Do you work in an office? Your desk might be the most important part of your home, so you want to personalize it as much as possible. Here is one way to decorate your office desk: add house plants! Office plants in decorative containers and pot stands will certainly add style to your workspace, whether it is at home or outside. Here’s a close look at some great office plants for your desk. We think you’ll love how easy they are to care for and how hardy they are.
This list of this office plants includes classics as well as novelty plants, succulents, and blooming plants. Some desk plants are suited for drier indoor environments, while others require only low, medium or high light. Don’t overwater your desk plant (too much kindness will kill it!) and keep it out of direct sunlight. Your desk is probably out of direct sunlight, but your plant may burn if you place it in a hot window for a little “spa vacation”.
EYE-CATCHING OFFICE PLANTS
Snake Plant (Sansevierias)
- Light Requirements:
They’re definitely versatile in that department! Snake plants prefer medium light, which is within ten feet of west or south-facing windows, but they can also tolerate low and high light. Make sure the leaves don’t get direct sun exposure because they will burn instantly.
- Water Requirements:
Don’t overdo it when it comes to watering. Overwatering can cause your plant to rot. Make sure the soil is almost completely dry before watering it thoroughly again. Water your Snake Plants every 2-6 weeks, based on the temperature, light, and humidity in your office. Therefore, if you tend to ignore plants or travel a lot, this is one of the most suitable office plants for you.
- Why We Like Them:
A variety of colors, shades, patterns, and forms of foliage is available for these spiky beauties, and they cope well with dry air also.
ZZ Plant
- Light Requirements:
ZZ Plants need moderate to medium light and don’t grow well in low light. Often referred to as low-light plants, they do not thrive in them.
- Water Requirements:
During the summer, I water them thoroughly every 2-3 weeks and in winter, every 4-5 weeks. Whenever you water plants in your office, make sure they receive water at the right time.
- Why We Like Them:
A ZZ Plant really stands out with it’s gorgeous, glossy foliage that catches onlookers’ attention!
Pothos
- Light Requirements:
The sweet spot for Pothos is moderate light, particularly those with variegated leaves. Plants such as the Jade Pothos are the best at growing in low light conditions because their leaves are solid green and have a thick stem.
- Water Requirements:
Water your Pothos almost dry before you water it again. In general, about every 14 days during summer and 7-10 days during winter.
- Why We Like Them:
Besides being easy to maintain, they are easy to find and barely make a dent in your budget. A 6″ pothos plant with long tails can be purchased for under $10.00. This is a trailing plant, so it needs plenty of room on your desk to hang down.
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonemas)
- Light Requirements:
Aglaonemas prefer low-light conditions and are known to withstand them. Aglaonema Maria in the photo below, to the left), with deep green foliage, requires lower light. Those with color and pattern in their foliage (like the pink one to the right), need higher light. Keep them out of the direct sunlight and away from windows otherwise you’ll get burnt.
- Water Requirements:
When their soil becomes dry, water Chinese Evergreens. Water them about every 7-9 days in the summer and every 2-3 weeks in the winter. Don’t water them too often and back off during the winter.
- Why We Like Them:
Evergreens are the epitome of gorgeous foliage and range in color and patterning! Not only are they beautiful, but if you’re a beginner, they’re one of the easiest indoor plants to maintain.
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
- Light Requirements:
Light is best for peace lilies. A lower light level would be tolerable but a brighter light level would really make a difference. They’ll flower better in brighter light levels.
- Water Requirements:
Regular watering is important for this plant. The top should be relatively dry before watering again. Do not allow it to dry out completely as the leaves, stems and flowers will go limp.
- Why We Like Them:
Our favorite parts of these plants are their dark green, glossy foliage and the long-lasting white flowers. Because it can be difficult to get Peace Lily to bloom again indoors, it is best to buy a Peace Lily with blooms and buds.
Peperomias
- Light Requirements:
Under moderate or medium light conditions, they do best. That said, a lot of Peperomias will tolerate low light and do just fine, but you will not see a lot of growth.
- Water Requirements:
You will need to water yours every two weeks in the summer and every three weeks in the winter. Before watering again, let it get almost dry.
- Why We Like Them:
They’re tougher than they look (particularly the Baby Rubber Plant) and come in a variety of leaf textures and colors. You can’t go wrong with them!
Hoyas
- Light Requirements:
Hoyas need bright, natural light to perform at their best. You can have them close to a window, but never in it. Just keep them away from direct afternoon sunlight and hot, sunny windows.
- Water Requirements:
Hoyas are succulent-like plants, and prefer to be watered again after almost drying off. It is fine to do the makeup every three weeks in winter and every two weeks in summer.
- Why We Like Them:
With a wide range of leaf forms, colors, and variegated forms, Hoyas are hard to categorize. Some trail more than others so you need to find space for them to spread out a bit on your desk. They’re easy to maintain, long-lasting, durable and oh so attractive. What’s not to love?!
SUCCULENTS AS OFFICE PLANTS
Indoor succulents need medium to high light. Their leaves, stems, and roots store water, so be sure not to overwater them. If it is in a medium to large pot, you need to water it only every 2-5 weeks. If it is in a small pot, you need to water it more often.
Aloe Vera
- Light Requirements:
The plant needs maximum light indoors, so it should be exposed to a south or west orientation. The leaves of Aloe vera may droop downwards if the plant is not getting the light it needs. Aloe vera is a low light plant. Don’t put it near that hot glass window (like a west exposure) because it will burn. You can keep it near it but not in it.
