Bringing indoor plants to your office desk not only enhances the aesthetics but also boosts productivity, improves mood, and purifies the air. Selecting low-maintenance indoor plants that require little light is essential, especially in an office setting where natural light can be limited. Here are twelve of the best plants for an office desk and easy-care tips to keep them thriving all year long. And I just love these pot head planters for my plants-try them you will be hooked them like me and your collection will grow in no time!
1. Snake Plant (Sansevieria)
Snake plants are hardy and known for their upright, sword-like leaves with unique variegation. They adapt well to low light and are perfect for busy offices. This may work better on the floor in your office or depending on the size and configuration of your desk, you could put one in the corner of your desk. For more in depth post on growing snake plant just click here.
- Pot: Use a small-medium size depending on plant size. A well-draining pot to prevent root rot.
- Soil: A cactus or succulent soil mix is best.
- Water: Water sparingly, around every 2-3 weeks.
- Light: While it can handle low light, indirect light helps it thrive.
- Grow Light: A fluorescent or LED grow light works well if no natural light is available.
- Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once every two months.
2. ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia)
The ZZ plant’s glossy, thick leaves make it an attractive and low-maintenance choice. It can tolerate low light and infrequent watering, making it ideal for desks. For more in depth post on growing ZZ plant just click here.
- Pot: Choose a small ceramic pot with drainage holes.
- Soil: A well-draining potting mix prevents waterlogging.
- Water: Let the soil dry out completely before watering.
- Light: It thrives in low to indirect light.
- Grow Light: Fluorescent lights work well for maintaining its growth.
- Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer at half strength every month for steady growth.
3. Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
Spider plants bring a lively touch to desks with their arching green leaves. They’re easy to care for and help purify the air. For more in depth post on growing spider plant just click here.
- Pot: Use a small pot with good drainage.
- Soil: Standard potting soil works well.
- Water: Keep the soil slightly moist, watering every 1-2 weeks.
- Light: Bright, indirect light helps it grow, though it can tolerate lower light.
- Grow Light: Fluorescent grow lights work well if natural light is limited.
- Fertilizer: Feed with liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season.
4. Pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Pothos is known for its attractive trailing vines and ease of care. It’s perfect for office desks and adapts well to various lighting conditions. For more in depth post on growing pathos just click here.
- Pot: A small pot with drainage holes works best. You can also grow you Pothos in water only, just be sure the change out the water weekly to prevent bacteria growth,
- Soil: General-purpose potting mix is ideal.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry.
- Light: Pothos grows well in low to bright, indirect light.
- Grow Light: LED grow lights can help enhance its color and growth.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every two months to encourage lush foliage.
5. Lucky Bamboo (Dracaena sanderiana)
Lucky bamboo adds an exotic touch to office desks. This plant often grows in water, making it low-maintenance and attractive. For more in depth post on growing lucky bamboo just click here.
- Pot: Use a glass container with pebbles to stabilize the stems.
- Soil: Not necessary if growing in water; otherwise, standard potting soil works.
- Water: Keep the roots submerged and change the water every 2-4 weeks.
- Light: Indirect light is best.
- Grow Light: Fluorescent lights work well to maintain its vibrant green color.
- Fertilizer: Add a diluted fertilizer every few months if it’s growing in water.
6. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a practical plant to keep around, as it purifies the air and has soothing gel inside its leaves. For more in depth post on growing aloe vera just click here.
- Pot: Use a pot with drainage holes, ideally terracotta.
- Soil: A cactus or succulent soil mix works best.
- Water: Water every 2-3 weeks, allowing soil to dry between waterings.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Grow Light: An LED grow light works well to supplement natural light.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize every six weeks during its growing season.
7. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Peace lilies bring elegance with their lush, dark green leaves and occasional white blooms. They’re great for low-light offices and help purify the air. For more in depth post on growing peace lily just click here.
- Pot: A ceramic pot with drainage works well. You can also grow them in water so a beautiful vase works well.
- Soil: Use a peat-based potting mix.
- Water: Keep the soil moist, watering once a week.
- Light: Low to moderate light is sufficient.
- Grow Light: Fluorescent lights help it maintain its rich green color.
- Fertilizer: Feed monthly during spring and summer for more blooms.
8. Air Plants (Tillandsia)
Air plants don’t need soil, making them unique and versatile for small office spaces. They look great in glass holders, seashells, small dishes-be creative with the vessel to hold your airplane. For more in depth post on growing air plant just click here.
- Pot: Not necessary; place in a small dish or decorative holder.
- Soil: None required.
- Water: Mist once a week or soak for 20 minutes every two weeks.
- Light: Bright, indirect light is ideal.
- Grow Light: Use an LED grow light if your desk doesn’t get natural light.
- Fertilizer: Use an air plant fertilizer monthly.
9. Fittonia (Nerve Plant)
Fittonia’s vibrant leaves with intricate patterns bring a pop of color to your desk. It’s also easy to care for and does well in lower light. For more in depth post on growing fittonia just click here.
- Pot: A small pot with good drainage works well.
- Soil: Use a well-draining potting mix.
- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist.
- Light: It prefers indirect light or low light.
- Grow Light: Fluorescent lights help maintain its colors.
- Fertilizer: Feed with a balanced fertilizer every month.
10. Jade Plant (Crassula ovata)
Jade plants can be grown compact succulents that add a splash of green with minimal care. They’re known for their thick, glossy leaves and can be pruned to keep to a smaller compact plant. For more in depth post on growing jade plant just click here.
- Pot: A sturdy pot with drainage holes is essential.
- Soil: Use cactus or succulent soil.
- Water: Water every 2-3 weeks, letting soil dry between.
- Light: Bright, indirect light helps it grow.
- Grow Light: LED grow lights are ideal for this succulent.
- Fertilizer: Apply succulent fertilizer every two months.
11. Miniature Orchid (Phalaenopsis)
Mini orchids offer long-lasting blooms and add elegance to your desk. For more in depth post on growing Orchids just click here.
- Pot: A clear plastic pot with drainage holes is best.
- Soil: Use orchid bark mix.
- Water: Water weekly, allowing roots to soak.
- Light: Bright, indirect light helps it bloom.
- Grow Light: LED grow lights keep it vibrant.
- Fertilizer: Feed every two weeks during blooming.
12. Philodendron
Philodendrons are lush and low-maintenance, known for their attractive trailing vines. For more in depth post on growing philodendron just click here.
- Pot: Use a small pot with drainage. Philodendron can also be grow in water.
- Soil: Standard potting soil is fine.
- Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries out.
- Light: Low to bright, indirect light works best.
- Grow Light: LED grow lights help it stay lush.
- Fertilizer: Fertilize monthly during the growing season.
Happy Gardening!
By choosing any of these indoor plants, you’ll create a beautiful, refreshing, and low-maintenance green corner on your desk. With the right care and setup, they’ll flourish, bringing natural beauty and a touch of serenity to your workspace.
Please be sure to check out my Gardening Blog Post Page for more tips on all types of gardening. Including Seed Starting, Orchids, Water Gardening, Coldframe Gardening, Indoor Bulb Gardening, Hydroponics, Container Gardening, Mums, Herbs, African Violets, planting Bulbs, Flower Gardening, Vegetable and Fruit Gardening, Indoor Houseplants of all kinds, Cactus, Succulents, Hanging plants, Deer resistant plants and even Bird, Bee, Butterfly and Hummingbird Gardens!