The Workplace Jungle: Best Desk Plants for Productivity and Mental Health

Walking into many office spaces can feel a little like visiting a hospital. Sterile.

Groupings of desks or cubicles. Bland neutral greys, whites and beige. Glaring artificial light. The quiet hum of machines and the tapping of keyboards fill the air. Everything is practical and efficient, but it does not often feel very alive. 

Many of us spend most of our day in these lifeless environments. So it is no surprise that focus wanes, stress quietly builds and creativity feels harder to access. Our brains are not wired for endless screens and man-made surroundings. We are wired for nature. This is why biophilic design has become such an important conversation in modern workplaces. Bringing natural elements into a space is not just about aesthetics. It supports mental clarity, emotional regulation and productivity.

Of course, not every office allows for large indoor trees or elaborate green installations. But that does not mean you have to accept a lifeless desk. Adding a simple desk plant can gently shift the atmosphere around you. It softens the space. It adds a little character and makes your desk feel that much more personal.

Research supports this. Studies have shown that interacting with indoor plants can reduce both psychological and physiological stress (Toyoda et al., 2020). Another study found that employees working in plant-enriched offices were up to 15% more productive than those in lean, plant-free environments (Nieuwenhuis et al., 2014).

If you are looking for the best desk plants for productivity and mental health, you are not just choosing something decorative. You are choosing to make your workspace feel more yours.

Let’s explore why and which plants truly belong in your workplace jungle.

Why Desk Plants Matter in Work Environments

Improved Productivity

A desk plant does a little more than just give your desk character. It has the ability to also support your brain functions throughout the day. Natural elements have been shown to improve both attention and revive the mind. Spending hours staring at screens in bright, unnatural spaces tends to fatigue our focus more quickly. So, having a small connection to nature can help break up the monotony. This can be achieved by simply sitting near a window that overlooks a natural scene. Though not all of us have that ability, even something as simple as a plant within your line of sight can soften your visual surroundings and make sustained focus feel less draining.

Research in environmental psychology supports this. Studies suggest that indoor plants can contribute to improved concentration and overall psychological wellbeing (Bringslimark, Hartig & Patil, 2009).

Supports Mental Health

In this day and age, mental health has become an important focus in the workplace, and finding small ways to improve yours can create small but meaningful shifts in your daily work life. This is where having a plant can really help. Caring for an indoor plant introduces natural micro-breaks into your day. Watering, adjusting leaves or simply noticing new growth encourages a moment of pause. These small interactions can gently reduce stress and promote emotional regulation.

Research has shown that the presence of indoor plants can reduce physiological indicators of stress and support a calmer state (Dijkstra et al., 2008). It is not about turning your desk into a jungle. It is about introducing something living into an otherwise unchanging environment.

Find Desk Plants for your workplace >> 

The Perception of Air Quality

One of the most common reasons people add plants to their desks is for their air-purifying reputation. This idea largely comes from the well-known NASA Clean Air Study (Wolverton et al., 1989), which showed that certain plants can remove airborne toxins in controlled laboratory conditions.

More recent research suggests that in real offices, a single desk plant won’t dramatically purify the air on its own. Studies indicate that an extremely large number of plants would be needed to meaningfully improve air quality in a typical workspace (Cummings & Waring, 2019). 

That said, plant-filled spaces can feel fresher.

Even when the measurable air-cleaning effect is subtle, greenery improves the perception of air quality, helping spaces feel lighter, fresher, and more inviting.

And that’s part of the magic of plants.

A desk plant might not replace fresh air, but it can absolutely change how your workspace feels.

8 Best Office Desk Plants for Productivity and Wellbeing

When it comes to selecting a desk plant, there are a few things to consider. Style is definitely one of them; choose something that suits your personality and workspace, because you want a plant you’ll actually take the time to notice and enjoy.

But there are also a few practical factors to think about. The goal is to choose a plant that doesn’t just look fabulous but can also thrive in your workspace and provide all the benefits that come with having greenery nearby.

Before choosing your desk plant, take a moment to consider the following:

How to Choose a Desk Plant for your Workplace

• Lighting: does your desk receive bright light or indirect light, or is it mostly artificial lighting?
• Temperature: offices can fluctuate more than we realise.
• Airflow: nearby air conditioning or cool breezes can sometimes stress certain plants.
• Your care aptitude: some plants are happy with occasional attention, while others appreciate more regular care. Are you always in the office, or do you travel often for work?
• Allergies: Do you struggle with pollen allergies? As there are plants available to avoid causing issues to you and your colleagues.

