills: If you’ve got a window in your office, that’s prime plant real estate. Set up a couple of plants to give you something nice to look at during the day.
- Creative Pots: Who said pots have to be boring? Get your hands on some quirky pots that reflect your personality.
Remember, the sky’s the limit when it comes to your office jungle. So go wild and make your workspace a place you love to be in!