It's easy to get caught up in the daily demands of work, but having the right office decor can really shape your mood. If you find that your desk is a little, well, boring, then an office plant could be all that it needs. Plant-lover or not [1], desk plants make great work companions, and with plenty of low-maintenance flora on the market [2], there's no reason not to give one a try. With options ranging from adorable cacti to unique bamboo, we promise these desk mates won't succ (that pun is for the plant-lovers out there). If you're ready to breathe life into your work station, take a look at some of the very best small desk plants [3], which can handle both bright and artificial light conditions — as well as a little abuse (because we know you're busy) — ahead.
Aloe Plant in Kraft Paper Pot
The easy-to-care-for Aloe Plant in Kraft Paper Pot [4] ($38) looks adorable on white table tops, as its green leaves and brown pot will contrast beautifully.
Sansevieria House Plant
Place the Sansevieria House Plant [5] ($14) on your desk and enjoy the natural look of its weathered pot.
The Ezra Trio
Why stop at just one plant? The Ezra Trio [6] ($48) offers enough variety to really bring your desk to life!
Hedera Helix English Ivy
Water the Hedera Helix English Ivy [7] ($15) weekly and watch as its trailing vines wrap down the legs of your desk! If this gets to be too much, pick up a wire or piece of wood for the ivy plant to climb around.
Succulent Garden in Square Wood Pot
Bask in the green beauty of the Succulent Garden in Square Wood Pot [8] ($48).
Panda Plant
All that a Panda Plant [9] ($23) needs to stay happy is medium to bright light and a monthly watering!
Mammillaria Elongata Pink Nymph
Admire the unique look of the Mammillaria Elongata Pink Nymph [10] ($5) cactus and enjoy the pop of colour its pink buds bring!
Haworthia Zebra
The charming Haworthia Zebra [11] ($23) loves bright, indirect sunlight, which means if your desk sits away from a window, you're good to go!
Snake Plant Laurentii
The upright leaves on the Snake Plant Laurentii [12] ($11) adds a vivacious tone into your daily work routine.
Lucky Bamboo Set of 4
Pick up the Lucky Bamboo Set of 4 [13] ($22) to get one for yourself and your fellow coworkers to enjoy!
Quinn Succulents
I don't know what's more fun to look at, the Quinn Succulents [14] ($69) or their zestful planters!
Pothos Neon
No direct sunlight is necessary for the Pothos Neon [15] ($44) to survive. In fact, these plants prefer indirect light, so for those of you whose desk sits far from windows, this plant is for you!
Air Plant Trio in Andes Stands
Give your space a bit of sophisticated allure with the Air Plant Trio in Andes Stands [16] ($50).
ZZ Plant in Teak Wood Pot
Almost impossible to kill, the ZZ Plant in Teak Wood Pot [17] ($128) can be placed in a variety of light conditions and survive. Not to mention, ZZ's can take a little abuse, and only require a monthly watering!
Bird’s Nest Fern
The unique design of this pentagonal planter pairs beautifully with the Bird's Nest Fern [18] ($74).
Crassula Perforata Variegata
We love the pale yellow and frosty green tips on the Crassula Perforata Variegata [19] ($5) leaves.
ZZ Plant
Purify the air and take in the waxy green leaves on the ZZ Plant [20] ($12).
Chinese Money Plant
The Chinese Money Plant [21] ($7) can hangout under artificial light conditions just fine, making it the perfect office plant.
Succulent Assortment
Treat yourself to not one, but six succulents with this Succulent Assortment [22] ($30).
Black Blow Fish Pottery With Lucky Bamboo
Gift yourself the Black Blow Fish Pottery With Lucky Bamboo [23] ($8) and be reminded of nature every day thanks to its green stems and cute blow-fish pot!
Variegated Hoya Heart
Add some heart into your office environment with the Variegated Hoya Heart [24] ($26).
Jade Fluted
The Jade Fluted [25] ($23) plant is known to attract money and prosperity, which is exactly why it's needed at your work station.
Verdant Garden
Bring a burst of green to your daily grind with the Verdant Garden [26] ($55).