Choosing a plant that suits both your environment and your routine will help ensure your desk plant stays happy and healthy.

Below are a few office-friendly indoor plants that meet various needs.

Snake Plant (Sansevieria / Mother-in-Law’s Tongue)

Reasons why this is a great choice:

• Very low-maintenance desk plant
• Survives in low to bright light, the perfect all-rounder
• Great for busy workdays, it doesn't need much attention
• Air purifies at night, letting you come back to a fresh desk space
• Architectural leaves with a minimal desk footprint. They come in a variety of colour options

• Allergy Safe when not in flower – which is very rare indoors

Shop: Mother in Laws Tongues (Snake Plants)

ZZ Plant (Zamioculcas zamiifolia/ Zanzibar Gem)

A perfect workplace desk plant because:

• Extremely tough and forgiving
• Handles low light or artificial light like a champ
• Requires infrequent watering – less is more. So it can be left for long periods without much care.
• Perfect beginner choice – very easy care
• Naturally looks fabulous with its leafy glossy foliage
• More than one variety to fit your decor scheme – like the ZZ Plant - Raven for a dark and moody feel.
• Like with Snake Plants, it has a minimal desk footprint
• Allergy safe

Shop: ZZ Plants 

Pothos or Heart Leaf Philodendron 

Great choice for workplaces because:

• As Trailing vines, they add gentle movement and character
• Tolerates a variety of lighting conditions, ideal for most office environments
• Helps soften shelves, cubicle and desk edges
• Taking care of them is effortless
• Requires minimal watering, but just enough to help with those moments of pause during the week
• Allergy safe - these plants rarely, if ever, bloom indoors

Shop: Pothos & Heart Leaf Philodendrons

Spider Plant (Chlorophytum)

Why these will work well:

• A classic desk plant with striking foliage
• Allergy-friendly and non-toxic
• Adds visual interest with arching leaves, and your “spiderlings” (the young offshoots) add character.
• Very easy care and undemanding
• Low watering needs
• Indigenous to South Africa

Shop: Spider Plants

Dragon Tree (Dracaena)

These essential Office Plants will work well because:

• When young, they are compact and bushy
• Slow, predictable growth
• Requires minimal watering and can withstand various lighting conditions, including low light.
• Allergy-friendly
• Gorgeous glossy foliage with a tropical vibe
• Super easy care
• A large variety of options are available and, in time, will grow into a tree.

Shop: Dragon Trees

Aloe Vera

Great options for desk plants at work because:

• Compact succulent, so great for desks and shelves
• Low watering needs, ideal for someone who travels
• Prefers bright indirect light to look its best
• Strong visual character with its thick, statuesque leaves
• A calming green colour
• Allergy safe

Shop: Aloe Vera

Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)

Popular for office environments due to:

• Variety of different cultivars - offering lots of choice
• Elegant deep green leaves
• Shows when it’s thirsty (easy care cue)
• Great for indirect light desks, and will tolerate lower lighting conditions
• Topical, leafy appeal, great for softening decor
• Flowers, but due to sticky pollen the flowers are hypoallergenic
• Looks great with a variety of colour schemes

Shop: Peace Lilies

Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)

A striking options for desk plants at work, because:

• Many have Bold, patterned leaves
• Good luck Plant - a great way to bring some lucky success into your space
• Adds personality without crowding space
• Air purifier
• Easy care - requires just enough attention to help with those moments you need a break
• Tolerates a variety of lighting - even low light!
• Allergy-friendly

Shop: Chinese Evergreens

Top Tip: If you're new to desk plants, start with a low-maintenance option like a Snake Plant, ZZ Plant, or Aloe Vera. These resilient plants tolerate typical office lighting and irregular watering.

Styling Tips: Make Your Desk a Workspace You Love

Adding a plant to your desk is just the start. With a little thoughtful styling, you can turn a simple desk plant into a workspace feature you will get compliments for and will  genuinely enjoy looking at every day. Simple desk plant styling tips to add personality:

Choose a Planter that Reflects your Style

A beautiful pot instantly elevates a plant. Go bold, minimalist, textured, or colourful, depending on your desktop aesthetics and personal preferences. Try to stick to plants and planters between 10cm and 16cm for a smaller desk footprint.
Shop Plantify Planters

Use Height to Create Visual Interest

Small tabletop stands or a stack of books to help lift plants and create dimension and visual interest on flat desks.
Shop Plant stands

Group Plants in Odd Numbers

If you have a shelf or a lovely large desk, grouping plants in odd numbers creates a more natural and visually balanced look. They will also benefit from each other by creating a natural microclimate. This is also a great way to use stands to help create vertical interest.
Shop office plants

Keep it Minimal

Avoid overcrowding your workspace. One or two great plants often make a stronger statement than many small ones. It also makes taking care of them easier instead of a chore.

