10 Best Office Plants That Thrive on Your Desk (Even If You Forget to Water Them)

Looking to add a touch of green to your workspace without the stress of constant care? The best office plants are hardy, attractive, and forgiving. Many thrive in low light conditions, tolerate air-conditioned environments, and don’t mind if you forget to water them now and then.

By choosing the right desk plants, you can boost productivity, improve indoor air quality, and create a workspace that feels fresh and inviting. Whether your office space is bright with natural light or tucked into a corner with only overhead fluorescents, there’s a plant that will suit your space.

Benefits of having plants in the office

Adding greenery to your desk does more than just brighten up the view. One of the biggest benefits is cleaner air. Even compact indoor plants can help reduce pollutants and release oxygen, making the air you breathe fresher. This improves overall comfort and supports better health in your workday.

Plants also complement an ergonomic, adjustable desk and chair setup, adding a natural balance to technology-heavy environments. The sight of dark green leaves beside your laptop offers visual relief and helps reduce eye strain.

Beyond their health benefits, plants have been linked to improved productivity and mood. Studies consistently show that exposure to greenery reduces stress, improves focus, and helps people stay calm under pressure.

Plants can also absorb sound, softening the hum of printers or chatter around the office. Finally, the aesthetic benefit is undeniable: they add colour, texture, and life to otherwise dull desks.

What to consider before choosing an office plant

Before you buy indoor plants for your desk, consider your office conditions.

• Light levels are crucial. Does your desk get natural light from a window, or are you relying on artificial lighting? Some of the best indoor plants thrive in low light conditions, while others prefer indirect light.
• Air conditioning is another factor. While great for comfort, AC can dry out the air and affect plant health. Choosing varieties that tolerate drier conditions will help you avoid disappointment.
• Similarly, your watering habits matter. If you tend to forget to water, consider selecting plants that thrive on neglect, such as the snake plant or ZZ plant.
• Also, think about desk space. Compact office plants like succulents are ideal for small surfaces, while larger species like monstera might suit an office corner instead.
• Finally, aim for low-maintenance varieties. A busy workday doesn’t leave much time for plant care, so the best office plants are ones that survive without fuss.

Top 10 best office plants

Looking to add a touch of green to your workspace without the stress of constant care?

1. Succulents

Succulents are classic desk plants for a reason. They store water in their leaves, allowing them to tolerate weeks without watering. Place them in indirect light, and they’ll stay happy with minimal care.

Their compact growth makes them perfect for home office desks. They add colour and geometric shapes, brightening up even the smallest workspace. Succulents also come in many varieties, such as Kalanchoe, Haworthia, and Echeveria, so that you can mix and match for a personalised desk garden.

2. Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Snake Plant)

Known as the mother-in-law’s tongue, the snake plant is one of the best indoor plants for any office. Its upright leaves with striking stripes thrive in low light conditions.

The snake plant is incredibly hardy and needs only occasional watering. It’s also well-known for improving indoor air quality by filtering toxins. With its tall, sculptural shape, it makes a great office plant for corners or near desks that need a bold accent.

3. Zanzibar Gem (ZZ Plant)

The ZZ plant is practically indestructible. With its glossy dark green leaves, it tolerates neglect better than almost any other plant. It thrives in both low light and indirect light, making it versatile for office cubicles and open plan layouts.

ZZ plants only need water every couple of weeks. Their upright growth saves desk space, while their resilience makes them one of the best office plants for busy professionals.

4. Devil’s Ivy (Pothos)

Devil’s Ivy is a trailing plant that looks stunning draped over the side of a filing cabinet or bookshelf. It has variegated leaves that thrive in indirect light or low light.

Water every one to two weeks, allowing the soil to dry out in between. Devil’s Ivy improves air quality and adds natural texture to your office space. It’s a versatile desk plant that grows well in hanging baskets or small pots.

5. Arrowhead Plant

The Arrowhead Plant features pointed dark green leaves that often have splashes of cream or pink. It grows well in indirect light and adapts to low light conditions, too.

Water it once the top layer of soil dries out. Its compact yet bushy growth makes it a great office plant for desks. The shape of its leaves adds visual interest and helps break up the monotony of computer screens.

6. Cast-Iron Plant

True to its name, the Cast-Iron Plant is nearly unbreakable. It thrives in low light and doesn’t mind irregular watering schedules. This makes it one of the best indoor plants for air-conditioned offices.

Its long, lush, dark green leaves create a striking vertical display. It’s ideal for desks with more space or the floor beside your workstation. For anyone new to office plants, this is a reliable choice that requires very little attention.

7. Monstera Deliciosa

Known for its large, split leaves, Monstera is a statement plant. A smaller Monstera works well as a desk plant, while larger ones can sit beside your desk.

Give the plant moderate water, letting the soil dry out a little before the next watering. It does best in indirect light but can also tolerate low-light spaces. Its dramatic leaves make it a standout feature in any workplace or home office.

8. Philodendron Xanadu

This compact plant has deeply lobed leaves that add texture to your desk. It thrives in indirect light and handles low light conditions well.

Water moderately and keep it away from direct AC vents. It’s a great office plant if you want low-maintenance greenery with unique foliage.

9. Peperomia

Peperomia plants come in many varieties, from round-leafed to striped. They are small, tidy, and well-suited as desk plants. They thrive in low to medium indirect light.

Their waxy, dark green leaves store water, making them forgiving if you forget to water them. Only water when the topsoil is dry, to prevent root rot.

10. Bird’s Nest Fern

The Bird’s Nest Fern has wavy fronds that add texture and softness to an office space. It grows best in indirect light and enjoys consistent moisture.

Unlike succulents, this fern prefers slightly higher humidity, but it still tolerates low-light conditions. Water consistently, but avoid soggy soil.

Tips for keeping office plants alive (Even if you forget to water them)

Even hardy plants benefit from a bit of care.

• Set calendar reminders to water office plants weekly, even if some don’t need it that often.
• Water when the topsoil feels dry. Overwatering can be just as harmful as underwatering.
• Always use pots with drainage trays to prevent root rot and protect furniture.
• To make things easier, use self-watering pots or misting for office plants that require minimal watering.
• Pay attention to light levels. Plants in bright natural light may need more frequent watering, while those in low light grow more slowly and use less water.
• Dust leaves regularly to support photosynthesis, especially on plants with large dark green leaves like Monstera.
• Rotate your office plants every few weeks for even growth, especially if they only get light from one side.
• Keep office plants away from hot or cold air vents to prevent stress.
• Grouping plants also boosts humidity, which many indoor plants appreciate.

Add life to your desk with the best office plants

Adding greenery to your desk is one of the simplest ways to improve your office space. When paired with an ergonomic desk and chair setup, the best indoor plants create a complete environment that supports your health and performance.

If you’re after quality office furniture at the right price, ARTEIL has you covered. We offer a wide range of products, including adjustable and sit-stand desks, mesh office chairs, and leather executive chairs.

Visit our Perth showroom to explore our full range of home office furniture. For any questions about products or pricing, contact our team today.

Quick office plant guide