Bailey Snake Plant
Say hello to your new desk friend, the Bailey Snake Plant [27] ($65). This plant is extremely easy to look after, and its unique striped leaves are so fun to look at!
Cactus Succulent Collection
Transform your desk into a living desert with the Cactus Succulent Collection [28] ($24).
Crassula Jade Necklace
The Crassula Jade Necklace [29] ($5) is unlike other succulents and prefers indirect rather than direct sunlight, making it the perfect plant for those who sit far from a window!
Pilea Peperomioides Plant
Take in the beauty of the Pilea Peperomioides Plant [30] ($7) and enjoy the pot's intricate detail.
Modern Bamboo
Enjoy the easy care of Modern Bamboo [31] ($40) and keep it as your workmate for years to come.
Philodendron Green
The Philodendron Green [32] ($45) loves indoor climates, and has very telltale signs when it's in need of assistance. That means you'll remember to water it between meetings.
Exotic Angel Plants
Pick up not one, but three Exotic Angel Plants [33] ($21) and turn your workstation into a lush paradise.
Echeveria Lola
Leave the Echeveria Lola [34] ($23) somewhere sunny and forget about it until its next monthly watering!
Jade Plant
Accent your desk with the easy-to-care-for Jade Plant [35] ($4) and enjoy its waxy green leaves.
Costa Farms Euphorbia Cactus
The Costa Farms Euphorbia Cactus [36] ($27) comes as an exotic trio, so you can place the cacti all around your desk!
Pothos Jade
The undemanding Pothos Jade [37] ($44) requires very little care, and can handle low-lit offices without a problem.
Echeveria
Brighten up your bland desk with the green Echeveria [38] ($9) plant!
Crassula Tetragona Miniature Pine Tree
The Crassula Tetragona Miniature Pine Tree [39] ($5) may have needle-like leaves, but the crassula tetragona is actually a succulent! If you want a low-maintenance plant that resembles a northern forest, this is your best bet!
Planted Tillandsia Geo Terrarium
The Planted Tillandsia Geo Terrarium [40] ($68) is always fun to look at when your mind needs a breather.
Aloe Vera
Enjoy the medicinal qualities of Aloe Vera [41] ($23) by using its leaves to apply soothing aloe gel.
Calathea Ornata
It's hard to resist the stunning pink and green leaves on the Calathea Ornata [42] ($9).
Stetsonia Coryne Toothpick Cactus
When you need to stay focussed, keep coworkers away with the Stetsonia Coryne Toothpick Cactus [43] ($5) — its pointy spines are no joke!
Cactaceae Potted Plant
The Cactaceae Potted Plant [44] ($5, in stores only) is both beautiful and prickly! Handle cacti with care when placing them around your office.
Small Live Assorted Air Plants
Enjoy the assortment of colours and textures on the Small Live Assorted Air Plants [45] ($35).
Calathea Rattlesnake
Thriving in low to medium light conditions, the Calathea Rattlesnake [46] ($45) can handle artificial light easily. Place this unique plant in the corner of your desk and enjoy its spotted, multicolored leaves.
Sloth Air Plant
Is there anything better then a sloth hugging an air plant? Pick up the Sloth Air Plant [47] ($27) and let it be the talk of your office.
Fiddle-Leafed Fig Ficus
The Fiddle-Leafed Fig Ficus [48] ($20) can adapt to almost any environment, and in its small form, it'll look darling on top of your desk!
Exotic Angel Plants
Get lost in the beautiful colours on these Exotic Angel Plants [49] ($21). Fill your desk with them or give one to a friend!
Arrowhead Plant
The Arrowhead Plant [50] ($37) gets its name from its arrow-like leaves, which also happen to make beautiful desk decor!
Jade Succulent Plant
The sweet Jade Succulent Plant [51] ($16) looks adorable paired with a fun pot for added decor.
Costa Farms Indoor Succulent Plant
This gold and white pot paired with the Costa Farms Indoor Succulent Plant [52] ($24) makes an adorable match!