7 Best Office Plants for Your Desk at Work

We love using bamboo around the office due to the calming effects it has on workspaces. It’s also known to clean the air, another bonus for your health. These bamboo plants are the perfect size for that space on your desk that appears to be rather empty, and, in addition to the health benefits you experience, you may even find that one brings you a bit of good luck throughout your work day too.

Indoor bonsai will need some sun in the morning, so if your office has south- or west-facing windows, these are an excellent choice to place on the sill. Maintenance is simpler for indoor bonsai, as they tend to respond best when watered every two or three days rather than every day.

This cactus dish garden is perfect for the office, mainly because of its size. No larger than a paper plate, one of these can fit just about anywhere, but we recommend placing one on your desk if your individual workspace could use some enhancements — just be strategic about where you put it so that no one who comes to visit you gets stuck by it. These cacti and succulents can survive in low light and no light with very little water, making them a great office plant for any new plant parents who tend to take lots of vacation.

Sansevieria Zeylanica, aka snake plants, are a showstopper in any office that needs some brightening up. This office plant grows straight up with a glossy, speckled leaf and is extremely low maintenance — you'll love this plant if your motto is “Work smarter, not harder.” Snake plants are susceptible to root rot, so watering only every three or so weeks is ideal. They also tolerate all types of light as long as it’s not direct (which you rarely get near a desk anyway — unless you have the corner office), making this versatile plant a must for any cubicle needing some edge.

Orchids, the 2023 Flower of the Year, prefer filtered light rather than direct sun, so they’re perfect for spaces that are out of the way of the sun’s rays. We suggest using these to brighten up a corner of your office that’s a bit darker than the rest of your workspace. They also only require watering about once or twice a week, so maintenance won’t be too difficult.

Philodendrons are ideal for office environments since they’re relatively easy to grow and can tolerate a ton of different conditions. The 2024 Plant of the Year is usually OK even with just occasional care. If this sounds like something you’re interested in, philodendron birkin plant would be a great choice. It is the perfect size for a desk, ledge, or shelf.

When you’re going to spend 40-plus hours a week in your office (whether that's at home or HQ), keeping calm is key. A peace lily plant can help with that, and it comes with the bonus of being able to clean and purify indoor air. Keep your peace lily away from cold, drafty windows and out of direct sunlight for best growth results. Peace lilies are an especially good office plant because they can tolerate periods of drought, so they’ll forgive you if you forget about them while you focus on a project deadline.