- Water Requirements:
Anywhere you have it, you want it to be nearly dry before it gets watered again. If you are watering it indoors, you only need to water it once a month. Make sure the water drains out. You don’t want it sitting in any water. Maybe it needs it even less in the winter, maybe once a month or even less. The leaves and roots are filled with moisture, so they can easily rot.
- Why We Like Them:
It’s fun to look at and easy to care for this popular succulent. Just remember not to overwater it, and if you have any kind of skin irritation, cut a leaf off and use the healing gel.
Ponytail Palm (Beaucarnea Recurvata)
- Light Requirements:
A Ponytail Palm thrives in high light indoors. However, it should not be near or against any hot windows. They can tolerate moderate light levels, but their growth will be even slower. Low light does not do well with them.
- Water Requirements:
Your ponytails store water in their bulbous bases and thick roots. Water every 3-4 weeks in the brighter, warmer months, and every 5-7 weeks in the winter.
- Why We Like Them:
Ponytail palms are a tabletop succulent that grows slowly indoors so it doesn’t take up a lot of space. You can use them to jazz up your desk, since they look great as accent plants!
Jade Plant
- Light Requirements:
As an indoor plant, Jade Plants require as much sunlight as you can provide. You’ll need at least 6 hours of light if you want yours to do its best. The plants aren’t recommended for low-light conditions, but if you have enough light in your office, then this is another excellent succulent to cultivate.
- Water Requirements:
The Jade Plant should be thoroughly watered no more than 2-3 times a week in the warm months. Once every 4-5 weeks is enough during the winter months. Succulent leaves, stems, and roots store water just like other succulents, so they become prone to root rot if too wet.
- Why We Like Them:
You’ll love the tough, fleshy leaves and unique shape. Looking for something that is a little more unique? The jade plant is suitable for bonsai and is available in many shapes. If your workspace has sufficient light, you can easily grow this plant.
BLOOMING OFFICE PLANTS
Bromeliads
- Light Requirements:
Like many other tropical plants brought indoors, bromeliads thrive with bright, nice light. However, the flower buds will not open if the light is too low.
- Water Requirements:
You can keep the vase (center part of the plant) about 1/4 full of water every month. Keep in mind that if the vase stays full too long, the plant will rot out.
- Why We Like Them:
Plants such as Aechmeas, Guzmania, Pink Quill Plant, and Vrieseas are tough, interesting, and don’t require much fuss. A little bit of everything!
Kalanchoes
- Light Requirements:
A flowering kalanchoe prefers bright, natural light. Flowers need medium or high light, but not direct sun; too little light will cause the flowers to stay closed. Also, make sure they don’t touch any hot windows because they’ll burn.
- Water Requirements:
It is important to keep in mind that succulents with fleshy stems and leaves do not like to stay constantly wet. They need good drainage. Water yours well, allow it to drain, then water again when almost dry.
- Why We Like Them:
The blooming succulents are stunning! There are many flowers on each stem, so if you get them when they’re partially open they will last a long time. Kalanchoes come in several colors (white, yellow, orange, red, and pink), so they’re sure to brighten up an office space.
Phalaenopsis Orchids
- Light Requirements:
The light for your Phalaenopsis Orchid should be as bright as possible, but without direct sunlight. Think of a greenhouse that has a lot of nice, natural light, but the glass is whitewashed to diffuse the direct sunlight – this is the light they love. They need this light so the closed flower buds will open.
- Water Requirements:
You might think the orchids are fragile, but they’re actually tougher than you think. Let the water drain out of the pot as you would all the other plants every seven to ten days.
- Why We Like It:
A wide variety of vibrant colors define their flowers and they are certainly beautiful to see.
NOVELTY OFFICE PLANTS
Lucky Bamboo
- Light Requirements:
Lucky Bamboo does quite well in bright light. It’ll handle lower light levels just fine but it won’t grow as much. Make sure not to place it in direct, hot sunlight as it’ll burn your baby.
- Water Requirements:
Please ensure the Lucky Bamboo arrangement or stalks are completely covered by water. Add a bit of water as needed about every 7-21 days, depending on the temperature. If the water smells bad, then change it. They prefer distilled water if the tap water has a lot of chlorine and minerals in it.
- Why We Like It:
Water or soil mix is sufficient to grow this plant. It’s a great one to start with because it’s easy to maintain and will make you a conversation starter as you wear it. It comes in many different styles from straight to twisted to woven.
Air Plants
- Light Requirements:
The brightest light for Air Plants is indirect. Low light and direct sunlight are not good for them.
- Water Requirements:
The best way to take good care of your air plants is to spray or soak them for 15 minutes 1-2 times a week. If your office is extremely dry, then soak or spray them more often and longer.
- Why We Like It:
They are commonly referred to as Air Plants because they do not grow in soil. If you’d like something a little different to adorn your desk, you might like these plants, as they require watering and/or spraying. They’re great for creating office decor items.
Summary
This collection of office plants is perfect for having on your desk. Beginner indoor gardeners should be aware that many of these plants are susceptible to over watering, i.e. too often. Also, make sure they don’t sit in any water in a saucer or decorative container because this will also lead to rot.
Most of these plants do not grow well in low light conditions (except Snake Plants), but do tolerate it. The plant needs to be rotated every 1-2 months so it receives light from all sides. And most of all, enjoy how your plant(s) contribute to your work space!
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