Pair your Plant with Something Meaningful

Adding something sentimental or spiritually meaningful, such as a framed photo, crystal, or small personal object, alongside your plant can help create a desk space that feels more intimate and calming.

These small styling choices help turn a simple desk plant into a small, intentional green moment in your workspace.

Top Tip: When styling your desk plant, think about contrast and balance. Choose a planter that stands out against your desk surface, mix natural textures like ceramic, wood, or stone, and leave a little breathing room around your plant so it can shine. If you have a trailing plant, let the vines spill gently over the edge of a shelf or stand to soften the space.

Desk Plant Care Tips for Busy People

Our work lives are busy, and we often barely have time to pause and take a breath. Adding overly fussy plants to your desk can quickly become another task on your daily to-do list.

Choosing the right plant and caring for it simply makes all the difference. To help make owning a desk plant simple and enjoyable, here are a few quick tips.

• Choose a pretty pot without drainage holes and use it as a decorative cover for your plant’s nursery pot. This makes watering easier and keeps your desk mess-free.
• Water in the morning or on quieter workdays when you have a moment to focus. It can be a calm way to start the day; just be mindful not to water too frequently.
• Check the soil before watering. If the top few centimetres still feel damp, your plants can usually wait a little longer. See our guide below of the Look, Feel, weigh method.
• Drain saucers and decorative planters after watering so plants are not sitting in excess water.
• Rotate plants toward the light every couple of weeks to keep growth balanced. Plants naturally lean toward their light source.
• Avoid placing plants directly under air conditioning vents, as constant airflow can dry them out and cause stress for the plant.
• Take your plant home when you go on leave, or ask a trusted colleague to check on it occasionally. No one wants to come back to a plant that needs rescuing.
• Give leaves a gentle wipe every few weeks. Dust can build up in office spaces and block light from reaching the plant.

When it comes to choosing a desk plant, you do not need a jungle to make an impact. Even a single plant can soften your workspace and introduce something natural into your daily routine.

In environments filled with screens, artificial lighting, and long to-do lists, a plant offers a small but meaningful connection to the outdoors. It can lift your mood, help reset your focus, and make your desk feel a little more like your own space.

Over time, that small intentional touch of foliage can quietly shift the atmosphere around you. Workspaces begin to feel calmer, more personal, and just a little more alive. So start with one plant and see where the journey takes you. Your desk might just become the beginning of your own little workplace jungle.

If you are ready to add some greenery to your desk, explore our range of office-friendly indoor plants here: 

Browse Office Plants 

References

• Toyoda, M., Yokota, Y., Barnes, M. & Kaneko, M. (2020)
  Potential of a small indoor plant on the desk for reducing office workers’ stress.
  HortTechnology, 30(1), pp. 55–63.
  Available at: https://journals.ashs.org/view/journals/horttech/30/1/article-p55.xml

• Nieuwenhuis, M., Knight, C., Postmes, T. & Haslam, S.A. (2014)
  The relative benefits of green versus lean office space: Three field experiments.
  Journal of Experimental Psychology: Applied, 20(3), pp. 199–214.
  DOI: 10.1037/xap0000024
  Available at: https://doi.org/10.1037/xap0000024

• Bringslimark, T., Hartig, T. & Patil, G.G. (2009)
  The psychological benefits of indoor plants: A critical review of the experimental literature.
  Journal of Environmental Psychology, 29(4), pp. 422–433.
  Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvp.2009.05.00

• Dijkstra, K., Pieterse, M.E. & Pruyn, A. (2008)
  Stress-reducing effects of indoor plants in the built healthcare environment: The mediating role of perceived attractiveness.
  Preventive Medicine, 47(3), pp. 279–283.
  Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2008.01.013

• Wolverton, B.C., Johnson, A. & Bounds, K. (1989)
  Interior Landscape Plants for Indoor Air Pollution Abatement.
  NASA.
  Available at: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/19930073077

• Cummings, B.E. & Waring, M.S. (2019)
  Potted plants do not improve indoor air quality: A review and analysis of reported VOC removal efficiencies.
  Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 30, pp. 253–261.
  Available at: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41370-019-0175-9